After a public call for submissions, Kala Sangam has unveiled the names of the nine artists who will comprise the company’s inaugural Artist Advisory Group. This diverse group, representing a wide spectrum of artistic disciplines including dance, writing, music, and theatre, will offer advice and assistance to Kala Sangam’s programming team as they progress towards the launch of Bradford Arts Centre in the coming year.

The Artist Advisory Group is scheduled to convene twice yearly to give feedback and contribute to Kala Sangam’s programming decisions. They will also further guide how to enhance their support for artists and creators. Their role will ensure that all the work at Bradford Arts Centre aligns with the Programming Strands, a key aspect of our mission. These strands include South Asia Now, This is Bradford and British Diversity. Additionally, they will assist in integrating sustainability more effectively into the artistic program.

The nine artists collectively possess extensive experience and expertise in various art forms such as Classical Indian performance, contemporary dance, theatre, folk music, and opera. This wealth of knowledge and skill, combined with their diverse backgrounds, ensures that the Artist Advisory Group is well-equipped to guide the artistic direction of Bradford Arts Centre.

Alex Croft, Creative Director, said: “We were blown away with the number and quality of applications we received to join our Artist Advisory Group. 

“The strength and depth of applications means we’ve assembled an incredible group of artists with a real breadth of experience and knowledge. While some are familiar with our work, some are new to the company and Bradford and should hopefully bring some exciting perspectives to our discussions.”

Kala Sangam has a strong tradition of nurturing South Asian arts and has ensured that the Artist Advisory group possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to guide this initiative well into the future as part of the Bradford Arts Centre. They are thrilled to welcome talented artists from across the country to the group, offering a variety of perspectives and a wide range of lived experiences to contribute.