Bristol music artist scoops £10K arts council grant

Bristol music artist KALA CHNG has been awarded a £10,000 grant – just weeks after signing a new record deal in China.

Kala, who is an ambassador with the West of England China Bureau, has received an Arts Council “Developing Your Creative Practice” grant.

The award comes only weeks after she released her album “Empress” in China, after signing to the Starsing record label, based in Bristol’s Sister City of Guangzhou. Starsing launched in 1997 and has an impressive roster of homegrown talent alongside major Western artists including Taylor Swift and The Beatles.

KALA CHNG is the stage name of Knowle West-born Makala Cheung, who has been a prominent figure on Bristol’s music scene over the past decade.

“I’m so happy - after ten years of hard slog it feels like my work is being recognised,” she said.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported me so far and I hope to make my neighbourhood, city, and the UK Chinese community proud.

“I’m excited to be able to spend some time over the next six months developing my performances and sharing what I come up with, as well as accessing creative training and buying some equipment.”

“We’re delighted to support KALA CHNG through our DYCP fund,” said Phil Gibby, area director, Arts Council England.

“The award supports independent creative practitioners from a range of backgrounds to ensure excellence is thriving in the arts and culture sector.

“Through her innovative approach to music, Kala contributes to the Arts Council’s commitment to diversity within the arts whilst being an exemplar of Bristol’s rich and diverse musical talent.”

Dianne Francombe, chief executive of the West of England China Bureau, added: “Kala has worked incredibly hard over the past decade to establish herself on the Bristol music scene and this award from the Arts Council is richly deserved. Her record deal will enable her to strengthen cultural links and bring Bristol music to a potentially vast new audience.”