ArtRebels Times

ARTREBELS

TIMES # 1

ARTREBELS TIMES EDITORIAL STAFF

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ILLUSTRATORS

Editor-in-Chief Carla Cammilla Hjort

Pernille Krog Mogensen Mette Geisler Christian Klintholm Rune Luk SHFT Nicky De Silva Thomas Petri Mette Ohlendorff Nicolaj Bak Morten Tonsberg Lars Hjortkær Stine Tranekjær Sille Krokow Anika Lori Mia Beyer Maja Hedin

Editors-at-Large Mette Ohlendorff Sarah Bly Mathilde Holm Pernille Krog Mogensen Art Director Ditte Bech Mellson artrebels.com Digital Director Ditte Bringø Bachmann ditte@artrebels.com Sales Matilda Appelin matilda@artrebels.com

blog

HEADQUARTER

Editor-in-Chief Mette Ohlendorff mette@artrebels.com

ArtRebels Aps Vestergade 17, 1. sal, baghuset 1456 Copenhagen K Denmark

Co-Editor Sarah Bly sarah@artrebels.com Trailerpark Music Booking Pernille Krogh Mogensen pernille@artrebels.com Sponsorship Lise Heard White lise@artrebels.com

CONTACT info@artrebels.com PUBLISHER ArtRebels Aps printing KLS Grafisk Hus Carbon neutral print

ABOUT ArtRebels is a creative business, a movement and a network for artists, musicians, designers, film makers, cultural activists, web designers, event makers and other creative souls. ArtRebels vision is Creating Opportunity For Radical Expression and our mission is to create, promote and support creative projects – while endorsing a social responsibility. ArtRebels runs the global platform www.artrebels.com that curates and sells art work and products from hundreds of creatives around the world, ArtRebels produces the annual art and music festival TRAILERPARK FESTIVAL and ArtRebels work with both commercial, cultural, artistic, and social projects via the ArtRebels Agency.

Carla Cammilla Hjort

Mette Ohlendorff

Ditte Bringø Bachmann

Lise Heard White

Gert Fabricius Jørgensen Elena Carli Cosovic gert@artrebels.com

ena@artrebels.com

Matilda Appelin

CEO & Founder (Entrepreneur and DJ) with a life time of experience in the fields of leadership, concept development, management, music and films.

She is one half of the duo Fagget Fairys and the developer behind numerous large events and projects.

Creative Director (New Media Designer and Cultural Producer) is a former Visualization & Concept-development teacher with a background in video production, photography, web and graphic design. She has a vast knowledge of web 2.0 strategies and cultural production.

Managing Director (Cand. Merc. Design & Communication Management) with a background in fashion, advertising and business. She has initiated an alternative fashion, music and art fair and is currently leading development on our new and improved artrebels.com.

Head of Operations and Corporate Development (BSc. in International Business) Lise has a background in television and now has her focus on developing the ArtRebels business to become the most efficient while staying aligned with the ArtRebels mission and vision.

Software developer with extensive experience in the creative and technical side of the web. Through his work at Framfab, DR and his own company he has realized projects of all scales for brands of all sizes and is currently developing the new artrebels.com.

Head of music booking & music production at TRAILERPARK FESTIVAL. Elena also does online PR, events, works with our facebook and other social media channels, and is a regular blog contributer. Elena is also the singing half of Fagget Fairys.

Communication & administrator coordinator.

Former fashion assistant/stylist.

Has been coordinator in the old ArtRebels shop and webshop and head of photo shoots.

Is now working with administration, web shop, communication and PR.

carla@artrebels.com

mette@artrebels.com

ditte@artrebels.com

lise@artrebels.com

matilda@artrebels.com

A Manifest and a Mission …

Above, Behind and Beyond ArtRebels

H

ello everyone, my name is Carla Cammilla Hjort and I´m the founder and CEO of ArtRebels United, ArtRebels Agency and ArtRebels Exchange. You might already ask yourself “Why so many ArtRebels companies?” and “What is this ArtRebels movement all about?”

I´ve been asked over and over again since ArtRebels started,”What is ArtRebels really?” or ”What is so rebellious about ArtRebels?” and ”Why do you have a burka wearing woman as your logo?” (It´s a Ninja not a Burka, for the record;-)!!

ArtRebels Times is our attempt to let you in behind the scenes, to travel a bit deeper into the spirit and day to day life of the rebels. This edition is about the organization itself and in the future it will be focused on the network unfolding beneath the multicolor umbrella, known as ArtRebels.

ArtRebels is a complex, constantly changing and evolving entity, which is more based on a certain energy and way of life than on specific products. At least until recently.

This is a part of our rebellious spirit. To me, a rebel is an individual who realizes through a deeper internal awareness, that the only way to find true bliss in life is to live your full potential and innermost truth, even if that means you will stand alone.

ArtRebels first and foremost represents this essential idea and it reflects and aligns with my own deepest soul mission: which is to be a representative for empowerment, individuality and honesty, and to have a positive impact on the people around me.

It´s also an attempt to show the world that you can do good business, without compromising your integrity.

So based on the above philosophy, the original business idea behind ArtRebels was to create a movement for young creative talent and find as many ways as possible to help them get more exposure, increase sales and create a support system they can use when they start up their own business. Our website, www.artrebels.com was to be the main platform from which these three things could happen.

It did happen and to make it happen was an amazing team of mostly young women, whom you will be introduced to in this paper and who I can only praise and thank!

What also happened besides the website were a lot of events, exhibitions, projects,

parties and not least our baby, TrailerPark Festival. Suddenly and very quickly ArtRebels became more than a good idea and set of ideals - it was a busy as hell reality.

It had grown to a network of more than 500 creatives, 5000 fans and a growing interest from other companies who saw a potential in this new movement and creative hub.

It started to be very clear to us that we needed to structure our ideas more and focus on the things that could also make a profit. We all wanted ArtRebels to become a business from which we could make our living and actually see a paycheck after working 24/7 every month (ArtRebels was created on a loan I took out for 500.000 kr. Not a lot for such huge ambitions;-).

So because ArtRebels is a heart project and is driven by such an impassioned team of superwomen, we have slowly but surely gone from being an 80% volunteer based company to something closer to an 80% salary based company.

