Founded in 2005, Manasamitra’s mission was to disseminate the enjoyment and understanding of Indian culture in all its forms to the widest possible constituency. As well as presenting performances at Batley Festival, Ilkley Festival and at Dewsbury Town Hall, Manasamitra delivered community sessions in Dewsbury and the wider Kirklees district as well as education sessions in schools and colleges throughout Yorkshire. It showcased traditional Indian dance (predominantly Barathanatyam and Kathak), singing, other musical forms, Indian craft activity including rangolis and other visual arts disciplines and storytelling.
In 2011 Manasamitra produced Springfest; a celebration of a full range of South Asian creative output. For a full month the highest quality of music, dance and art was situated in some of the most spectacular venues in and around Yorkshire. Activities included kite making workshops at the stately home Harewood House, an art exhibition at Holy Trinity Church and a fusion spectacular at the Hifi Club. With something for everyone, it was a resounding success with new audience enticed and many new links and partnerships made and developed through it.
Manasamitra has worked in collaboration with a wide range of partners including: York Minster, Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Harewood House, Fountains Abbey, Tatton Park, Leeds Art Gallery, Howard Assembly Rooms, Northern Ballet, University of Leeds and Manchester Art Gallery.
We have performed in a range of South Asian Melas (festivals) including:
- Huddersfield
- London
- Wakefield
- Bradford
- Leicester
- Edinburgh
- Manchester
We have participated in other festivals such as:
- Bradford Literature Festival
- SOUND Festival, Scotland
- Sonofilia, Lincolnshire
- Parramatta Festival, Sydney, Australia
- World Together Festival
- Crow Nest Festival
- Dewsbury Outdoor Festival
- Manchester Storytelling Festival
- North Wales Storytelling Festival
- Batley Festival
- Ilkley Literature Festival.