FESTIVAL2FUNKY RETURNS FOR AN 11TH YEAR WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL ARTISTS TO GET INVOLVED AND GET HEARD

Now in its 11th year, Festival2Funky 2024 will be a 3-day celebration of Black music and arts, running from 24-26 May and is encouraging new and emerging (particularly female and LGBTQIA) artists to get involved and help represent Leicester’s thriving music scene. People interested in volunteering are also encouraged to get in touch and take part.

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Managed by 2Funky Arts, this year’s festival will offer a feast of cross-genre collaborations, experimental fusions, and vibrant artist networks. Performances will be hosted at 2Funky Complex in Leicester’s multicultural West End.

Festival2Funky will embrace black music genres, including hip-hop, dub, UKG, amapiano, dancehall, jungle, afrobeat, jazz, soul, R&B, grime, and drum & bass. Exhilarating live performances across these styles will feature alongside a graffiti workshop, family rave, high profile headliners, and much more. Dance battle ‘For the Funk of It’ will present jaw-dropping hip-hop dance moves, while Lyrical Slam will include poets & rappers, with artists performing for industry judges. This year will also include the festival’s second LGBTQIA+ artist showcase, featuring artist commissions allowing artists from underrepresented communities to develop and showcase their sound.

Vijay Mistry, Managing Director of 2Funky Arts, said, “We are on the lookout for female performers and artists to take part in this year’s festival as well as 2 artists, who identify as LGBTQIA+, to each develop a new 5–8-minute vocal performance piece using black music styles. This will be showcased, as part of a longer (20-minute) set, in a dedicated festival showcase.”

It is hoped that the 11th Festival2Funky will be the most diverse and inclusive festival yet, with cross-genre collaborations, experimental fusions, a vibrant network of artists, and the return of a dedicated LGBTQIA+ event.

“There are events for all ages and interests, from those who are familiar with the music scene to those who want to learn and discover something new. It’s a great opportunity to get involved and support emerging artists in the area.” Continued Vijay.

As well as looking out for new and emerging artists, people interested in volunteering are also encouraged to get in touch, take part and get engaged with live music in their area.

Festival2Funky 2024 Callouts – deadline 31st Match 2024

LGBTQIA+ Artist Commission

We are on the lookout for 2 artists, who identify as LGBTQIA+, to each develop a new 5-8 minute vocal performance piece using black music styles. This will be showcased, as part of a longer (20 minute) set, in a dedicated festival showcase. Each artist will also be asked to proactively publicise this event in a series of social media posts, so must have a strong online presence.

To be eligible, you must also be aged 18+, be a vocal artist (rap or singing), reside in the East Midlands and free for the festival dates. The fee for each performance and marketing opportunity is £500 per artist.

For more information, please email us on [email protected] or fill out this application form: https://i.mtr.cool/swqolbfmik

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Festival2Funky Female Artists & Programmers Application

We are on the lookout for female artists and programmers to be part of this year’s festival.

To be eligible, you must also be aged 18+, reside in the East Midlands, work across Black music genres and free for the festival dates. (May 24th-26th)

For more information, please email us on [email protected] or fill out this application form: – https://i.mtr.cool/qpfwayzcsy