About Us
Who are Manasamitra?
Manasamitra is a Yorkshire based arts organisation with a commitment to exploring innovative ways of providing high quality experiences, using the age-old traditional techniques of Indian music, dance, storytelling, crafts and visual arts, as way of engaging, inspiring and challenging communities locally, nationally and internationally.
The company has developed and delivered a strong artistic programme of high profile touring performances in theatres, festivals and galleries across the UK as well as working in non-traditional spaces including churches, parks and public spaces. Another element of the company work involves delivering educational programme of workshops and classes in schools throughout the region and beyond. In addition to the work above the company has also established a strong track record of delivering community based activities designed to benefit the general public particularly in areas identified as requiring additional social support. All activities are targeted at and enjoyed by people of all ages, races and backgrounds.
Our company vision is:
- To provide a soul enriching and life enhancing experience for the communities, both geographical and social within Kirklees and beyond, whenever they attend or participate in our performances and events
- To make a real and lasting difference to all the young people we engage with through our education programme, inspiring them to actively achieve their potential and enjoy the learning experience
Although Manasamitra is focused on Indian themes our audience is incredibly far-reaching and diverse. Like the varied audiences who participate and enjoy the productions, Manasamitra wants to share information and exchange ideas with other art organisations and artists through social events in order to broaden the scope of its knowledge and experience. We believe our goals are as much about listening to others as it as about showing, telling and teaching.
What can be done?
- School and community workshops
- Classes for tuition in Indian music and dance
- The arrangement of live music and dance performances
- The arrangement of visual art exhibitions
- Showcasing Indian music and dance in the UK
- Managing and event planning festivals
- Cultural festivals, promoting national and international artists
- Music and dance competitions
- Open discussions on varied subjects such as tradition, culture and everyday life
- The provision of team-bonding workshops for businesses and organisations
The Team
Supriya Nagarajan - Artistic Director
Supriya Nagarajan, the founding member of Manasamitra, is a Bombay born Indian, who studied Carnatic Vocal music from the age of five; her passionate love of music drove her to achieve great things and the desire to help people from all backgrounds find that passion within themselves.
Kamaljeet Ajimal – Performing Arts Manager
Kamaljeet Ajimal is a British based multi-talented artist and is only one of a handful of musicians that can play the Santoor in the UK. She has performed nationally in many venues around the UK, as well as internationaly, in collaborative performances as well as solo recitals. She also is an exhibiting fine artist who specialises in painting; her on going work deals with the relationship of music to colour.
Mandeep Samra – Project Manager
Mandeep Samra is a visual artist specialising in film, sound and experimental media.
She has collaborated with various arts organisations based in Yorkshire to deliver a series of exciting projects, which have showcased established and new emerging artists from this region and beyond. She is particularly interested in developing collaborative projects that profile the expertise and experience of contemporary South Asian arts practice locally, nationally and internationally.
Shrikant Subramaniam – Dance and Education Officer
Shrikant Subramaniam is passionate Bharatanatyam dancer. He has performed with many well known South Asian dance companies in the UK as well as British companies and is working on combined projects in the wider field of dance. He is also a dedicated and energetic teacher committed to his art.