Keranjeet Kaur Virdee MBE is the dynamic CEO and Artistic Director of South Asian Arts-uk (SAA-uk), a pioneering organisation dedicated to promoting and preserving South Asian arts and culture in the UK. Her leadership is marked by a deep commitment to cultural education and inclusivity, ensuring that the richness of South Asian heritage is accessible to diverse audiences.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Keranjeet discusses the vision behind South Asian Arts-uk, common misconceptions about art and more.
Could you share the vision behind South Asian Arts-uk and how it aims to enrich people's lives through South Asian music and dance?
Founded in 1997 by Ustad Dharambir Singh MBE, the Leeds Center for Indian Music and Dance, now known as SAA-uk, was established to serve the growing South Asian diaspora in Leeds and Yorkshire. I joined the organisation in December 1998, drawn by a personal passion for understanding and exploring our cultural arts, including music, dance, and poetry. Having grown up in the UK with a Punjabi Sikh heritage, I experienced a dual identity, balancing my cultural background with Western influences. Working at SAA-uk allowed me to merge these worlds and deepen my appreciation for how art can express and preserve culture.
Through my journey with SAA-uk, I’ve learned the profound role art plays in expressing identity and heritage. Initially seen as mere entertainment, art requires significant training and dedication. My goal has always been to help each generation from the South Asian diaspora feel confident and proud of their cultural identity. SAA-uk uses art as a vehicle for self-expression and storytelling, making culturally relevant art accessible to everyone. As the South Asian population in Leeds has grown, there’s an increasing need for such art to be available and appreciated by all, reflecting the rich diversity of our community.
What are some common misconceptions about South Asian arts that you encounter, and how does your organisation address them?
Like many art forms, classical music and dance often face barriers to wider appreciation, especially within the South Asian community. These barriers arise from perceptions of elitism and the belief that classical arts are inaccessible or irrelevant. The assumption that these forms are "boring" or "not for us" discourages engagement. Social and financial constraints, especially among financially challenged families, further push the arts aside in favour of academic achievements.
Parents often prioritise academics over arts education, viewing the latter as secondary. To address this, highlighting the holistic benefits of arts education is key, SAA-uk supports comprehensive child development, offering bursaries and discounts to remove financial barriers and encourage participation by connecting arts to cultural heritage.
The message to parents is clear: arts education is not just enrichment; it develops vital skills like memory, discipline, and leadership, crucial for academic and professional success. We work to dispel the myth that classical arts are elitist or impractical by highlighting diverse career opportunities—from sound engineering to costume design—and showcasing role models who have turned their arts education into successful careers. Our goal is to ensure the next generation appreciates and sustains these art forms, recognising both their cultural value and the wide range of opportunities they offer.
Why is it essential for future generations to connect with and understand Indian classical music and dance, and how does South Asian Arts-UK facilitate this connection?
I believe that classical traditions provide a strong foundation and a sense of identity and belonging. Living in the UK, whether we've travelled here or were born here, we have every right to call this place home. Historically, the UK is an implosion of colonialism—having once explored and colonised the world, it’s now drawing people from those very places. Our forefathers fought in both World Wars for freedom and against oppression.
It's vital for young people to find a creative outlet—whether writing, visual arts, or performing arts—that connects them to their heritage and helps them feel whole. I spent years navigating two worlds, but through the arts, I embraced my identity and cultural practices without apology. My aim is for the next generation to be confident in who they are and to respect and accept others, secure in their own identity.
