The Unsigned Union is returning home to BBH for its annual winter showcase that will celebrate the work and talents of up-and-coming photographers and illustrators from around the world.
The exhibition will take place on 19th October at BBH’s office in Soho - where Unsigned was originally founded in 2018 to spotlight and bring together underrepresented and diverse creative talent. In 2021, BBH opened up Unsigned to six of London’s top creative agencies, forming a unique collective that works with underrepresented creators and offers them access to and opportunities within the advertising world. This includes a year round programme of exhibitions and events, as well as mentorship and support.
Many of the artists discovered to date have gone on to find representation from the likes of Black Sheep Artists, RSA, Trayler and Trayler, East Photographic and Academy Photography, and commercial commissions from brands such as Nike, Chanel and L’Oreal.
Stephen ledger-Lomas, chief production officer 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 artists. It’s a proud moment to have the Unsigned Union back at Kingly Street for the next event and to keep working alongside the wider union to have a positive impact on our industry."
Boo Bruce-Smith, an illustrator and Unsigned alum said, “I'm very grateful to have been part of the Unsigned experience - it was a brilliant opportunity for me to connect with other artists, curators and agents and gain an understanding of the creative opportunities in the advertising industry.”
The Unsigned Union welcomes more agencies to pledge their support by joining the collective which currently includes BBH, Mother, W+K London, VCCP, Lucky Generals, Saatchi & Saatchi and Leo Burnett. Participating agencies are encouraged to host Unsigned events, take part in the Unsigned mentoring programme and help to raise the profiles of underrepresented creators across our industry.
If you would like to attend the Unsigned Union Winter Showcase, please RSVP here or email here.