Latest posts


9May 2021
News Comments Off on Kiranpal Singh – santoor maestro

Kiranpal Singh – santoor maestro

Kiranpal Singh Deoora is one of a select few performers of Indian Classical Music on the Santoor. Kiranpal Singh is UK’s leading Santoor Maestro, having learnt his music art in the traditional way in UK (tabla & vocal) and Bombay, India. (Santoor).

Born in Tanazania, Kiranpal now lives in London. He plays regular concerts all over the globe. He has played for HRH Prince Phillip at Buckingham Palace, as well as South Bank Halls numerous times. He has played at Spittalfields Festival and London Mela as well as other prestigious festivals. His mastery of the advanced techniques of the Santoor has allowed him to develop a wide repertoire which includes audiences, critics and many well known artists. He reveals great gifts of imagination in his performance by beautifully blending creative flair and spontaneous imagination.

Kiranpal is available for concerts formal as well as house, lecture demonstrations/workshops, performances/cross-cultural projects and private tuition in his music room which he had specifically built. He also teaches many instruments and his theme is ‘learn Indian Classical Music on your instrument’.

Youtube performance especially recorded for us now available. Contact us to make a booking.

9May 2021
News Comments Off on Loosen

Loosen

A collaboration of south Asian dance and music. This is a specially commissioned dance and music piece bringing together artists from different genres.

With the onset of the pandemic, one biggest lesson learnt is that nothing is permanent. So why hold on to the past, why hold grudges, why let our ego win, why waste our time on negativity? It’s time we learn to let go, be ourselves, embrace the small lovely moments of life and spread love. We present before you LOOSEN,  a reflection of the above thoughts blended with soothing music, lyrics one can connect to and the dance of freedom.

LOOSEN with us on the 16th of May, Sunday @7p.m on Zoom, as we unveil the video, followed by a chat with the artists.
The song was adapted by musician couple, Devaki & Thomas (Stunflower) from Loosen Loosen Baby, by Aly Halpert, an American songwriter after their daughter-in-law shared the tune during a spiritually charged visit to the Rollright Stones in the Cotswolds.  The melody and some lyrics were changed to suit the style of production and additional verses/melodies were written by the couple.  As the original idea for this project was to collaborate with Carnatic & Western Folk music the song was constructed on a simple electronic dance rhythm to act as a bed for these styles to marry. The upbeat soulful song features Thomas on guitars, keys, production, mixing/mastering, Devaki on lead vocals, harmonium, bass and drums, Anoohya Vishuon lead vocals and Prathap Ramachandran on Kanjira, Mridangam and Konnakol.
Playhouse Pictures, a boutique film company here in London UK run by 4 Canadian brothers of mixed heritage, collaborated using videography and editing to create a representation of the synergy between the music and dancers, Devaki & Anoohya, who used Odissi, classical Indian dance to express the meaning and feel of the song.
Join us on zoom for the premiere :  Sunday May 16th,7pm 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4312381410
Meeting ID: 431 238 1410

 

20Mar 2021
News Comments Off on Marlowe Theatre: Artist Commission Call Out

Marlowe Theatre: Artist Commission Call Out

The Marlowe have joined forces with the Mercury in Colchester to launch 10 new seed commissions.

They are looking to connect with the theatre makers of tomorrow by seeking out the boldest, most talented and theatrically daring artists in the South East and providing them with the support and space to research, explore and test their ideas.

The successful projects/artist proposal will:

  • Be made by a south-east based or born artist or company (Kent/East Sussex/Essex/Medway/Thurrock).
  • Demonstrate a connection to our region with themes that resonate.
  • Demonstrate a well thought through proposal that responds to the brief above.
  • Demonstrate that ideas are being developed with a diverse team.

The Marlowe Theatre are offering:

  • Seed funding up to £1000 to support development, which should cover all associated costs of developing an idea for a week including artist fees, materials & production costs (if required).
  • Space in The Marlowe Studio (Canterbury) or The Mercury Rehearsal Studio (Colchester) for one week (max 40 hours) between April – August 2021. Dates and location to be agreed with successful applicants.
  • Option to informally share and reflect on the process with a trusted invited group if needed.
  • Option of having a critical eye at points that suits.
  • Become part of Mercury Connects cohort where east-based (and east-born) artists are invited to events, discussions, networking nights, special offers on tickets and other professional development opportunities.
  • Mentoring and support from The Marlowe & The Mercury teams.

For more information and how to apply click here

20Mar 2021
News Comments Off on Diversity Arts Network meeting – Sharing good practice

Diversity Arts Network meeting – Sharing good practice

Thursday 8th April, 2pm – 4pm

Following our successful session on sharing good practice we are holding another one. Over the last few months DAN members have had the opportunity to undertake Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training.

These sessions have covered

  • bias – both personal and organisational
  • how this affects decision making
  • developing positive action
  • leadership in inclusion

Upcoming workshops will focus on developing good practice and actions for each organisation.

This will include participants sharing progress they have made and any challenges they have faced.

There will also be a chance to discuss other examples of good practice and an opportunity to develop and refine organisational plans.

Facilitator

The facilitator for these sessions will be Kamaljit Poonia, who is a Diversity Consultant and Leadership Coach.

Kamaljit has worked on ED&I issues for over 15 years. She had headed ED&I teams in local authorities (Camden and Bristol), been a Diversity Advisor in the Civil Service (Department for International Development, Cabinet Office) and headed the ED&I team at the University of Southampton. She is also a trained and practicing coach. For the last three years Kamaljit has worked as an independent consultant with clients across the Arts and Cultural sector, Local authorities, and business sector.

