This week we are shouting about a voluntary organisation which has been championing diverse art for the last decade.

The South Asian Performing Arts Centre is celebrating 10 years of promoting different genres of dance and music from South Asia.

“Our vision is to make diverse art available to everyone,” said Indu Sharma, founder and deputy chairwoman.

It started 10 years ago when three community groups, Hindu Samaj, Swindon Indian Association and Swindon Tamil, joined forces to provide multicultural activities on a regular basis.

“They had all been around for a while and we thought to be able to share our art we should be opening it out, and so SAPAC was created,” added Indu.

“We try to make diverse art available to everyone because often with community groups it is behind doors, just for the members. But when we do performances and invite artists, it is open to everyone.”

Over the years the organisation has hosted a range of performance events, often including national and international artists, as well as put on classes in Hindustani classical vocal music and Tabla.

It also offers dance classes in classical dances including Kathak and Bharat Natyam, ancient folk traditions like Giddah and contemporary styles popularised by Bollywood cinema.

“There’s still a lot of work to do, added Indu, “And for that reason we support all the independently run classes in Swindon.”

The voluntary organisation doesn’t have an office, and often the organisers use their own equipment and money to support the events.

“Because we are so passionate about having art in Swindon which will make a difference to people’s lives,” said Indu.

“It’s so exciting to be reaching the 10-year milestone because we never believed we would survive. Being a voluntary organisation we have no membership fee so there’s no long term financial security.”

Plans for the next decade include holding sessions for mentally and physically challenged people as well as domestic abuse victims.

“Dance and music is something which will take them out of their normal environment and put them into a more enjoyable environment.

“If we can bring joy to people’s lives that’s what it is all about,” said Indu.

To celebrate, SAPAC are hosting an evening on October 12 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, in West Swindon, starting at 6.15pm.

Indu continued: “We’re really proud to be presenting this event because it’s going to be very high quality – we want to celebrate in style.”