Top agencies unite to champion diverse creative talent

Mother, Wieden + Kennedy London, New Commercial Arts, Lucky Generals and Leo Burnett have joined a scheme started by BBH London that works with, celebrates and supports underrepresented creators.

The Unsigned Union champion emerging artists - from photographers and directors through to animators and illustrators - and provide them with access and opportunities within the advertising world. This will include a year round programme of exhibitions, talks and events, as well as mentorship programmes and support.

BBH launched the scheme, originally called Unsigned, in 2018, to bring together artists, photographers, filmmakers and illustrators. Many of them have gone on to find representation from the likes of Black Sheep Artists, RSA, Trayler and Trayler, East Photographic and Academy Photography,

This year’s Unsigned showcase will happen on 25th November.

Stephen Ledger-Lomas, head of production at BBH said: “We started Unsigned with the singular ambition of putting diverse talent on the radar. We wanted to look outside of the traditional channels and elevate the most exciting emerging talent to bring it into the spotlight.

“This year’s Unsigned could not be more crucial, and the team have worked tirelessly to ensure that we are shining a spotlight on some of the most vital creative voices working today.

“Unsigned has now also expanded its reach beyond the BBH’s annual showcase with the formation of a broader Unsigned Union, which aims to dismantle some of the barriers which have prevented us from moving forward collectively as an industry.”

Photographer, director and Unsigned alumnus, Denisha Anderson, said: “The Unsigned mission is powerful as it gives space to be seen and meet people within the industry you wouldn't have access to normally.”

Daniele Funmo, an Unsigned alumnus added: “I'm very grateful to have been part of the Unsigned experience on so many levels. Personally it was such an incredible opportunity for me to connect with other artists, curators and agents and actually I became good friends with a few of the fellow creatives I met during this experience. Probably this was one of the things that I loved the most about Unsigned - a safe space for creatives where we could meet, connect and inspire each other.”

The Union will meet on a monthly basis to discuss and organise upcoming initiatives, events and exhibitions. Participating agencies will be encouraged to host their own Unsigned events over the course of 2022, take part in the Unsigned mentoring programme and help to raise the profiles of underrepresented creators across our industry.