Outcome Unknown is a concert series of experimental music based in Noongar Boodja, Perth, Western Australia. The concerts foreground improvisation and program the work of artists from different musical and artistic practices, including dance, spoken-word, and visuals. Over the years, it has become a supporter and documentarian of the experimental community in Perth and regional Western Australia.
Outcome Unknown was founded by Peruvian-Australian musician Eduardo Cossio in 2016. The series started with the premise that improvisation can help break down perceived barriers between disciplines and/or musical genre. The series is committed to platforming emerging as well as more established artists. Poets, dancers, and visual artists have also been invited to present work, many times collaborating with musicians.
Since 2018, Outcome Unknown has conducted six regional tours. The tours presented workshops and concerts in communities that have received little exposure to sound-improvisation. Perth and regional musicians were featured at these events. For its work in regional areas, Outcome Unknown received a nomination for Industry Representative of the Year at the WA Music Awards in 2018.
During the lockdown in 2020, Outcome Unknown continued its activities online. It presented talks with local and national artists discussing their work in participatory online setting. In recent years, the series has expanded its remit by collaborating with DADAA (Disability in the Arts, Disadvantage in the Arts Australia). With Outcome Unknown as producer, The Definitives - an experimental outfit based at DADAA Midland - presented their music at Audible Edge Festival of Sound (2022, 2024), Safe in Sound Festival (2024, Melbourne), and RTRFM’s In The Pines (2025)
An important concern in the series is to create exchange with musicians from different generations. In 2021 Outcome Unknown screened The Well-Weathered Piano (2015) a documentary on the music of composer, poet and Zen master, Ross Bolleter. In 2023, Outcome Unknown produced the debut performance of Mushroom Music (1971) an experimental piece for ensemble and tape by Antoinette Carrier.
Between 2018 and 2024, Outcome Unknown received support from Tura New Music to conduct its activities. It has also worked closely with other WA organisations such as Tone List, NoizeMaschin!!, West Australian Music (WAM), and extended its networks into regional cultural centres.
Outcome Unknown is a supporter, advocate, and documentarian of the experimental musical cultures in Western Australia.
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