The Weapons of Mass Creation Fest is the premier art, design, and music event in the Midwest. Now in its fourth year, 1,200+ attendees will descend upon Cleveland for three days in August to see 20 speakers, 20 designers, and over 30 bands. Creative professionals, entrepreneurs, musicians, artists, students, and fans will gather to learn, get inspired, collaborate, network, and celebrate together.
WMC Fest was founded by Go Media designer and partner Jeff Finley in 2010 as a passionate side project. In 2011 he brought in Jesse Sloan to handle the music portion and Joseph Hughes to help organize the speakers. In 2012, Todd Gauman of NeoVentures signed on as event director.
The Goal of WMC Fest
Weapons of Mass Creation is a young grassroots movement to inspire and enable the creative mind. We believe that good things happen when ideas and talents are shared within the community. This mentality manifests itself in the lifestyle of a Weapon of Mass Creation. A person who defies the hand they’re dealt and makes stuff happen.
Once a year, we have WMC Fest; the annual gathering of this community right here in Cleveland, OH. We celebrate and showcase the creative visionaries who embody this lifestyle. We bring the movement to the masses. Some have compared WMC Fest to SXSW, Brooklyn Beta, FITC, or the 99% Conference but with an indie/diy flavor. We aren’t exactly trying to be like them, but the comparison is flattering nonetheless. It’s part conference, part concert, part art show, and part festival. It’s simply WMC Fest!
WMC Fest is about Inspiring and Helping Others
This is where leaders are born. We’ve hand picked 20 inspiring visionaries to present their work and their ideas. Attendees will enjoy 10 inspiring talks per day on the subjects of graphic design, art, entrepreneurship, leadership, productivity, creativity, and more. Creative leaders both local and national will take part.
WMC Fest is about forward-thinking Art & Design
WMC also includes a jaw-dropping art and design show highlighting both local and regional talent. You can expect to see some amazing work. This won’t be like your typical art show with oil paintings, crafts, or abstract modern art. Think album art, t-shirt design, typography, poster art, toy design, fashion design, and illustration.
WMC Fest is about Incredible Music
WMC Fest is a place you go to experience raw and authentic music so intimate that it gives you chills. Musically, expect a diverse and creative sound with a proudly independent spirit.
WMC Fest is about Expression
WMC Fest is about creative movement. Since 2010, break dancing has been a big part of WMC. Experience freestyle cyphers, a kids breakdance competition, and crew battles for cash prizes. Bboys and Bgirls from around the country come in to take part.
