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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JUNE 03, 2022 | The Indian Eye 24

Mandala South Asian Performing Arts Launches New

Headquarters at National India Hub Devon Avenue

OUR BUREAU
Chicago, IL
andala South Asian Per-
forming Arts Lanches New
MHeadquarters at National
India Hub on Thursday - May 19,
2022 at 2642 W. Devon Avenue, Chi-
cago IL.
Devon. Devon Avenue has long
been a site for cultural exchange and
South Asian diasporic community.
Since those like Jagdish Khatwani
opened the first South Asian busi-
ness on Devon, India Sari Palace, in
1972, and the Patel Brothers open-
ing their trademark grocery store in
1974, this region has become a home
for the largest community of South
Asian residents in Chicago, Illinois
and the broader Midwest. With the
waves of the South Asian diaspora
also came the businesses, cuisines,
and arts of ancestral traditions. But,
as many of us have learned, partic-
ularly with the trials of the pandem-
ic, making space for tradition has
become challenging. Mandala Arts
has moved its headquarters where
we believe South Asian arts are al-
ready deeply rooted; the arts need
and deserve an advocate, supporter,
and leader. With current and future
artistic partnerships and collabora-
tions, Mandala believes that Devon
can grow and thrive.
Invited guests Alderwoman
Debra Silverstein, Alderman Andre
Vasquez Jr of Chicago’s 40th ward,
Mr. Ranjit Singh Consul Chicago,
Mandala Board President Dr. Uma- that event, visit makersfestival.man- practices that the organization rep- ization of not just the development
ng Patel and Paragi Patel, Pranita dalaarts.org. resents. Finally, with the opening of of the ward, but revitalization of arts
Nayar an Indian classical dancer, cho- Nayar says, “Since its inception this space, Mandala is able to call and culture of South Asian heritage.
reographer, company director, cura- in 2014, Mandala has successful- Devon home, both in our hearts and Alderwood Debra Silverstein said the
tor and producer, officials from the ly engaged Chicagoland audiences in our organizational roots.” 50th ward is home to a large popula-
West Ridge Chamber of Commerce in the rich diversity of South Asian Prominent Physician and well tion of South Asians and through the
and Rogers Park Business Alliance, Performing arts traditions through known community leader Dr. Umang Mandala Arts center, we will be able
and senior officers from the Gaylord professional performances, artistic Patel, President of Mandala Arts wel- to connect with each other in cele-
and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, education, and community engage- comed the guests and said I am delight- brating the colorful diverse cultures.
the Richard H. Driehaus Founda- ment. Still, Mandala cherished its ed to be a part of the team in bringing Alderman Andre Vasquez Jr of
tion, and the John. D. And Cath- deep connection to the community the South Asian Cultural Hub on Dev- Chicago’s 40th ward in his address
erine T. MacArthur Foundation. of artists, students, and audiences of on Ave and added it will regenerate said that it warms his heart to see the
Mandala will use this space, Devon, where Mandala has steadily the vibrancy of Indian culture through showcasing of India’s rich cultural
beginning June 1, for community increased programming over the last arts, dance and music while resur- heritage on Devon Ave brought by
classes, open rehearsals, and special several years. Having established its recting the ideals of Gandhianism. Mandala Arts and added this cul-
programs. Among the first activities place as a force in the Chicago arts Alderwoman Debra Silverstein tural center transcends language, it
will be the Mandala Makers Festival, scene, Mandala Arts is committed of the 50th ward in her address wel- transcends culture, and it allows us to
which runs June 16–26 indoors and to supporting and empowering the comed the establishment of India’s tell the beautiful stories that depict
outdoors in the Devon Avenue com- South Asian diasporic communi- cultural center on Devon Ave and the enduring culture of South Asia.
munity. For more information about ty whose traditions, identities and said she is honored to see the revital- --Asian Media USA

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