About the Programme
The Darbar Emerging Artists Programme is a structured support initiative for outstanding emerging Indian classical musicians in the UK.
It exists to close a well-documented equity gap: while Western classical musicians progress through a funded pathway of specialist schools, conservatoires and emerging-artist schemes, comparable infrastructure for Indian classical music has historically not existed. The programme provides a clear, fee-free route through advanced learning, real performance platforms, professional development and financial support.Â
Deadline: 19 June 2026 5:00pm UKT
This programme is only applicable for UK based Indian classical musicians.
From a musician to a performer
Designed to support artists in their transition from talented students to sustainable professional performers, the programme combines traditional guru–shishya training with the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to build a successful career today.
What You Get
The four main intensive modules of the programme that is designed to kick start your musical career
01 Advanced Learning
Intensive skills training, mentorship and access to Darbar’s archive
02 Performance Platforms
Curated opportunities to perform at Darbar Festival ancillary events, in Leicester and at partnership concerts
03 Professional Development
The working musician, marketing and brand, sound technology, wellbeing, and funding readiness.
04 Financial Support
Guided support to access external funding, including the Arts Council England DYCP grant
A programme providing essential skills for your music career
The Summer 2026 cohort runs from June to September 2026, delivered at the Darbar Arts Lab in Hayes and selected partner venues. The programme is structured around six core components, each outlined below, and is grounded in Darbar’s established Four Pillars model
Eligibility
This programme is currently available only to UK-based musicians due to the location of the Darbar Arts Lab and eligibility requirements associated with funding from UK-based funding bodies.
Aged 18 to 30 at the point of application.Â
Indian classical music only. Open to all recognised traditions, Hindustani, Carnatic and Dhrupad and to percussionists. Vocalists and instrumentalists are equally welcome. Dance is not included in this programme.Â
Demonstrable experience, with a CV that shows serious commitment to your art and that you are on the cusp of performing professionally
Able to attend the full one-week intensive (August) and the key programme dates across June to September 2026.Â
The right to live and work in the UK, so that paid performance opportunities can be taken up.Â
What we look for
Evidence of serious, sustained practice and study — ideally with a recognised teacher or guru, reflecting the guru-shishya tradition
A body of performance experience appropriate to your stage, recitals, accompaniment, competitions or recordings. Aged 18 to 30 at the point of application
Readiness to take the step from advanced student to emerging professional, with clear motivation to use the programme to do so
The potential to benefit from, and contribute to, a small peer cohort of 6–8 artists
Support us in bringing this work to a global audiences
Every donation helps Darbar bring this work to those who need it most, audiences for whom access to such spaces and experiences is not always possible