How this happened will be presented throughout this first edition of ArtRebels Times, which is the first time we tell the story of who, what and why ArtRebels is here. We hope you will enjoy getting to know us better and appreciate all of the changes unfolding. Some of which include our new website which takes the basic idea of supporting creative talent to a whole new level, our new agency which makes it possible for both us and the creatives to make a living doing what we love, and finally HeartRebels which continues to do volunteer based work for youth culture around the world.

Thanks for being a rebel, Carla C THIS IS ARTREBELS !

ARTREBELS.COM ArtRebels new web shop concept crosses geographic barriers to unearth radical creativity from all over the globe, providing artists with an international platform to sell their goods and customers an exciting array of cutting edge creations.

BY SARAH BLY WEBDESIGN BY SHFT

A

ll over the world, new and radical creative experimentation unfolds everyday. But how to find it, nurture it and share it with others? That is the very question that the new ArtRebels Shop concept was designed to answer.

For two years, ArtRebels has promoted up and coming talent on the ArtRebels.com web platform. Everything from quirky fashion to cutting-edge art and music have been embraced by the site. The premise is simple: Find talent experimenting in radical creativity, introduce them to your network, help them grow and establish themselves, and then let the cycle repeat itself as the network grows and supports others.

And if this can be done successfully in Copenhagen, why not expand the network to the rest of the world?

Meet ArtRebels web shop 2.0. Designed with an international perspective in mind, it will still contain the same cutting-edge offerings ArtRebels is known for however, the concept has been updated to give artists more international exposure as well as creative control over their businesses.

“Since we started in 2006, our network has grown more quickly than we could have expected, and we have realized that the only limits are ones we impose

ArtRebels reaches a fabulous crowd of people and buyers which is very important to a contemporary brand Barbara I Gongini upon ourselves,” said Ditte Bringø Bachmann, Partner and Managing Director of ArtRebels. “The new web shop seeks to share our creators’ talents with more widespread audiences, while also bringing radical artists from other parts of the world into the mix.”

Through a system of “connectors,” or hypersocial individuals with their fingers on the pulse of the city they call home, ArtRebels is able to find creative expression in places thousands of miles away. “Connectors” re-

ceive compensation for doing what they do naturally – seeking out new and interesting people, supporting artistic movements, and curating amongst their local scene. They share their rich network with ArtRebels who in turn partner with the individual creators to share the work internationally.

“I think networks are the backbone to everything,” said Grant C. Dull, ArtRebels connector in Buenos Aires.

“My network is both very local, where I work with 50 different artists in any given month, to global, where I communicate and disseminate the information, music and culture we are creating and promoting.” Dull’s main prerogative for being a connector with ArtRebels?

“To expose people everywhere to the amazing creativity alive in Buenos Aires.”

“Connectors play a crucial role in unearthing rare creativity in places we don’t have easy access to,” said Bachmann. “Strong networks provide amazing results very quickly. By connecting to Grant for example, ArtRebels quickly gained access to the rich, varied scene in Buenos Aires and in turn, artists in Buenos Aires gained exposure to an audience living in Northern Europe. Diffusing creativity across thousands of miles is a pretty exciting thing.”

ARTREBELS | 5 From left to right: Art and design duo Hvass&Hannibal web shop, fashion brand Fnubbu web shop, ArtRebels webshop.

Once a creator’s work has been selected and approved

by ArtRebels, they are able to open their own web shop within the ArtRebels.com platform and, have complete control over the content, customer service, marketing and all other capabilities that an online business is comprised of. The artist benefits from promotion on ArtRebels’ international site, where they can grow and expand their business under the safety of a larger umbrella organization.

ArtRebels creator, fashion designer Barbara I Gongini, sees the new ArtRebels platform as a way for brands to attract a broader audience.

“I am so excited about the new ArtRebels web shop concept,” said I Gongini, “ArtRebels reaches a fabulous crowd of people and buyers which is very important to a contemporary brand. I think the new channel of sales will benefit creators naturally, as there are so many brands under the same umbrella and that will attract a broader audience.”

ArtRebels works hard to maintain a strong balance between selecting creators who meet their desired aesthetic, while also giving creative freedom to the artists on their site.

“The ArtRebels network can only strengthen small brands like myself,” said Signe Møller Jensen designer of fashion brand, Fnubbu. “I think ArtRebels has a strong visual identity and aesthetic. It knows what it wants - for brands like mine, it is important that it is not just another web shop. For me, a good experience is the aesthetics around it, and I think it is important to put in the online community like ArtRebels.”

With creators maintaining much of their content, the web shop’s design interface was created to be very user friendly and easy to manage. Creators have different subscription models that they select from, making it possible for both smaller and larger brands to select models that work best for their specific business.

“The new ArtRebels web shop platform was developed to be an easy way for artists to manage their own business,” said Bachmann. “We select who can sell on it, but after that, creators have the ability to maintain their own business and brand – which ultimately helps us achieve our mission to help emerging talent establish themselves financially and creatively.”

“It is a fine opportunity for artists who can not afford their own web shop,” said Hubert designer and ArtRebels’ creator Rikke Hubert. “ArtRebels’ new web

shop platform gives designers a certain freedom with regard to style and image. Furthermore, it is a great advantage that ArtRebels offers services like taking pictures for brands with less resources.”

According to Fnubbu’s Jensen, the new format also helps creators maintain a closer connection to their customers and sales.

“I have always tried to have a personal relationship with my customers,” said Jensen. “The new ArtRebels platform gives me more direct contact with my clients as well as a intimate look at what is selling and why.

Things change very fast in fashion and it is important to always be in a place to grow and react.”

In the end, Bachmann suggests that the new web shop concept is just another move towards realizing ArtRebels ultimate mission. “We are about celebrating and empowering brave souls by exposing their cutting edge work to others who will appreciate it and pass it on,” said Bachmann. “Creating radical expression can be lonely if you aren’t able to share it with others.”

So if you would like to join, please go to www.shop.ArtRebels.com and take a tour.

artrebels agency Agencies going the way of the dinasaur? Extinction is invevitable for those who fail to adapt to the new landscape. Today’s environment calls for connectivity, radical ideas and intense creativity - and only the most fit will survive.

by sarah bly illustration: Mette geisler & pernille krog mogensen

I

n true dramatic American flair, (I am an American, and I say this unabashedly), Marketing trade magazines everywhere were declaring “The Advertising Agency Dead” in 2009. While a bit over the top, and certainly far from the current reality – one could not help but wonder if brand advertising was going the way of the walkman.

