Who We Are: About SAA-uk
HISTORY OF THE ORGANISATION
Foundations, Growth and Achievements
SAA-uk was established in Leeds, England in June 1997 as a charity and a company limited by guarantee. The mission of the organisation is “to promote engagement with traditional and contemporary South Asian arts.” Since 1997, SAA-uk has been delivering a diverse range of programmes and participatory activities for Children, Young people and their respective families through education programmes, concerts and investing in South Asian arts development. We believe that the arts have the power to transform and enable individuals to transcend boundaries and limitations, and that engagement in the arts empowers children and young people to contribute positively to society. We also believe South Asian culture is integral to the UK’s cutural diversity and deserves to be championed. SAA-uk is committed to its regional base in Yorkshire and continues to grow and work in partnership with organisations and community groups in order to provide opportunities for all members of society to participate in the arts.
Images from left: Leeds Centre for Indian Music and Dance logo (1997), Sangeet Tabla - final performance (November 2002), SAA-uk logo (2002), Raagtime (2004), SAA-uk logo (2007)
Achievements since the organisation’s inception in June 1997 include:
1997-98 – Leeds Centre for Indian Music and Dance (LCIMD) became a Registered Charity
1998-99 – First International Summer School – invitation of top artists from India for an intensive week-long music retreat
1999-00 – First International Summer Festival – following on from the Summer School the previous year
2000-01 – LCIMD became an Arts Council England Regularly Funded Organisation (RFO) and the launch of youth education projects ‘Sangeet Tabla’ and ‘Hissa’
2001-02 – Launch of ‘Baithak’ series at West Yorkshire Playhouse plus ‘Dr. Carnival’ and ‘Celebrating the Spirit’ – both citywide projects involving collaborations between LCIMD and local and national World Musicians and communities
2002-03 – change of organisation’s name to ‘South Asian Arts-uk’ (SAA-uk) plus SAA-uk co-founded South Asian Music Consortium (SAMC), delivery of training for Samyo, the national South Asian Music Youth Orchestra and the end of ‘Sangeet Tabla’
2003-04 – increased staffing levels and International Winter Retreat – taking South Asian music students from the UK to Kolkata, India
2004-05 – restructuring, reorganisation and definition of SAA-uk’s artistic commitments together with ‘FuseLeeds04’ and ‘Raagtime’ commission plus, SAA-uk is acknowledged by HRH Queen Elizabeth II for its contribution to the UK music industry.
2005-06 – development of marketing strategy, securing core funding for Education and Outreach post plus Bollywood Fever and Culture Bazaar – continuing work in the communities of Yorkshire and beyond
2006-07 – Planning for the future – Organisational Development Project funding secured. SAA-uk spreads its wings…
2007-08 – Happy 10th Birthday! and rebranding of SAA-uk plus Concert Series celebrating South Asian Arts over the past 10 years, a major collaboration with the Hallé Orchestra and delivery of Gallery 37 plus ‘Mumbai Mix’ summer programme for young people
2008-09 – continuation of the Concert Series, 10th Annual Community Music Summer School, Gallery 37 plus ‘Mumbai Re-Mix’ summer programme and the launch of an exciting partnership with Opera North (Leeds)
SAA-uk’s unique position is further defined through the following:
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
- consistent high quality delivery of artistic work – both classical and contemporary
- trust and loyalty of freelance artists towards SAA-uk
- excellent profile and reputation of the organisation among South Asian communities, educational establishments, community and arts organisations and funders
- ability to attract diverse audiences, in terms of ethnic origin, age, gender and ability.
SAA-uk’s Mission, Values and Priorities, 2009-14
SAA-uk’s Mission is:
“to promote engagement with traditional and contemporary South Asian arts”
This mission is underpinned by the following core values:
SAA-uk’s Core Values
- We believe that the transforming power of the arts enables individuals to transcend boundaries and limitations
- We believe that art acts as a cultural bridge which encourages dialogue and community cohesion
- We believe that engagement in the arts empowers children and young people to contribute positively to society
- We believe that South Asian culture is integral to the UK’s cultural diversity and deserves to be championed
- We believe in the values promoted by South Asian artistic traditions
- We believe in equality of opportunity for all in society
Here’s to 2017 and beyond!!!
There's lots more info in our downloads section
SAA-uk
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