Un-Convention Hub C.I.C.: TDN 2026
Short Project Title: Un-Convention Talent Development Programme 2026/27
Bio: Founded in 2008, Un-Convention is a series of music conferences and showcases that have brought together thousands of artists and music professionals, both nationally and internationally over the course of 115 events on 5 continents. Our annual Manchester event is a key meeting point for those who make and champion music across the UK and is attended by artists, managers, labels, publishers, promoters, venues, and festivals from over 50 towns and cities. We provide a platform to share ideas and discuss the future of the sector, as well as to showcase emerging talent.
Programme Description: Our programme consists of industry showcasing, music export, and year-round mentoring and networking for a diverse range of music creators from across Greater Manchester, as well as nationally. We will be bringing together hundreds of professionals from the music sector for our Manchester Un-Convention conference on the 22nd and 23rd October 2026, where we provide a platform for emerging talent to showcase. This year we are also partnering with the MaMA Conference and Festival in Paris and are supporting UK artists to attend and perform at the event, which attracts over 7000 delegates from 51 countries. In addition, we will provide mentoring to showcasing artists to ensure that they can capitalise on the opportunity, and secure further industry support, both domestically and internationally to progress their careers. To extend the reach and impact of our work, we will also be holding regular, free to attend advice and networking sessions in Manchester, open to all artists on a quarterly basis, enabling us to better connect and expand our community. Through these sessions, alongside our conference programme, our goal is to provide music creators with up to date and practical strategies to progress their careers.