How Should NI's Indian Culture Project Be Run?

A Northern Irish ethnic organisation is looking for people to help it decide how to run a project on Indian heritage.

Arts Extra has won Heritage Lottery funding for its three year cultural diversity project, Sanskriti.

It will look at the Indian subcontinent through textiles, pottery and performance arts, and explore migration, diversity and the cultural heritage of India.

During a six-month development phase costing £11,000, ArtsEkta will work work closely with a range of heritage and cultural organisations, and community participants across the UK and Northern Ireland to inform the content and direction of the project.

Nisha Tandon, Director of ArtsEkta said: "Sanskriti will help promote appreciation and cohesion throughout our multicultural community by providing an enjoyable and informative programme of activities and exhibitions. The project will offer an insight into the diverse and colorful heritage and culture of the Indian subcontinent, and help build relationships of trust and understanding."

Paul Mullan, of funders the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: "Participation will be at the heart of this project through a series of outreach and educational activities, ensuring the local community have plenty of opportunities to get involved and learn about this rich and diverse heritage."

A participant forum is now available online to allow the wider community of Northern Ireland to provide fresh information and ideas to the project team which will help in the development of the three year project. To find out more, go to www.artsekta.org.uk/services/sanskriti or contact Mairead at Mairead@artsekta.org.uk.

(NE)