Antonio Chikhungu: Early Career Promoter Fund
Concise Description of activity: A travelling event concept connecting local regions through interconnected series of in sync curation, artists perform in hometown and another local town/city
Bio: I am Antonio Chikhungu a cultural producer, community organiser, and arts curator focused on elevating diasporic voices through music, art, and event production. My work centres on creating inclusive, immersive spaces that nurture creativity, build community, and connect audiences with emerging talent. With PRS Foundation’s support, I will deliver Diaspora Unbound: South Coast Tour, a series of three interconnected live events across Southampton, Portsmouth, and Bournemouth. Each event will feature a carefully curated line-up of regional acts, emerging talent, and a headliner, celebrating diasporic music and global sounds while giving local artists a high-quality platform to perform. Planning will begin in November 2025 or as soon as funding is confirmed, allowing time to secure venues, confirm artists, and build a targeted marketing strategy. The first event will take place in Southampton in late February 2026, followed by a Portsmouth showcase in late March, and a final Bournemouth event in late April. These dates are intentionally spaced to allow momentum to build between events while keeping audience engagement consistent.Each event will combine live music with visual elements, stage design, and local vendors to create a fully immersive experience. A post-event review in early May will gather audience and artist feedback, document learning, and shape future programming. Funding will cover fair artist fees, venue hire, technical production, and marketing, ensuring that each show is professionally delivered, accessible, and welcoming. This project will strengthen the region’s cultural ecosystem, grow a new audience for diasporic music, and lay the groundwork for future touring activity across the UK.