About Us
Sampad champions and celebrates South Asian arts and heritage across the Midlands, the UK and internationally.
We produce world-class artistic programmes, we work with schools and communities and we lead on artist development. At Sampad we are storytellers, platforming narratives which are globally important and providing inspiring experiences for all ages and backgrounds.
Our work connects people, breaks down barriers, raises critical issues and amplifies unheard voices. Enabling the South Asian arts sector to thrive.
Our Values
These values sit at the core of our work and inform everything we do:
We are ambitious
Sampad produces high quality work that makes an impact and leaves a legacy. As an organisation, we are ambitious in our creativity, always finding innovative approaches, solutions and ways to share stories. We value and nurture the ambitions and dreams of young people and artists, enabling them to reach their full potential.
We are rooted and responsive
Sampad honours diverse South Asian cultures and traditions whilst responding to today’s world. Led by integrity and purpose, we are continually learning and evolving. We embrace curiosity and our work raises critical issues, creating space for conversation. At Sampad we are storytellers, platforming narratives which are globally important and supporting a rich array of South Asian artists and communities.
We break down barriers
Sampad breaks down cultural and creative barriers, acting with resilience, responsibility and respect. Our work challenges expectations and pushes the boundaries of artistic and intercultural expression, sparking joy and amplifying unheard voices. We understand that people learn, interact and respond in varied ways and so we open doors, making opportunities inclusive and accessible.
We connect people
Sampad brings people together from different generations, artistic disciplines and walks of life. Collaboration and partnership is key to our work, from local connections to national and international opportunities, igniting new possibilities and shaping our collective futures. Our work celebrates and enriches communities, uplifting diverse cultures and voices.
How We Live Our Values
We live these values through our core strands of work: artistic programmes, community wellbeing, learning and artist development. Arts and heritage run through each of these areas, shaping how we create, collaborate and connect – ensuring our work is ambitious, inclusive and rooted in the communities we serve.
Artistic Programmes
Sampad cultivates transformative arts experiences that foster social cohesion and understanding. Through dynamic collaborations with diverse artists, Sampad amplifies distinctive voices spanning music, dance, theatre, visual arts and literature.
Community Wellbeing
Sampad’s commitment to community wellbeing stands as a testament to the transformative power of cultural expression on individual and community health. Through a diverse range of initiatives, Sampad harnesses the qualities of the arts to promote mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
Learning
Sampad Associate Schools is a comprehensive offer to schools which provides opportunities for the school community to engage with South Asian Arts and Heritage. It supports sustained engagement over time, enabling pupils and staff to explore creative practice, deepen cultural understanding and connect learning across the curriculum through high-quality artistic experiences. We also support Artsmark journeys, are an accredited Arts Award Supporter and regularly host University of Birmingham internships and placements.
Artist Development
Sampad is dedicated to cultivating artists, serving as vital support for emerging and established talent. Our commitment extends beyond showcasing work; we actively support professional development for all artists and offer mentorship and work experience for those taking their first steps into the arts and cultural fields.