As the dust has begun to settle, the truth seems to be somewhere in the middle. Just like portable music – the basic idea hasn’t gone away - people still like the concept of connecting themselves to movements, ideas and brands. The way they do it however, is what is radically changing.

The rise of technology, the ease of communication and the age of transparency has altered the way organizations need to communicate to their listeners, or better put, communicate with their listeners. And moreover “listening,” is no longer the best word to describe the interactions either, as today communication is two-sided, with consumers acting as co-creators and organizations as facilitators.

As a relatively new agency, ArtRebels has had the benefit of embracing consumer connectivity from the beginning. In fact, it is this idea that defines their mission of “enabling and executing radical communication that

connects people, movements and brands,” that is lived and breathed by the founders everyday.

“We partner with open minded companies and organizations looking to create remarkable communication that is edgy, original and creates emotional connections between people, movements and brands,” said Mette Ohlendorff, Creative Director & Partner.

To do this, ArtRebels employs a slightly different agency structure than most. Instead of employing a permanent staff of creative talent, they engage in a “network approach,” in which they draw from a vast network of creatives located all over geographically to find the best fit for any given project. This strategy ensures that the best talent is used for any given assignment, and that there are no limits to the ideas brought to life. It also helps engage young artists who might not have had any prior connections.

“To always achieve radical expressions within the broad multitude of formats, genres and media that we use, and to always ensure a unique solution, we draw on a wide range of talented people,” said Ohlendorff.

“Our teams consist of an extensive network of young experts within their individual field. A creative core of artists, designers, architects, DJs, producers, filmmakers, strategist, academics, marketeers and web devel-

opers that keep our concepts and execution innovative and distinctive.”

One of ArtRebels longstanding partners, a daring and talented young creative agency SHFT, described the experience of being part of the ArtRebels network as a great way to connect with many different creatives to gain new insights, ideas and ultimately experimentations.

“You get to know a lot of people working with a group like ArtRebels,” said Benjamin Hansen partner at SHFT. “And when you put teams like UltraGrøn, SHFT and ArtRebels together you really are able to develop something new - a new style and a new result.

Our creativity, while different, plays off of each other and makes us all stronger.”

His partner, Jan Bringø Bachman, echoed these sentiments, adding that SHFT’s partnership with ArtRebels has given them the opportunity to stretch themselves creatively in ways they might not be able to for other clients.

“We have had a lot of chances to develop ourselves in a more artistic way with ArtRebels,” said Bachmann.

“For example, with worked with ArtRebels and Hummel to develop a fashion booth, stage and other installation based design, a competency we have also grown

ARTREBELS | 7

DIESEL

IBIS/OXFAM

PENGUIN ARMY

Diesel is a global world-leading fashion brand established in 1978, who seeks out creative and edgy communication solutions often in collaboration with artists and musicians, for whom we did:

Ibis and Oxfam are two leading charity organisations who collaboratively work to eliminate poverty and inhuman conditions around the world, for whom we did:

The Penguin Army is an online community that creates awareness among young people and call to action in the fight against global warming, Index Award finalist 2009, for whom we did:

Concept development Fashion fair design and execution Viral video concept and production Promotion DJs and sound-design Art space execution

Artist-re-design-vintage-clothing event concept and execution Event documentation and online storytelling (blog and Flickr) Viral video concept and production (Cop15, Climate Conference) Online promotion via ArtRebels virtual channels (Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo, blog)

Event concepts and execution Web development Web 2.0 campaign Viral video production Guerilla marketing Scenography

designing major projects for The Trailerpark festival each year.”

Strong social values are something of great importance at ArtRebels, and while many of their projects have been done with likeminded commercial clients – they also engage in a range or partnerships and collaborations with non-profit organizations such as Oxfam, Ibis, The City of Copenhagen, World Out Games, Dannerhuset, Roskilde Festival and their own non-profit organization HeartRebels, as well.

“ArtRebels Agency is somewhat of a different agency than most,” said Ohlendorff. “Strategically, we have a big focus on projects of cultural and social significance and this focus is evident in everything that we do, whether the job at hand is mainly Client-based, is a Joint Venture or a Home Grown project.”

During the COP15 international climate conference, ArtRebels executed an event with Eversheds, a global law firm in Copenhagen, which was looking to create an experience that broke away from the traditional gathering to make a more meaningful connection with the audience. In true ArtRebels fashion the practical project took on a conceptual approach and combined a live art installation that included a large scale tipi-like construction featuring the melting of organic substanc-

es over time, with climate friendly DJing on a transformed Christiania bike.

“ArtRebels was extremely good at capturing our needs by staying inside the lines where it was appropriate, and going way over the lines where it was appropriate,” said Evershed’s partner, Nikolaj Juhl. “They brought out of the box thinking combined with extreme professionalism, open-mindendess, and understanding of the client’s needs.”

Regardless of the client, job or task, Ohlendorff suggests that all ArtRebels projects bear the similarity of combining many different mediums and methods to achieve emotional connections with the intended audience.

“For example our method is strongly rooted in the conviction that all projects thrives best with a mixed use of physical and virtual elements, not simply one or the other,” Ohlendorff said adding, “We have a very practical approach to branding and communication that often includes artistic, cultural, educational, social and sustainable components.”

So while the trade magazines may scream “death” to advertising, it seems that they may be missing an exciting movement growing in its place – a generation of empowered consumers and agencies like ArtRebels

who believe in conversation, artistry and people-centered strategies as the way of the future.

“In the end, ArtRebels Agency is a love affair between the commercial and the artistic,” Ohlendorff concluded, “We are passionate about empowerment, co-creation, and above all – participation.”

ArtRebels Agency Facts Year Founded: 2008 Creative Director: Mette Ohlendorff Mission: To enable radical communication that connects, people, movements and brands Vision: To become a leading global movement that creates opportunities for radical expressions via education and by facilitating an exchange between businesses, organizations and a network of creatives What We Do: Concept and Product Development, Branding Strategy, Marketing Campaign & Launch, Events, Sponsorship Advisory and Execution

8 | ARTREBELS

trailerpark festival TRAILERAPRK FESTIVAL has come a long way since its rainy conception in 2007.

Today, it features collective creativity from more than a hundred people and presents it in a unique way to more than 5000 happy participants. Do you want to take part?

