What we would like to achieve is to create a global network of independent artists, labels, agencies, promoters, magazines, clubs, webradiostations a.o.

We call it the Nu Music & Media Network. For us Nu Music is nu-jazz, broken beat, acid jazz, nu-soul, funk, dub, electronic music, alternative hip hop and all kinds of contemporary crossover styles ranging from world music to poetry and freeform singer-songwriter. Besides these music styles the network will include film, live-video, animation, (break) dance, live-painting, poetry, fashion and nu-lifestyle related issues.

We believe that the music industry is changing. Artists strive to find a direct and natural way to communicate with the people. It is already happening through the internet. The "old" industry responds by only promoting a few major acts and not investing in new talent. This is evident in the music shops, the magazines, the concert halls, the festivals, on the radio and television; almost everywhere it is the same story.

The people that are looking for interesting new stuff still struggle to find a way to get in touch with the right shops, channels, websites, magazines etc. There is so much out there. What we need is a new platform to present and represent the best new talent from all the nu-styles.

There are so many interesting new projects going on. They are like little beautiful islands of music in a huge ocean. There are a lot of reasons to leave it like this. At the same time some of these talents are waiting to spread their wings and explore the world.

We need a new kind of system and a new kind of marketing to stimulate this process. A good start is to organize a meeting point where these artists and nu music related people and organizations can come together to share inspiration and ideas. This method will be a platform to encourage new ways of working.

We call it the Numoonfest. For one week there will be presentations, workshops, expos and showcases in Lantaren/Venster and different clubs and venues in the centre of the city. The period will be the beginning of December 2006.

The City of Rotterdam is the perfect location to do this. For decades it boosts the largest port in the world. A place where people from many cultures and beliefs have learned to live and work together. Rotterdam is also known as "the gateway to Europe".

Imagine what the independents can do working together, sharing experience, information networking. Together they will represent a massive creative connection that can really make an interesting difference. All these small networks together represent the future.

Considering the signs of the times this world is in need of new creative visions. Inspiration has always been the instrument of freedom and compassion. Different ideas and cultures can easily get together through music. They will sound like one mind, one heart and one voice.

It will not be easy to make everybody work together. We all know about artistic egos, creative competition and the deeply rooted resistance against any commercial system. That's why we will focus on artists and organizations that are really ready for working together.

We will be open for all kinds of contributions. Even some pioneers from the major music industry are already preparing for this creative revolution. They will help us because they once got into the business for the right reasons.

Somewhere out there is a new Miles Davis working and waiting for the right moment, the right platform and the right network to represent his visionary ideas. He or she may be fourteen years old and may be from any country, making any kind of music. The people from around the world are waiting to hear his or her music. They are ready for the real thing.

With your help we can make this happen!