Kala Sangam - Bringing people together through South Asian and Interdisciplinary Arts

Aaron Christie

Youth Arts Coordinator

Originating from an arts background, Aaron studied Visual Communications at Leeds College of Art & Design. The course which ignited his passion for community arts. Since graduating in 2006 Aaron has worked in education, youth and community art sectors before joining Kala Sangam last September. He believes that art can play a major role in society and should not be limited to high art circles. He looks forward to continuing to develop Kala Sangam’s highly respected youth arts programme.

Ajit Singh

Programme Manager

Ajit joined Kala Sangam 1997 on a PATH placement and currently holds a position as Programme Manager. Ajit has obtained a Diploma in Management Studies by Cambridge Online Learning and is currently studying for an MBA. In his spare time Ajit learns to play the Tabla and enjoys listening to music.

Chris Brereton

Finance Manager

Chris joined Kala Sangam in January 2008 on a part-time basis. He continues to work for the Bradford Councils Economic Development Service and has previously worked for Proudlocks Ltd. He has a Masters in Engineering (specialising in Electronics) from Durham University. In his spare time, Chris volunteers at a social centre in Leeds where he helps to organise and run gigs/clubnights and other events and assists in managing the centres finances.

Davina Griffin-Hart

Facilities Manager

Davina Griffin-Hart, originally from Ireland, joined Kala Sangam in November 2007. Davina has over 15 years experience of working as a Facilities and Administration Manager within the service industry, her main role is to ensure day-to-day activities at St Peter's House run smoothly and efficiently.Davina has obtained Certificates in Leadership & Management and Personal & Professional Skills with Leeds Metropolitan University. 

Geetha Upadhyaya

Artistic Director/CEO

Geetha Upadhyaya, was a Consultant Pathologist before becoming the Artistic Director / CEO. Having a postgraduate degree in classical Indian dance and music, her main interests are cross art collaborations, copper tooling, choreography and music and in establishing the company as a beacon centre for arts, heritage and culture.

Mohammed Iftikar

Facilities Assistant

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Pavan Sembi

Assistant Arts Officer

Pavan Sembi is a community/craft and textiles artist now based in Bradford. She has over ten years of experience in arts and community based projects throughout the region & beyond.

Rashmi Sudhir

Learning and Access Manager

Rashmi works in partnership with education, health and community professionals to devise and deliver creative programs to address learning and health priorities. Born and brought up in India, she trained in three styles of south Indian classical dances and is a Fellow of Royal Society of Arts. She has recently completed her Masters In Business Administration from University of Bradford . Her key interest is in using arts as the medium to break barriers and regenerate communities

Remya Mypalli

Resident Dancer

Remya is our resident dancer since September 2007. Originally from Kerela region in Indian she is trained in Bharata Natyam, Mohiniattam and Kuchipuddi which are all different styles of classical Indian dance. She currently teaches our classes in Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield and Aston-Under-Lyne as well as performing at public events.

Shuma Pal

Health & Arts Coordinator

Trained as a dancer under ‘Uday Shankar India Culture Centre’ . i studied at Manchester Metropolitan University and exhibited at ‘Indigo’, Paris and ‘New Designers’, London led to my work being selected for the MMU, Price Waterhouse Coopers and D J Lewis archives. I work using both artforms to explore my creativity as a holistic approach towards mind body and soul experience.

Sidra Bi

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