On Friday 6th & Saturday 7th February ‘09, the Black Box in Belfast will play host to a ground-breaking ‘unconference’ for musicians and music industry professionals. With its innovative format of participant-led panels, workshops, speed mentoring, open-floor presentations and informal networking, coupled with a showcase of some of our best musical talent, UnConvention will be the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.
For musicians and music industry professionals, this is an unprecedented opportunity to share ideas, expertise and best practice, to help build a competitive, sustainable music industry in Northern Ireland. The ‘unconference’ format means that the participants are control! If you would like to speak, be on a panel, or lead a workshop, let us know when you register.
Unconvention will feature several ‘Music: It’s The Business’ sessions as part of NIMIC’s music industry education programme.
Throughout the two days we’ll be operating a merchandise stall. If you are a band or artist with any CDs to merchandise to sell, please let us know in advance by emailing info@unconventionbelfast.com and we can include them on the stall.
Sponsors
Unconvention Belfast gratefully acknowledges the support of our sponsors who have made the event possible:
Councillor Michael Browne, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee. comments, “Belfast City Council is committed to helping support the development of the creative industries in our City and if nurtured and supported in the right way, have the ability to make Belfast truly competitive on the global stage.
‘Unconvention’ provides an exciting opportunity to showcase Belfast’s eclectic music scene and musicians and provide useful networking and business development opportunities for those working in this sector.’’
Northern Ireland Music Industry Commission
Ross Graham, CEO of the Northern Ireland Music Industry Commission adds:
UnConvention is a great opportunity for those in Northern Ireland’s music industry to ‘network and upskill’ – NIMIC are delighted to be supporting the initiative.
‘Music: It’s the Business’ is a three year programme of events and services run by the Northern Ireland Music Industry Commission (NIMIC) that have been designed to assist Northern Ireland artists and businesses to successfully compete in a highly competitive and challenging industry. Music: It’s the Business gratefully acknowledges the support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery Fund and Invest Northern Ireland.
Media Enquiries
For more information on Unconvention Belfast, or to arrange an interview with the organisers (listed below), contact Tracy by emailing tracy@soulambition.co.uk or calling 07740 509 159.
Organisers
Unconvention Belfast is organised by a group of people involved in the NI Music industry:
- Rich Dale – web developer and bass player of Escape Act. @escapeact
- Tracy Dempsey – musician and life coach; owner of Soul Ambition. @soulambition
- Nick Fitzsimons – founder of Penny Distribution. @pennydist
- Jennie McCullough – founder of Bruised Fruit Promotions. @bruisedfruit
Web site design by Andy McMillan – freelance web designer. @goodonpaper
UnConvention Belfast was inspired by UnConvention Manchester, held in Salford in October 2008. Organized by a group of DIY and independent labels, promoters and bands for people in similar roles and organizations, the success of the event and the energy of the people involved was a major factor in the Belfast off-shoot. UnConvention continues to grow in cities around the UK, with additional events set to take place throughout 2009, including a reprise of the original in Salford.
Visit http://unconvention.wordpress.com/ for more details.