Originating as the Brighton Hip Hop Festival (BHHF) in 2004 and rebranded in 2008, Rising Styles (RS) has become the UK’s largest annual celebration of International Hip Hop culture. In the past few years the one-week festival has gone from strength to strength and is recognised as a must attend event for all Hip Hop enthusiasts, as well as anyone with an interest in the many art forms that are comprised within the culture.
Organised by arts development agency KALA PHOOL, Rising Styles exists as ‘not for profit’ to celebrate the richness, strength and diversity of Hip Hop culture, with many of its events free to attend. Historically the festival has been supported by a range of the large public funders, sponsors and businesses.
Rising Styles into the future
Building on the success of previous years, Rising Styles has developed a fantastic line up of high profile events, designed to appeal to audiences new and old. They have included:
- Fresh Styles Hip Hop Film Festival
- Poetry and MC shows
- Youth workshops in music production, MC-ing, DJ-ing, breakdancing and art and design
- Live public art including Frieze Box
- Battlejam (a day long breakdance event)
- Art Exhibition
- Hip Hop Foundation (educational programme)
- Festival CD
- Performances – indoor & outdoor
- Conversations
- Meeting Up sessions
2009 saw Rising Styles move to October with a new format.
The natural evolution of Rising Styles has allowed the artforms within it to grow but as a team, Rising Styles will only deliver where there is a demand, want and interest. This way of working has enabled many artists and events within the large programme to thrive and bring in a varied audience from across the globe.
Sponsorship
As a not for profit festival run by a small team of volunteers and the need for financial support is immense. If you are a sponsor who wants to connect with this dynamic sector and varied audience then do get in touch. This is your opportunity to be a part of something spectacular that shouts from the rooftops its commitment to Hip Hop’s grassroot beginnings and become a festival Hero.
Find out more at the Rising Styles website.
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