Aarathy Arun : Early Career Promoter Fund
Concise Description: Carnatic concert with international vocalist and local percussion and string artists, one rehearsal, two fusion gigs, and Samarpana showcase
Bio: Arathi Ashok (stage name – Aarathy Arun) is a musician, dancer, educator and festival producer based in the West Midlands, with around 10 years’ experience delivering grassroots cultural events. Over the past decade, she has produced approximately 10 independent events, building practical expertise in programming, artist liaison and community engagement. Alongside her creative practice, she is increasingly focused on championing Indian classical and contemporary music within local community settings. While experienced as an artist and festival producer, this project marks her first dedicated development opportunity as a music promoter, supported by the PRS Foundation’s Early Career Promoter Fund.
Through this funding, Aarathy Arun will present a vibrant series of Indian classical and contemporary music events at venues in Birmingham and Worcestershire. The programme centres on a Carnatic vocal concert, preceded by a rehearsal process, featuring an international vocalist from India accompanied by local violin and percussion artists. The concert will also showcase vocalists from the West Midlands, presenting short pieces as part of the evening’s programme, ensuring regional talent is highlighted alongside established artistry. In addition, two informal classical–contemporary fusion gigs will create space for local musicians to experiment with Indian classical elements in a collaborative and exploratory setting. The new work developed through these performances will then be showcased as part of the annual Samarpana Indian Arts Festival at Dudley Evolve Theatre, reaching a wider festival audience.
Committed to fairness and sustainability, Aarathy Arun ensures artists are compensated in line with industry standards and actively manages contracting, PRS processes, marketing and audience evaluation. This structured approach supports both artistic growth and the long-term development of sustainable grassroots Indian music programming in the region.