During January and February, Sampad’s learning team brought South Asian arts and cultural experiences into classrooms, libraries and community spaces across Birmingham. Through dance, music, storytelling and visual art, children and young people were introduced to new creative forms while exploring the cultures and histories behind them.
Across the term, the From City of Empire to City of Diversity schools exhibition was placed with Kings Norton Girls’ School and Elms Farm Primary School in Sheldon. The exhibition invited students to explore Birmingham’s diverse histories and reflect on how migration has shaped the city they live in today.
Dance was a popular option for schools throughout the term. Reception pupils at Water Mill School in Selly Oak explored Indian dance through a playful workshop, while at St Benedict’s Primary School in Small Heath, pupils in Years 4 and 5 took part in a five-week residency with artist Jaya, learning Bollywood, Bhangra and South Indian dance styles. The residency concluded with a lively sharing performance for the rest of the school and families, celebrating the pupils’ energy and creativity.
For the children involved, the experience was not only about learning choreography but also discovering new cultures through movement. One Year 5 pupil reflected:
“We are learning a special Indian classical dance. It’s helping us become more flexible and learn new dance moves. This dance comes from South India, and it’s really beautiful because every step tells a story. I feel proud because I’m learning about another culture. My mum and dad watch Hindi dances at home, so now I can show them what I’ve learned. It’s exciting to see how people in different countries celebrate through dance!”
The impact of these creative partnerships is also felt across the wider school community. Claire Wilson, Creative and Cultural Director at St Benedict’s Primary School, said:
“Our partnership with Sampad helps make our school a vibrant, inclusive, and unforgettable place to learn.”
At Abbey Catholic School in Erdington, artist Haseebah led a day of Islamic printing with Year 4 pupils, introducing traditional patterns and techniques while encouraging children to create their own designs inspired by Islamic art. Every child in one participating class said they enjoyed the workshop, with one pupil summing up the day simply: “I wanted to say it was amazing.” By the end of the session, children were able to reflect on what they had learned, recalling that they had discovered “what the details of Islamic art look like” and that “sometimes Islamic people don’t use faces [in art].”
For younger learners, storytelling, music and movement came together in sessions led by artists Swathi and Naomi. At Arden Nursery School in Sparkhill, 66 nursery children took part in Storytelling with Sampad, a bird-themed day featuring Indian storytelling, a Tamil children’s song, simple tabla rhythms and classical Indian dance movements. A further 14 children and 8 adults joined the session delivered at temporary accommodation for displaced families. Across the two days, 80 children took part in these joyful, creative sessions.
Music also reached whole-school audiences through assemblies led by musician Sanchita Pal at Bournville Primary School, where the team also spoke to Year 6 pupils about careers in the arts, introducing young people to the wide range of creative opportunities available in the sector.
Alongside this work, Sampad continued developing Lori – a dancing and storytelling experience for early years audiences – through sessions in schools and community venues including the Library of Birmingham and the Dolphin Women’s Centre.
The Learning team also shared insights from its work with peers across the sector by presenting at the Applied Theatre Forum.
Together, these activities show how a single term of learning at Sampad unfolds: through partnerships with schools and community organisations, through the expertise of artists and through creative experiences that introduce young people to the richness of South Asian arts and heritage.
