The ART:sync vision is to align culturally diverse communities with high-quality arts activity with the aim of mainstreaming diversity in the arts. The collective are committed to making diverse artforms accessible to diverse audiences; extending the existing range of opportunities for participation and inclusion to address the current gaps in cultural provision.
ART:sync Aims
To generate greater visibility and opportunity for artists of culturally diverse backgrounds in the mainstream arts arena. To develop successful, inspiring and sustainable campaigns to promote the wider engagement, representation and participation of diverse communities in the cultural sector. To advocate for greater equity in the cultural sector. To inspire and support the professional and creative development of artists. To secure resources in order to maintain and increase inclusive arts activities.
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.
MI21 is a dynamic live audio/visual project to re-score and re-visualize the groundbreaking ‘tour-de-force’ of Indian cinematic history ‘Mother India’.
Nominated for an Oscar for best Foreign Film in 1957, the film came to symbolise the post-colonial Indian psyche interpreted through the ambitions, struggles, compassion and sheer will to survive of the central ‘Mother’ character Radha. Profoundly influential, Mother India was lauded for its stunning cinematography, indelible soundtrack and powerful and dramatic storyline.
KALA PHOOL has brought the film to one of the world’s leading Turntablists; DJ Tigerstyle, to reinterpret the score through a unique live electronic performance. Former World DMC Champion Tigerstyle will use his phenomenal DJ skills and musical vision to remix the score with Matt Constantine on keyboards and cello, with David Shaw on drums. Film edited by Josh Ford. Presenting the film to a contemporary audience, whilst preserving the power and vitality of the original piece is the key to this work. At 45minutes in length, MI21 will engage you through the music to understand how dynamic a story the film has to tell.
2009 was the highly acclaimed sell out UK tour for MI21 with thousands of people experience this for themselves. Plans for 2010 include taking MI21 across international territories along with some exclusive UK dates.
MI21 was taken to the mighty shores of Australia in 2010 with a short residency at Melbourne’s famous, Victoria Arts Centre. There we built a site specific stage, the staff were unbelievable and thoroughly looked after us all, and the crowd were amazing. A truly electrifying experience for the MI21 crew. After Melbourne we jetted off to Sydney and performed at the awe inspiring Sydney Opera House.
The Australian tour was co-sponsored by British Council Australia and by the venues dipping into their pockets – all in all the collaboration was a special one.
2011 is proving to be just as exciting with lots of inquiries. As and when things get locked down we will update our info for you. In the meantime, thank you to everyone from around the globe who have come forward showing their support and need for such a project. MI21 has always, and hopefully continue to be, a project for the masses – its not a commercial venture but one of love and respect for such a unique and powerful piece of cinema history.
If you are a venue, festival, arts centre, film festival, film programmer or anyone who would consider this work as part of their programme, do get in touch.
Press Contact
For all MI21 2009 UK TOUR press support please contact:
