This autumn, Ujala has lit up Birmingham with celebrations, creative collaborations, and meaningful community engagement. Sampad’s Programme Manager James Vegnuti takes us through our season highlights and successess.
Ujala is the overarching title for all the work we do that covers Diwali and Bandi Chor. This year it has taken us to unique venues, communities and schools across Birmingham. Each space brought its own character and audience, helping us share the joy of South Asian arts and heritage in exciting ways.
Artists, Freelancers, and Creative Energy
Behind Ujala was an incredible team effort. We worked with 31 talented artists and freelancers across programming and learning, creating opportunities and supporting the local creative economy. Their contributions shaped every performance, workshop, and unexpected moment.
Audience
Our performances reached over 1,000 audience members, filling Birmingham with light, music, and cultural richness. These events were more than performances, they were moments of connection and shared joy. A selection of quotes from audience members below outline just how much these events mean to the people of Birmingham.
“Amazing cultural experience”
“Absolutely bloomin’ marvellous”
“Spellbound”
Learning and Community Impact
Our learning and outreach work extended Ujala’s spirit into classrooms and community spaces:
- We worked with 4 schools, totalling 531 engagements with pupils across year groups 3 to 7.
- 180 community members enjoyed Diwali-themed workshops, including diya lamp painting and henna art.
Through these activities, we’ve made South Asian arts accessible to all, fostering understanding and creativity across generations.
Collaboration and Co-production
Collaboration and co-production is critical to our work and we are proud to partner with some of the best organisations in the Midlands. Our partners included:
- Jennifer Blackwell Space at the Symphony Hall for Midday Mantra Diwali Special
- B:Eats Café for Mini Midday Mantra with Asha Valambhia
- The Mailbox for Lunchtime Concerts with Sampad, presented by Sampad and Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces, featuring Rekesh Chauhan and Rohan Roy
- University of Birmingham for Diwali Celebrations with their India Institute
- Midlands Arts Centre for a our showcase of Indian Classical Dance
Collective Achievement
Ujala is more than a season of work; it’s a testament to what collaboration can achieve. From supporting freelancers to enriching education and creating inclusive cultural experiences, this season has been an incredible contribution to the city.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. We hope to see you all again soon at a Sampad event!