T

• ARTR 010

BY Mette Ohlendorff & PERNILLE KROGH MOGENSEN PHOTO: www.christianklintholm.com

IVAL EST • 2

ELS • TRA EB

PAR ILER K F

he first TRAILERPARK FESTIVAL took place at a warehouse-turned-experimental-food-theatre in 2007 where various artist groups decorated the camping trailers that surrounded the outdoor venue – a circus tent with roll-out grass covering the dance-floor. And even though the grass turned to mud after two days of rain, and both bridges to the Amager were closed due to the Copenhagen Triathlon, those who attended had a unique collective experience and the TRAILERPARK FESTIVAL spark had been ignited!

Since, TRAILERPARK has grown in many ways. It has moved to Copenhagen Skatepark, presents more than 40 carefully selected musical acts, gathers local and international artists from near and far who collectively create the entire venue, has both its own festival paper and blogging crew to spread the word and the vibe, engages more than a hundred volunteers and gives all proceeds to charity through the non-profit organization HeartRebels. And next year, TRAILERPARK will be held in both Copenhagen and Berlin.

TRAILERPARK is a festival on a mission. It is determined to combine extraordinary collective experience, radical expressions, conceptual impressions, co-creation and social connectivity with sustainability and good business practice. Not only is this festivalt an attraction for the thousands of guests who come to connect and to have their senses empowered – it is also a big attraction for both the artists who attend as well as the non-profit and commercial organizations who are involved and gets exceptional exposure to a much sought-after crowd.

Creating a successful festival is quite a challenge with many aspects to consider, both artistically and financially. To achieve this, ArtRebels digs deep into the heart and soul of their organization and does what it does best: Unite common interests into a creative solution for the benefit of everyone involved. To allow TRAILERPARK to blossom and become a meaningful and spectacular space for social interaction ArtRebels seek out organizations, brands and businesses that are relevant, and most importantly appropriate, as partners for the festival. Then they incorporate them in a suitable and creative way.

If you want to volunteer, sponsor, participate, report, perform or otherwise get involved please have a look at www.trailerparkfestival.com and get in touch!

BEHIND THE MUSIC Imagine a sweet shop, a really really big one with shelves filled from floor to ceiling - bursting with all sorts of sweets and candy. There is chocolate, liquorice, caramel, sweet and salty, hard and soft - everything your heart desires. Besides the ones you have already picked out as your favorites, the ones you know for sure will not disappoint, there are still so many boxes and jars filled with intriguing treats, all colorful and tempting and you want at least one of each. It is so hard to choose which ones go in the tiny bag in your hand and which ones you will have to skip.

Now, it is important that the selection you end up with is good since you will have to share it with all your friends at home. There has to be both something sweet and something sour, something longlasting and something that gives a moment of delight- it has to be the perfect mix for the perfect night. You must fulfill everyone’s expectations, but it is also important to add some suprises to the bag that they will love once they taste it for the first time.

It is like developing the ultimate cake recipe. A tad of this, a pinch of that, stir it well, add some sunshine, a little love and a whole lot of creativity and diversity. Stir again and leave it to rest for a while before you add the final secret ingredient and put it in the tin to bake it. Remember the icing, very important! Be careful with the ingredients; good quality raw materials always give the best results.

This is the TRAILERPARK FESTIVAL recipe!

Fakta 2010 When: 30, 31 juli & 1 august Where: Copenhagen Skatepark Who: Raz Ohara (DE), Eim Ick (DK), Rework (DE), Sleep Party People (DK), Kissaway Trail (DK), Renaissance Man (FIN) , Fallulah (DK) and many many more ...

News and Updates: www.trailerparkfestival.com Tickets: Billetnet.dk 3 days = 300 kr presale.

10 | ARTREBELS

Blæs Bukki and Jokeren

Oh Land

First Aid Kit

Djuna Barnes

Bolværket

Kissing couple

Crowd

The balls

The trailer

12 | ARTREBELS

2008 PAPER C

2006 ARTREBELS COMES LIFE 2006TOARTREBELS COMES TO LIFE

2007 FRIE BØRN LEGER BEDST CD + RELEASE PARTY (CHRISTIANIA) + STØTTEFEST (ISLANDS BRYGGE)

2007 DIESEL STAY INN 2007 ARTGARAGE 1 & 2

2007 FAGGET FAIRYS SAMO TI OUT ON PALMS OUT SOUND 2008 PENGUIN ARMY RELEASE EVENT

2008 KØDB

2007 COVER TOP 3 WEBSHOP (NOVEMBER)

2007 IBIS HAPPY SCHOOLS CHARITY EVENT

2008 TRAILERPARK 2008 – FIRST YEAR @ SKATEPARKEN

2006 2007 CHRISTMAS MARKET

2007 ARTREBELS MOVES TO STURLASGADE

2008 FAGGET FAIRYS @ ROSKILDE FESTIVAL

2007 BLOG LAUNCH

2007 WWW.ARTREBELS.COM WEB SHOP LAUNCH 2007 STREET TO STREET - SOUTH AFRICA (HEARTREBELS)

2 P S

2008 1 YEAR BIRTHDAY @ STENGADE

2007 TRAILERPARK 2007

2008 TR NOMINE BEDSTE 2008 IDEAL BERLIN FASHION WEEK

ARTREBELS | 13

CUTS 01

2009 PAPER CUTS 02 2009 PARK THE CAR – PENGUIN ARMY EVENT

2009 OXFAM VIRAL COP15

8 ARTREBELS MOVES TO BYEN & OPENS STORE

2010 NEW ARTREBELS.COM LAUNCH

2009 THE MEAT MARKET EXHIBITION AT ARTREBELS STORE

2009 NEW COMPANY STRUCTURE – ARTREBELS AGENCY, ARTREBELS EXCHANGE & ARTREBELS EVENTS APS

2009 VÆRKER DER VIRKER/ EXHIBITION AT KUNSTHAL CHARLOTTENBORG

2010 EUROWOMAN WEBSHOP OF THE WEEK

2010 2009 FAGGET FAIRYS ALBUM RELEASE + PARTY

2009 TRAILERPARK 2009

2009 FAGGET FAIRYS PLAYING FIRST LIVE TV SHOW @ P3 GULD

RAILERPARK ERET TIL BYENS E 2008

2010 SHOWHOME, AW10 2010 ARTREBELS LEAVES KØDBYEN – MOVES TO VESTERGADE 2009 SHOWROOM, FASHION WEEK SS09 2009 AKASHA VENTURES JOINS ARTREBELS

2009 PAPER CUTS 03

2009 HUMMEL BY ARTREBELS.COM COLLAB BEGINS

2010 BIG LAUNCH PARTY @ PUMPEHUSET

14 | ARTREBELS

HUMMEL VS.

