Mission

Over the past 3 years, Un-Convention has delivered 36 major events around the globe, spanning 6 continents and 16 countries and has another 20 events planned for 2012-13. Un-Convention happens over five continents and in cities from Swansea to Sao Paulo. Un-Convention annually involves 1,500 artists and bands, 16,400 participants, 36,000 gig goers and 140,000 people online. Of those attending Un-Convention, 40% of people are from disadvantaged backgrounds. It happens in some of the most amazing spaces including The Roundhouse, Auditorio Ibirapuera, and Rusholme’s Curry Mile; and as part of some incredible festivals like Primavera Sound, Eurosonic and MICA.Un-Convention develops initiatives suggested by it’s global community of musicians, creatives and entrepreneurs, such as the development of a touring network; sharing models of best practice; development of music cooperatives in places like Uganda to bolster the music industry; international mentoring schemes and a music equipment recycling scheme. Un-Convention has responded to a changing musical landscape and developed an innovative global infrastructure of the future music industry. It is an example of cutting edge cultural ideas and innovation on a truly global scale, founded in and led from Manchester. Un-Convention has an exceptional reach with the work it carries out and works with partners including The British Council, The University of Manchester, governments around the world and brands.

Category

Education and Skills

Additional Information

Un-Convention promotes international social trade and exists as a social enterprise within the University of Manchester. Un-Convention is a grassroots, DIY and independent global music community and a series of events and initiatives crowd sourced from its community. It is un-conventional in its approach, locally driven and globally connected. It seeks to inform, empower and reach those with the least opportunity. The community is driven by a not-for-profit initiative that sees opportunity for the grassroots in changes to the way that music is being produced, consumed and sustained. Un-Convention understands that the most interesting stuff happens on the margins. Un-Convention doesn’t believe in ‘do it yourself’. We believe in ‘do it together’. We facilitate and support music as a tool for social change.