In 2018 she was presented with a top 100 Global Diversity and Inclusion Leaders Award at the Annual Global HRD conference in Mumbai.

Please do book early as numbers are limited, click here to book.

 

 

11Mar 2021
News Comments Off on PREMIERE: Elif Karlidag: Neither in time video performance

PREMIERE: Elif Karlidag: Neither in time video performance

Friday 12th March, 8.30pm

Turkish composer Elif Karlidag along with her partner Utkucan Eken bring together different instruments including the piano, kabak kemane(a traditional Turkish violin), Saz (traditional Turkish guitar), cello, bendir (frame drum), vocals and electronics. with electronics and visuals. Elif formed the alternative East London Sound Ensemble – ELSE – as well as playing in other classical music groups.

The premiere will take place on Zoom.

Click here to join.

11Mar 2021
News Comments Off on PREMIERE: Circle of Dance

PREMIERE: Circle of Dance

Friday 12th March, 7pm
3 dancers inspired by the outdoors create some magical moments
in the harsh winter of lockdown to music especially created to reflect the pandemic
The artists will introduce themselves before the premiere on Zoom.
12Feb 2021
News Comments Off on Diversity Arts Network meeting 26th February 2021

Diversity Arts Network meeting 26th February 2021

Sharing good practice

Friday 26th February, 2-4pm, Online

Over the last few months DAN members have had the opportunity to undertake Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training. Sessions have covered Bias – both personal and organisational, and how this affects decision making and developing positive action and leadership in inclusion.

This next stage of workshops will start to focus on developing good practice and actions for each organisation. This will include participants sharing progress they have made and any challenges they have faced. There will also be a chance to discuss other examples of good practice and an opportunity to develop and refine organisational plans.

Facilitator

The facilitator for these sessions will be Kamaljit Poonia, who is a Diversity Consultant and Leadership Coach.

Kamaljit has worked on ED&I issues for over 15 years. She had headed ED&I teams in local authorities (Camden and Bristol), been a Diversity Advisor in the Civil Service (Department for International Development, Cabinet Office) and headed the ED&I team at the University of Southampton. She is also a trained and practicing coach. For the last three years Kamaljit has worked as an independent consultant with clients across the Arts and Cultural sector, Local authorities, and business sector.

In 2018 she was presented with a top 100 Global Diversity and Inclusion Leaders Award at the Annual Global HRD conference in Mumbai.

Please do book early as numbers are limited.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/diversity-arts-network-meeting-tickets-140694056711

Look forward to seeing some of you then. We will send you a zoom link once you have registered.

2Feb 2021
News Comments Off on Diversity Arts Network meeting 10th February 2021

Diversity Arts Network meeting 10th February 2021

Challenges due to the pandemic – an opportunity to discuss and share your experiences

How are artists and cultural organisations coping at the moment? Are you running on empty as an artist or organisation? Have you managed to access funds and get support? Does the future look bleak for you or have you been able to create and develop work? Are you feeling particularly isolated ? Have you had enough support from funders? Are you thinking of changing careers or re-training? Are you just starting out on your journey as an artist and need help?

If you are a cultural organisation are you thinking of changing the way you work in the future? Have you been able to support artists and your staff during this last year, and what advice would you give to others? Are you running a training or mentoring programme and what have your challenges been?

Please do join us to share your experiences and challenges. The pandemic has affected everyone in different ways, and if you have found ways of working and being creative this last year then your experience may be useful to others. Most of us are pinning our hopes on the vaccine but that looks a few months away or into the late summer given the delays – how do you envisage managing till then?

Please do book early as numbers are limited. Look forward to seeing some of you then. We will send you a zoom link once you have registered.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/diversity-arts-network-meeting-tickets-138252407673

27Nov 2020
News Comments Off on Diversity training – 15th Dec

Diversity training – 15th Dec

Diversity Arts Network (DAN), has commissioned a series of Diversity and Inclusion(D&I) workshops to allow network members to explore, discuss and develop skills in D&I.

A workshop for Board Members will now take place on 15th December 2020 2-4pm, and will explore ‘My leadership role in taking forward Diversity and Inclusion’

In this workshop we cover:

  • What is positive action?
  • How can positive action, as apposed to ‘positive discrimination”, make a difference?
  • What is Unconscious Bias and how can it affect decision making?
  • How can I as a leader take action?

These workshops are held in a confidential and supportive environment to enable authentic discussion and learning.

Facilitator

The facilitator for these sessions will be Kamaljit Poonia, who is a Diversity Consultant and Leadership Coach.

Kamaljit has worked on ED&I issues for over 15 years. She had headed ED&I teams in local authorities (Camden and Bristol), been a Diversity Advisor in the Civil Service (Department for International Development, Cabinet Office) and headed the ED&I team at the University of Southampton. She is also a trained and practicing coach. For the last three years Kamaljit has worked as an independent consultant with clients across the Arts and Cultural sector, Local authorities, and business sector.

In 2018 she was presented with a top 100 Global Diversity and Inclusion Leaders Award at the Annual Global HRD conference in Mumbai.

Please register on:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/diversity-arts-network-diversity-training-tickets-130332908237

27Nov 2020
News Comments Off on The Diversity Arts Network is NOW live!

The Diversity Arts Network is NOW live!

The Diversity Arts Network brings artists, arts organisations, theatres, museums, festivals, libraries and community groups together to promote and celebrate diversity in the South East.

  • Artists and organisations are still being adding
  • There will be other monthly add-ons including featured artists and organisations as well as featured interviews, videos and information on diversity training.
  • The website will be highlighting work that is celebrating and promoting diversity.

www.diversityartsnetwork.com