Press Release: As Kala Sangam celebrates its past, the company announces a new creative vision and leadership
To coincide with its 25th birthday celebrations, Kala Sangam – Bradford’s Intercultural Arts Centre – today sets out a new, exciting creative vision for the company. Looking to build on its outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality South Asian arts, the organisation has launched three clear programming strands that will inform everything the company does.
The company’s This Is Bradford strand will look to place Kala Sangam at the heart of arts delivery in the city, engaging with communities throughout the city and offering a more diverse programme. Under the South Asia Now strand, Kala Sangam will continue to bring the best South Asian work to Bradford, whilst increasing its support for British artists of South Asian descent. Finally, the organisation’s British Diversity strand aims to make sure the venue is at the forefront of what it means to live in Britain today – and that stories of all people are being told.
Underpinning this new vision for the company is a change in leadership for the organisation. It has been announced that Chief Executive Officer Ajit Singh left the charity on 17 October 2018, on the completion of 20 years’ service.
Ajit joined Kala Sangam on 1 October 1998 as a young graduate, progressing to become Chief Executive Officer. During this time, together with Kala Sangam founder Dr Geetha Upadhyaya, he oversaw the capital development project which has enabled Kala Sangam to become the vibrant Arts Centre it is today.
Caroline Harrison, Chair of Kala Sangam’s Board of Trustees said: “The Board would like to thank Ajit for his long standing service to Kala Sangam. As we celebrate our 25 year anniversary, his decision to step down after 20 years’ service allows the organisation to look to the future with a new vision.”
Following Ajit’s departure, Alex Croft will assume the role of Creative Director. Having joined the company in 2017 he has overseen the creation of the new artistic strategy which has seen audience numbers nearly double and a large increase in the number of artists the company supports.
Kala Sangam celebrates its 25th birthday with a free day of events and workshops on Friday 26th October, for more information please visit www.kalasangam.org/25th-birthday.
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