About

What We Do

Art Asia has a long and respected reputation for delivering engaging, exciting South Asian Arts across the Southern region of the UK.

Our work includes:

  • The annual Southampton Mela Festival.
  • Classes in South Asian music and dance.
  • Music, dance and drama performances featuring the best local, national and international artists.
  • Music and dance workshops, demonstrations and performances for schools and community groups.
  • Projects that bring South Asian Arts to the forefront.

Our Mission

Our mission is to communicate the exciting experience of South Asian Arts to the widest possible audience.

Our work aspires to be entertaining, surprising and to celebrate our belief that the Arts of South Asia are universal in their appeal. Throughout our history we have risen to many challenges, and as a thriving organisation we continue to learn and explore. We wish to develop the traditional, contemporary and experimental practice of artists in the UK and abroad by commissioning and showcasing the best, the unexpected and the unknown.

Our membership is a great way to help us continue to offer a range of South Asian arts experiences that wouldn’t happen without us.

Become A Member

Our Aims

  • To create access to South Asian arts for all

  • To create a thriving, South Asian arts scene in the region

  • To address access in a holistic way

  • To encourage and nurture local talent

  • To ensure we have a flexible and positive attitude

  • To promote a positive image of South Asian arts

Our Team

  • Dahlia Jamil

    Chief Executive

  • Dr Pooja Angra

    Arts and Education Development Officer

  • Matt Sanger

    Mela Production

  • Donna Chant

    Operations Manager

  • Sabia Khandaker

    Mela Admin

  • Sarah Lomas

    Marketing & Communications

Board of Directors

  • Meena Vashisht

    Chair

  • Shelagh Lee

    Vice Chair

  • Shishir Yadav

    Director

  • Subhash Verma

    Treasurer

  • Anu Kunjur

    Director

  • Latha Davda

    Director

  • Swarna Prasad

    Director

  • Arzoo Iqbal

    Director

Supporter And Sponsor As An Individual

Art Asia is funded by Arts Council England and Southampton City Council. There are various ways you can support Art Asia.

Membership

Our membership is a great way to hear about all things Art Asia! To find out about our membership email admin@artasia.org.uk

Email Subscription

If you would like to hear more about Art Asia and what we do join our mailing list.

Coming to Events

Is one of the best ways for you to show your support and we do love to see you.

Volunteering

Is fun and a great way to be part of a creative, driven and friendly team, to find out more email admin@artasia.org.uk

Supporter And Sponsor As A Business

The Southampton Mela Festival.

The Mela Festival is a free one-day event celebrating the culture and creativity of the South’s Asian communities. Each year, over 20,000 people from many diverse cultures attend the Mela Festival, each year we aim to attract even more people from across the South and being in the heart of the city centre we draw in plenty of passers-by and shoppers.

This event is a unique opportunity for you to reach out to thousands of people. As one of the sponsors of the festival you would have the opportunity to make use of a range of sponsorship initiatives that will further promote the work you do and give information to thousands of people.