The UnConvention

The UnConvention was a non-partisan collective of citizens who came together to create a forum in which to promote the democratic and free exchange of ideas on important issues. It existed as a counterpoint to the highly scripted and predetermined nature of the contemporary presidential nomination process and convention. Through a series of projects initiated by participating organizations, The UnConvention sought to umbrella the myriad of artistic and educational activities that took place during the lead-up and staging of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota from August 30th to September 4th, 2008. Working with major institutions in the Twin Cities, including the Walker Art Center, Intermedia Arts, Northern Lights, and Forecast Public Arts, The UnConvention hosted an array of exhibitions, events and performances initiated by artists, students and community groups. Over 50 projects were presented, including Dialog:City :: Denver; My Yard Our Message; New Stations; and The State of Things. Participating organizations included Bedlam Theater, Black Dog Café, Campbell Mithun, Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center, Code Pink, Creative Time, Dialog City, Form + Content Gallery, Kulture Klub Collaborative, Liberty Parade, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, mnartists.org, Peace Island Picnic, Provisions Public Arts, Robischon Gallery, Sandbox Studios, Spark24, St. Paul Neighborhood Network, Traffic Zone Gallery, University of Minnesota Collaborative Arts, The Uptake, and Weisman Art Museum.