Hope Masike at Global Mashups, Incubate 2011

International development organisation Hivos works with different civil society organisations in countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to achieve a free, fair and sustainable world. For Hivos, culture and arts play a vital role in building democratic societies because they encourage creativity and create spaces for dialogue, debate and social change. Hivos therefore supports worldwide independent initiatives that focus on cultural activism, contemporary and innovative art and cultural projects, as well as cultural networks.

Initiatives within the Netherlands
Hivos supports various cultural initiatives in the Netherlands, such as the Global Mashups vol. II at Incubate festival. Incubate was chosen because it provides a platform for inspiring international debates and cooperation in Tilburg. Global Mashups vol. II and its initiating Generation Bass-platform give artists from all over the world a fantastic opportunity to share their ideas, visions and know-how within culture and music. These last two initiatives also give artists access to the professional international music market, so especially musicians from the global South can generate extra income while presenting their music to an international audience.

About Global Mashups Vol. II
After last year’s success of Global Mashups at Incubate, Generation Bass presents Global Mashups vol. II. Incubate will bring together vocalists, artists and producers from India and Indonesia, and have them work with upcoming stars in modern dance genres like dubstep, skweee, moombahton and tropical house. We’re proud to announce this amazing list of collaborations:

Kelpe (UK) &Shreyas Dave (IN)
Kangding Ray (FR) &MayurNarvekar (IN)
d’Eon (CAN) &RunaRizvi (IN)
Gang Colours (UK) & Mahesh Vinayakram (IN)
Xander Harris (USA) & Nova Ruth (ID)
NekiStranac (SLO) & Mc Bellal (ID)

These artist couples will work closely together to create new musical works. This new material will be previewed live at the Incubate Festival. On Thursday, September 13 and Friday, September 14, the artists will perform at the Studio-venue for the international audience of Incubate. On Friday, some of the artists will also speak their mind in a panel that focuses on ‘How internet changes the way Western and non-Western artists collaborate’. Does the internet really empower the non-Western music and culture, and does it create new opportunities for the artists, or does it break down their traditional culture, getting more and more mixed with Western influences? Later in 2012, a collective release will appear with music from these couples.

Strengthen more voices
The Incubate festival fits in perfectly with Hivos’ philosophy of giving people the opportunity to freely express themselves. It organizes debates, workshops and concerts, and gives musicians from various parts of the world a chance to tell their own story. There should be no limit to freedom of expression. See how you can help Hivos strengthen more voices at hivos.nl/en.