ARTREBELS

Hummel has been in business since 1923, creating traditional sporting goods and good company karma. ArtRebels was born 80-some years later in a world of ever-changing technology and artistic empowerment. So how is it that these two have defied the generation gap to become long-term friends? by mette ohlendorff Photo: Morten Tonsberg

I

ran into Christian (Stadil, hummel board member and owner) at a film premier seems like it was inevitable that we do something together”, Christian points out. in Copenhagen a few days before we had set up this interview. He is, as always, And what they are doing together is not just something – it is a lot of things! Ardressed in cool, colourful clothes and his signature glasses. He reminded me of tRebels and hummel have embarked upon a three-year adventure together in which the two time-slots he is available on the day of the interview, “Both 14 and after 18 the intention is to push the standard for traditional branding solutions, and create o’clock work for me, so what ever you want. After six will be at my place where there meaningful and socially significant concepts. is wine to drink and art on the walls” he smiles as we both rush in to find our seats “hummel is in a place now where ArtRebels as a strategic partner is a perfect match. in front of the silver screen.

We need to keep feeding creativity and quirkiness into our Due to our busy schedules however, we end up meeting business to maintain a powerful and innovative brand, and at Christian’s office a stone throws away from the royal ArtRebels fits like a glove. I’ve said it numerous times and palace in Copenhagen. When Carla Cammilla Hjort, (ArtI will say it again, I think ArtRebels are some of the most Rebels CEO) and I arrive, the floor of Christian’s office creative people in Denmark at the moment,”,says Chrisis packed with hummel sneakers scattered around everytian. where – quite the contrast to the aristocratic office space “For ArtRebels, the longevity of the collaboration is the with a large chandelier and vintage carpeting. really unique part,” Carla Cammilla adds “we get to do a The interview begins. The iPhones are placed carefully on holistic plan, where it is not just one element we create, but the table in front of us within safe distance, and though on a wide range of elements, that all work together. It is a very silent, they light up occasionally to remind us, that it is yet flexible and dynamic strategy we are executing together.” another business day and the clock is ticking. This is obviAnd you will be able to witness the results of the common CHRISTIAN STADIL, HUMMEL ously the gathering of busy people. Busy? Yes. Stressed out? efforts in a wide variety of ways in the coming years. ArtNot anymore. Christian advises “Once after five Fashion Rebels and hummel are doing a lot of social media and viWeeks in a row, I woke up in my hotel room, got out of bed and walked sideways. Be- ral initiatives closely connected to physical events, and have already collaborated on ing stressed is dangerous. Focusing on the present is key. This is vital in your personal a clothing line hummel by ArtRebels, which will be in (very few) selected stores and and your business life. That, and being aware of your key-competencies and letting online via ArtRebels.com for the A/W 2010 season. Each sold item of the collection others do what they do best.” will benefit an upcoming musician or artist to help them achieve their goals. This is a Carla Cammilla agrees. As the two of them do on most matters. They share a con- vital component in every element of the three-year strategy – to ensure sustainability nection founded in a very similar approach to lifestyle and business practise. “It with a strategy that gives back.

Focusing on the present is key.

This is vital in your personal and your business life

TRAILERPARK FESTIVAL 2009

the world we live in

Being a small fish in a large pond has never before been more relevant or exciting. Today’s technology has made it easy to spread your ideas at a rapid pace. Entrepreneurship is no longer restricted to people with finances. Today, ideas rule, not merely money. Ideas are valuable. And your ability to get your ideas spread is key for success. by mette ohlendorff photo: nicolaj bak

B

ig business used to be limited to a few titans who battled it out in a galaxy far, far away, it seemed. The large corporations ruled all, even legal rights, and proclaimed ownership of the term “globalization”. And the rest of us, the mere mortals, were stuck in a world controlled by these giants – most of the time without even knowing it. Then something changed. At the click of a mouse we, the people, became powerful. Information started flowing freely (in most parts of the world), knowledge was distributed and opinions shared. People became aware of the power of networks and links – both the human and the digital ones.

These days, globalization depicts a lot more than a common financial market. It also speaks of common global awareness, of common global platforms and common global possibilities. Ideas are spread virally at the speed of light, well, for those who already have optical fiber connections, and we live in a world of social media, cocreation, crowdsourcing and remix culture.

Collectively, we can move mountains. Through micro loans, like the Danish-born MYC4, we provide people with initiative and drive the resources to accomplish their goals – and not through charity and hand-me-downs, but through sustainable

and empowering solutions, enabled by a simple idea brought to life via technology.

Through collectively shared knowledge we are able to learn just about anything.

Sweet little helpers such as Del.icio.us and Populrs illuminate what the rest of the world is into at the moment. Tagged minute for minute. And just for fun, and for realizing just how many people out there on the World Wide Web you can connect to, you can jump on Twitter, Facebook or the newest addiction, Chatroulette and socialize across the globe. In a polarised world, the web connects us.

A pivotal change in society, and within traditional power structures, can be spotted in the business world. Social capital, user-generated innovation and longtail strategies are all important elements in Socialnomics and the New Economy. In this new era, good business equals great ideas combined with a community of fans, who push and spread the idea forward. A good idea can become a social object that compiles people to flock around it, which makes networks and movements a crucial component in the success of any given project – both cultural and commercial.

The recipe for success? Be creative, be noticeable and be connected!

ARTREBELS | 17

THE ARTREBELS BLOG Artrebels new blog features international network of culture seekers bringing daily stories of radical expression happening all over the world.

BY SARAH BLY

F

eeling inspired may be the most exhilerating emotion. It makes your heart beat faster, thoughts race, and a surge of “I can do this,” runs through your body. I used to think that inspiration could only happen when floating along the streets of Paris, or trekking across a beautiful landscape. Lately, I have realized that this is a very limiting way to view inspiration - when indeed it is around us everyday. Whether it be an avante garde outfit spotted on the bus ride, some bizarre street art you happen to bike by, or a show by a relatively unknown act that puts you in a trance - inspiration is everywhere, we just aren’t always looking for it.

