Un-Convention is a unique cultural organisation based in 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.

Over the past 3 years, Un-Convention has delivered 34 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.