Midlands Artists Sought to Take Part in Powerful Black History Month Tour

2Funky Arts is launching an exciting paid opportunity for artists of Black, African and Caribbean heritage to be part of their acclaimed, annual And Still I Rise Midlands tour – a production for Black History Month. Ten outstanding creatives will be selected to present powerful new work – celebrating the strength, spirit and vibrancy of Black culture.

Ingrid 3.jpg

Each artist will develop an original 6–7-minute performance, exploring themes of identity, heritage and liberation. Inspired by Maya Angelou’s iconic poem Still I Rise, Black history and/or personal experience, the programme offers a platform for bold voices to be seen and heard.

The tour will travel across four cities in the Midlands:

• Fri 2nd October – Birmingham MAC
• Fri 16th October – Derby Theatre
• Friday 23rd October – Leicester, The Y Theatre
• Thursday 29th October – Nottingham Arts Theatre

All performance styles are welcome – including poetry, music, dance, and theatre. Selected artists will receive £500 to develop and rehearse their work, plus £200 for each performance.

Applicants must be aged 18 or over and based in the Midlands and available for the full run of tour dates.

Speaking about the project, 2Funky Arts Director Vijay Mistry said: “And Still I Rise is our flagship annual touring production, which inspires audiences each year and showcases new talent. It’s a great opportunity for emerging artists to present their work on a high-profile platform and explore important themes as part of Black History Month.”

DEADLINE TO APPLY – Friday 26th June 2026

Artists will also be required to attend:

a rehearsal feedback session on Saturday 12th September 12pm – 4pm (Artists will be paid £70 to attend this plus travel from outside of Leicester)
and an online evaluation meeting on Monday 27th October 6pm – 7pm
For more info & to apply visit – 2funkyarts.co.uk