The new ArtRebels Blog seeks to offer a daily dose of inspiration by reporting on interesting, new and cutting edge expressions happening all over the world.

With bloggers located from New York to Glasgow, Buenos Aires to Paris, and Tokyo to Copenhagen – brave creative work, quirky happenings, new trends, and personal stories are sought out and shared with the ArtRebels audience.

While you should certainly seek out your own daily dose of inspiration, you cannot be everywhere at once.

Which is why we hope to share stories that will lift you up, give you ideas, make you laugh or maybe just gawk in amazement. Through our network of culture seekers located all over the globe, we feel we do a pretty good job of capturing some great stories. Of course, one of the best parts of being inspired is sharing it with others. So we hope you will join in.

SAMPLES FROM THE BLOG Ulrik Holgrebe – Copenhagen I believe culture should be free, art should be profound, music should be loud, youth should be angry, politics should be revolutionary (or at least visionary) and corporations should take me seriously.”

Eva Lundgree – Tokyo I will be blogging about design from Tokyo. I will search for interesting brands, people, houses, events etc, in order to understand and learn more about what are the Japanese people visions and ideas concerning design. I will write about design that attracts me and make me smile or design related issues that make me discover new ideas and values. I will search for the Japanese identity and try to understand more about the Japanese approach to design. I will search for things/people that make my everyday life here in Tokyo more fun and fantastic.

Theo Bat – Copenhagen “The truth is, I will be writing about myself. Yes! Though, everything that contains a contradiction is in my sight!”

Richie Cummings – Glasgow My goal is to provide people with random blethers from across Scotland, punting the folk, things, art and music that I love and hate, getting up, out and involved and making the creative connections that make life worthwhile.

Signe Rom – Buenos Aires Currently blogging from South American metropolis Buenos Aires, this slightly confused, 6 feet tall, art-fan, is working hard from an undercover position, to draw up a map, of a city, an aesthetic and the nerve at the heart of the cultural scene.

Urged by the notion that you can feed the body junk, while the spirit needs to be challenged with something more complex in order to survive.

Preferably by something on that sharp knifeedge between beauty and the macabre.”

www.artrebels.com/blog

DEAR GOD ArtRebels Gets Spiritual.

I

n the age of technology, it was only a matter of time before God got an email address.

Started in 2008 by Coolhunter.com creator, Bill Tikos, “Dear God” is a non-denominational online confession booth of sorts, where people from all over the world can share their innermost hopes – and fearsthrough prayer. Within the first month of the site’s launch, it had garnered nearly 100,000 page views. So many in fact, that Tikos could not keep up.

He did what any mere mortal would - he sold the rights to ArtRebels.

As the proud new operators of DearGod.net, ArtRebels will keep the website’s original mission in place – with the only major change being a move to the ArtRebels website. The philosophy is simple – anyone with access to the internet can upload a prayer, thought, hope, fear or anything else they hope to share. It is non-denominational and not associated with any specific religion – just the idea that people often find a sense of comfort and strength through spiritual connections.

“Social Media is all about collective sharing, and for today’s youth communicating online and publishing their thoughts is simply second nature.” said Mette Ohlendorff, ArtRebels partner. “A lot of us wouldn’t be comfortable going to confession in a church, but publishing your thought from the safety of your room and getting feedback, advice and encouragement from people all over the world is very comforting. At ArtRebels we fell in love with the Dear God concept because it links the spiritual with the digital and it exemplifies, in the most beautiful way, that human-to-human interaction - even in the digital era - is a great source of inspiration and can change peoples lives.”

So how do you share your prayers and spread hope on Dear God? Simply visit the site and send your personal letter to your God here:

18 | ARTREBELS

No art without heart HeartRebels is ArtRebels’ non-profit sister to support young people all over the world to realize their own potential as leaders, artists and hopes for the future.

♥ BY carla cammilla hjort, mia beyer & Maja hedin

H

eartRebels was established in2006 by Maja Hedin and Carla Cammilla Hjort (founder and director of ArtRebels). Maja and Carla Cammilla met when ArtRebels consisted only of quirky and wonderful drawings on the blackboard and soon they realized they had the same values, ideas and perspectives. Their wish to start a non-profit organisation originated from two different perspectives. Maja, already being a devoted volunteer with a degree in African studies and a life long dedication to non-profit work, is the hands-on one, working directly in the field. Last year she spent six months in Ghana together with Mia Beyer, who joined HeartRebels in 2008 and she has since worked alongside Maja, sharing the same passion for Africa.

As we are speak, the two girls are writing their doctorate degrees in African studies, together.

Carla on the other hand, is much more behind the scenes and spents her time and energy on creating new ways of fundraising and doing more locally anchored work together with the rebel crew, like TrailerPark festival and Art Camp. Together the 3 of them are the backbone of HeartRebels, but are supported by a small army of dedicated volunteers!

“HeartRebels, being the non profit part of ArtRebels, is the platform from which we can focus on doing work that doesn´t have to make a profit and most importantly, we wish to raise awareness of and support those kids who are less fortunate in life,” said Carla Cammilla Hjort (CEO and founder of ArtRebels). “It´s all about creating networks, support systems and friendships

beyond social status, racial background, geographical borders and cultural differences. In doing so we hope HeartRebels inspire others to take action!”

All projects done within HeartRebels are based on 5 core values that are aligned with HeartRebels´ vision and mission. The written statement below reflects the outcome of a workshop done by Maja Hedin and Mia Beyer and reflects the HeartRebel spirit...

SELF-CONFIDENCE We believe that self-confidence is crucial in order to act on own and community needs. Therefore we support projects that emphasise the belief that youth have the energy and potential to achieve great results. Building up self-confidence and realising their full potential gives youth the strength to take action and influence their own and other´s life circumstances.

tween youth both on a national and international level.

The encounter and the cooperation which follows from each project, has the potential to break down boundaries between conventional categorisations and challenge taboos and prejudgments. Reciprocal action encourages diversity, accumulates awareness, and provides a platform to share skills and learn from each other.

OWNERSHIP Ownership is an important element in making projects successful, as it encourages and give the people involved a sense of pride to experience that they have a voice in the decision-making process. Additionally, the responsibilities it inhabits gives confidence and creates a positive reinforcing process making the project participants feel the urge and the possibility to act upon their own and others life circumstances.

