Mandala South Asian Performing Arts inaugurates its new headquarters at the National India Hub, Devon Avenue

Mandala South Asian Performing Arts is launching its new headquarters at the National India Hub on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 2642 W. Devon Avenue, Chicago IL.

Devon Avenue has long been a place of cultural exchange and South Asian diaspora community. Since people like Jagdish Khatwani opened the first South Asian business in Devon, India Sari Palace, in 1972, and the Patel Brothers opened their branded grocery store in 1974, this area has become home to the largest community of South Asian residents in Chicago, Illinois and the wider Midwest. With the waves of the South Asian diaspora also came the businesses, cuisines and arts of age-old traditions. But, as many of us have learned, especially with the trials of the pandemic, making room for tradition has become a challenge. Mandala Arts has moved its headquarters to where we believe South Asian arts are already deeply rooted; the arts need and deserve an advocate, supporter and leader. With current and future artistic partnerships and collaborations, Mandala believes Devon can grow and prosper.

Guests Alderman Debra Silverstein, Alderman Andre Vasquez Jr., Chicago’s 40th Ward, Mr. Ranjit Singh Consul Chicago, Mandala Board Chairman, Dr. Umang Patel and Paragi Patel, Pranita Nayar, a Indian classical dancer, choreographer, company director, curator and producer, representatives from the West Ridge Chamber of Commerce and the Rogers Park Business Alliance, as well as senior staff from the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and the John. D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

Mandala will use this space, starting June 1, for community classes, open rehearsals and special programs. Among the first activities will be the Mandala Makers Festival, taking place June 16-26 indoors and outdoors in the Devon Avenue community. For more information about this event, visit makersfestival.mandalaarts.org.

Nayar says, “Since its inception in 2014, Mandala has successfully engaged Chicagoland audiences with the rich diversity of South Asian performing arts traditions through professional performance, arts education and a community engagement. Yet Mandala cherished its deep connection with the community of artists, students and audiences in Devon, where Mandala has steadily increased its programming over the past few years. Having established its place as a force in the Chicago arts scene, Mandala Arts is committed to supporting and empowering the South Asian diaspora community whose traditions, identities and practices the organization represents. Finally, with the opening of this space, Mandala is able to call Devon home, both in our hearts and in our organizational roots.

Prominent physician and well-known community leader, Dr Umang Patel, President of Mandala Arts, welcomed the guests and said, “I am delighted to be part of the team to bring the South Asian Cultural Hub to Devon. Ave. and added, “He will regenerate the dynamism of Indian culture through arts, dance and music while resurrecting the ideals of Gandhianism.”

Alderman Debra Silverstein of the 50th Borough welcomed in her speech the establishment of the Indian Cultural Center on Devon Ave and said she was honored to see the revitalization of not only Borough development, but also the revitalization of arts and culture. South Asian heritage culture. Alderwood Debra Silverstein said the 50th Ward is home to a large population of South Asians, and through the Mandala Arts Center, we will be able to connect with each other to celebrate diverse, colorful cultures.

Alderman Andre Vasquez Jr. of Chicago’s 40th Ward said in his speech that it warmed his heart to see the presentation of India’s rich cultural heritage on Devon Ave brought by Mandala Arts and added that this center cultural transcends language, it transcends culture and it allows us to tell the beautiful stories that portray the enduring culture of South Asia.