Sampad are delighted to have received funding from the British Council for the Research and Development of a new project Neel Akash [Blue Sky].
Neel Akash explores the impact of the climate emergency on Bangladesh and Bangladeshi communities in Britain. Led by Sampad, it uses collaborative, bilingual artistic expressions, created in collaboration with Bangladeshi dancer Anandita Khan and a British Bangladeshi artist.
“It’s an honour to be a part of this new venture, and to be recognised by the British Council. Neel Akash will start conversations across cultures on the climate emergency that is impacting us right now. I look forward to sharing stories, collectively weaving an artistic response. This project will also mark my first time working in England. It will be a beautiful opportunity to travel, connect and collaborate with Sampad’s communities in Birmingham.” Anandita Khan
For the first phase of the project, the focus will be on gathering stories from across our two countries remotely. This will be followed by a residency in Birmingham, UK including schools workshops and engagement with the local community.
Longer term, we will produce a full production, which can tour schools and community centres in Bangladesh and Birmingham. Bridging connection between these two countries, this project will start conversations, spark cultural exchange and inspire collective action on climate change.
“‘Neel Akash’ meaning blue sky – is bringing two young artists from Bangladesh and the UK in an inspired and shared creative process about climate crisis and human resilience. Stories collected from Bangladesh and the Bangladeshis in the UK will be visualised through movement and creative writing. These will then be shared with young people to mobilise understanding and collective response, about a future that belongs to them!” Piali Ray – Artistic Director, Sampad
Connections Through Culture is a grants programme from the British Council. It nurtures fresh cultural partnerships between the Asia Pacific region and the UK. The grants support new ideas and collaborations from artists and cultural organisations at any stage of development.
Sampad look forward to developing this creative collaboration across 2025. Follow along to see our journey with Neel Akash.