INCLUSION All our efforts rely on an inclusive approach to the people we work with. We wish to include anyone who wants to contribute. By focusing on the potential and resources of the individual or community, we strive to break down boundaries and challenge existing categories. We hold diversity to be a powerful development catalyst as it is in the encounter with the unknown that we learn the most about ourselves.

CREATIVITY By being creative, we let loose, broaden our mind, test our abilities, and potentially become positively surprised about what we and others can do - together and alone. In our projects we strive to ensure innovative action by mixing different elements and environments and breaking down boundaries at all levels of our involvement. We believe that this facilitates innovative and powerful results, which hold more potential than those which arise from conventional thinking.

INTERACTION We aim to broaden the understanding between different cultures and belief systems through interaction be-

For more info go to www.heartrebels.com

20 | ARTREBELS

PAST SELECTED THE POWER OF BUSINESS The ArtRebels – Akasha Ventures partnership “Deep down I believe business of the future is built on a passion coming from a deeper human level.”

Jakob Algreen-ussing, ArtRebels new partner, mentor and investor, has been working as entrepreneur and private investor for years – but he is not an ordinary businessman. As when he describes the forces behind powerful business like Google it is in words like: authentic, passionate and followers of their soul-mission.

And when he speaks of their motives he use phrases like: trying to make a difference in the world. And concerning the financial aspect:

DREAM VOYAGES

DO YOU BELIEVE IN FAIRYS?

Exhibition, Værker der virker / Works at work, Charlottenborg, 2009

The ArtRebels - Fagget Fairys Collaboration

Last summer ArtRebels infiltrated the rather conventional settings of Copenhagen’s art castle Charlottenborg, situated right in the heart of the city. We were invited to take part and rebel things up a bit in the exhibition Værker der virker / Works at work along with six other groups of young artist. We forced the task with excitement involving Christian Kornum, Maria Torp, Line Bech, Shft, and the Ultra Grøn boys. The outcome was two brilliant pieces – separate but still connected as they somehow represented each others opposite elements.

As where one piece, build as an airship, played with the idea of the ultimate journey of discovery, ready to fly out and explore the world from above. The other piece was a giant sculpture made from sand, bringing us back to earth.

The works all stated from the premise, that if art is to make itself visible in the summer it needs to reach people where they are: in holiday mood, open to the pleasures of life and at leisure to play. As a part of the vision the audience was no longer merely spectators of the pieces but actually encouraged to take part in the works, contribute to it and interact with it: sleep in it, play in it, travel in it, add a sound installation or just go crazy with the paint box.

Sod off Tinkerbell – these fairies really work their magic. Fagget Fairys is a Copenhagen based music act, by DJ Sensimilla and MC Ena – a lesbian couple on a missiont. They continue to impress crowds all over the globe and ArtRebels has partnered with them in everything from music production to release parties.

“When we are out with Fagget Fairys, we also represent ArtRebels,” said MC Ena, describing the common energy of ArtRebels, Fagget Fairys and herself. She added, “I don’t think we consider anything impossible.

If you have an idea and you don’t know how to work it out; just do it – you’ll figure out how along the way.

Don’t be a follower – be a rebel – be a leader.”

Fagget Fairys is a story about true love, challenging yourself and fighting for what you believe in - and Elena’s story just evidence to that aspect, as she arrived with her family in a Danish refugee camp from the crumbling Yugoslavia when she was two and now at the age of 20 - in spite of all obstacles – she is an International star in the electronic underground.

So far our collaboration have included music production, visual identity, cover art (by Anika Lori), press, release party and video production. More will definitely come – and we will be looking forward to it.

“Of course the money is important – as a key to make an even bigger difference in the world.”

In spring 2009 Jakob saw exactly this kind of energy and motivation in ArtRebels. It happened suddenly when he ran into founder and director Carla Cammilla Hjort.

“I thought she was really radical and authentic. She runs the business out of interest and will to create opportunities for radical expressions. Such directness is important in business – people tend to misunderstand that. There is not a contrast in authenticity and professionalism.”

Three months later he invested in Artrebels United – the ArtRebels holding company – leaving ArtRebels with a sum of money for further development and himself as a board member/mentor who understood the motives and mission of ArtRebels as if they were his own. Probably because Jakob co-entrepreneur network, Akasha Ventures helps passionate entrepreneurs build the business of their dreams – as ArtRebels help creative spirits follow their dreams too.

So far the Akasha-influence on ArtRebels has been outstanding. The rebels are getting more professional but are still leaving space for the creative flow and deeper passion.

Rebel Yell!

FUTURE SELECTED

ARTREBELS | 21

THE MUSIC INDUSTRY 2010 Music Convention at Pumpehuset, Copenhagen, November 2010 With lectures by music bloggers, small web-based record labels and brilliant showcases, ArtRebels counterpart to the old-school music conventions will be fireworks for the audience and could be a bomb under the standard approach of getting a hit-record.

Founder and director Carla Cammilla Hjort unfolds:

LET’S GET PHYSICAL….

Opening party, Dansens Dage, DANSEhallerne, April 29 2010

DO IT YOUR WAY ARTCAMP 2010, July 19-23, Copenhagen

“It will be a celebration of the music, innovation and time we live in. Many – especially major record labels have been terrified: ‘You steal the music! You download it for free!’ Instead of saying: ‘Cool! People from all over the world listen to our music – who ever likes us will buy our music or book a gig with us.’”

The whole industry is invited, and hopefully this will be the convention where people will be more open towards the new ways of releasing and promoting music.

Give us a week and we will help find your perspective.

Imagine stepping into a magical universe where paper cut creatures dance in the ceiling above you. The walls around you disappear in a groove of video and lights and the people next to you rollerblade and dance as they melt into the beats seeping out from the speakers.

This is the scene for the opening party for Dansens Dage(Days of the dance) on April 29 – a collaboration between ArtRebels, Dansescenen and the band and dance company [WEGO], that will be a transcending interaction between, dance, music and art. The event will host some of the best DJs, dancers and artist; Art installations by Karen Segal, Music by Fagget Fairys, Djuna Barnes and many more...

The aim is – besides having a blast – to focus on a way to communicate physically in a world that’s getting more digital and verbal than ever.

If you’re between 13 and 17 huge decisions are probably waiting just around the corner. Parents, teachers and politicians tell you to make up your mind, focus on education, exams and what you want to be in twenty years from now. But what if you want to do something else, or if you are not sure what to do at all?

“I think dance is such a spontaneous way to communicate and express yourself,” says coordinator, Dansens Dage, Anna Krarup.

We hope ARTCAMP will be a unique possibility for young people between 13 and 17 to get the self-esteem to peek into themselves and check up on what they like and really want to do in life. Hopefully we will get the financial support to make it happen, and if we do, you may get to express yourself artistically with different artists who will talk about their dreams, stories and experiences – amongst them Elena Cosevic (Fagget Fairys), winner of the Heinrich prize 2009. At age 20 she is the new Danish international club star, but more than that, she came to Denmark from Bosnia as a fugitive in 91.

“We tend to forget it in our everyday life. But it’s important. Sometimes body language can express tings even more honestly than words are able to.”

Arts and installations created during ARTCAMP will be showcased for parents and teachers and later on installed at TRAILERPARK festival this summer.

“When Fagget Fairys released Uzela/Samo Ti in 2007 we were world-famous in the underground within a week, just because of the music-blog-network. They posted us like crazy. 20 remixes was made by some of the best producers, and we didn’t even pay them. They did it for free. What an anarchy spreading over night!”

The music blogs do have great power especially when it comes to the electronic scene. Suddenly Fagget Fairys had gigs all over the world, and back in Denmark we try to peek in to that movement. By inviting some of the most influential music bloggers - and a bit of luck - we get a glimpse of what it means to run a blog and why they are so powerful.

The yet unnamed music convention will be in November – beware and enjoy.

For new updates go to www.artrebels.com/blog

BY MATHILDE HOLM

22 | ARTREBELS

volunteers

by mathilde holm photo: rune luk

Since we were founded in 2006 nearly 400 people have volunteered with different projects and ideas. It may have been a few hours here and there or entire year of hard work.We have peeked in to the archives to check up on why they volunteer.

DESTINATION FASHION WORLD

2 COOL 4 SCHOOL

Jeppe Uglevig, 16, volunteer at ArtRebels showroom 2009 and 2010

Sara Schelde, 21, has worked at the fashion branch since summer 2008

You rarely meet a pair of eyes with a more calm, secure and clarified look than the ones sitting on Jeppe Uglevig. In spite of being merely16 years he is extremely confident in himself and where he is going.

“I think I’ve always loved how you can express yourself through what you wear. I must have had every style – I always stood out – I really enjoy when people look at me twice,” said Jeppe Uglevig.

Summer 2009 and winter 2010 Jeppe volunteered to promote ArtRebels showroom during Copenhagen Fashion Week - equally to discover more about fashion promotion and to spend time in a capital more comfortable than his hometown – in some aspects. As coming out as a lad who fancied other lads was not an easy peasy cocktail to shoot in a small town like Ribe.

“I have lost a lot of friends coming out and standing out in general,” Jeppe said, “But something inside couldn’t accept I had to be like all the others: I couldn’t accept living in Ribe, wearing the same clothes as others, listening to the same music, talking about the same issues. Then, after high school finish my studies in Århus (the second largest city in Denmark), return to the village, have some kids – and then all over again. I quickly realized I couldn’t walk down that path.”

“I’m so proud to represent ArtRebels – I’m so proud to be a part of it.”

Sara Schelde slams her hand in the table just to prove she means it. She has been part of the fashion branch since summer 2008, and for a restless girl such as herself who dropped out of two schools during the same period that is pretty incredible. In fact sometimes she would skip school and head down to ArtRebels instead.

“I feel I gain more knowledge here than in school. Occasionally I get completely electric by the intensity I meet here. There is just so much left to learn and people to learn from. People are just not that dedicated in school.”

Hanging out in the rebel camp made him fascinated by fashion promotion, which is where he is headed now at some point after high school. And though he loves the energy amongst the rebels he also declares that ArtRebels is just not “fashion” enough.

“I think ArtRebels is very street. And you can call me a lot of things. But street is just not one of them.”

Continuously Sara has gained more responsibility. She started by counting the inventory and this year she lead ArtRebels Showroom during Copenhagen Fashion Week. While her responsibility increased so did her faith in herself.

“The warmth I meet here is astonishing. Your work is truly appreciated and you get feedback on whatever you do. It makes me feel more confident in my decisions. I don’t necessarily have to ask if I do the right thing – I just do it.”

During her rebel-time she realized her heart lies in marketing. This summer she expects to begin her studies at Copenhagen Business School. Meanwhile she still picks from her fellow rebels’ brains like one of her first encounters with ArtRebels at a nightclub in Copenhagen.

“I think it was the first time I meet Ditte (see other portrait). We were at this nightclub and she kept talking about how vodka - mineral water was the best drink on earth ... vodka - mineral water is all I drink today.”

MADE IN TRAILERPARK Ditte Hegelund – aka the Bandit, 30 years old, fulltime volunteer in Artrebels - events and promotion for between 2007-2009 “It was a dream to build this community - to watch it grow - in yourself - around you - and out in the city.”

9-months old Sonja, babbles while her mother Ditte Hegelund looks back at the time she helped kick-start ArtRebels for two years with promotion, events and press as a fulltime-volunteer-rebel.

“I think it was right for me at that period. I lived from day to day. If I needed money I arranged a party - and hoped enough people would drop by so we could profit a bit from it – But I can’t live like that anymore.”

And clearly she does not live like that anymore. Night-life is replaced by sleep, and the day-to-day-living by business studies. - A huge transformation from the girl who dropped out of society’s wishes and expectation at age 16 by merely finishing primary school, and instead

strolled down her own path away from high school – in order to promote the Danish film company Zentropa and arrange events in the nightlife of Copenhagen.

But somehow the turning point is closely linked with ArtRebels. It stems from our annual TRAILERPARK FESTIVAL in 2008 where Ditte was helping out with her boyfriend Frederik.

“I remember we were working like dogs during the day, and during the night, we were partying like... well, how should I put it… Actually Sonja was made on the festival that year - in one of the caravans.”

Even though Ditte misses her previous life, motherhood is just more important.

“To meet somebody in your life that is you, and whom you love so much, makes you prioritize differently. I want to know who she is, and I also want her to know who I am.”

Ditte is now starting up a market in the Meat Packing District of Copenhagen – definitely a project with less music, smoke and beer.

Ditte was a fulltime rebel for two years and loved it. However she would not volunteer so intensively again as money changed it’s value when her daughter Sonja was born. She lays in the baby carriage – next to her dad Frederik.