Education Outreach Programme

 

 Rangoli Arts

 

As part of our education outreach programme we work with local and county schools to deliver Rangoli art workshops. These workshops are based on the current National Curriculum and incorporate elements of art, maths, literacy and design as well as religious education and citizenship. A Rangoli pattern is a form of traditional Indian Art, which is drawn at the entrance of people's homes to celebrate Diwali to symbolise good fortune and wish good health to those who enter the home. It is one of India's most ancient art forms which is now practiced worldwide.  

Working with around 30 children per workshop sessions begin by explaining the historical, cultural and artistic relevance of Rangoli. The children are shown a range of examples from traditional designs made in India, to more innovative, contemporary interpretations. The children are taught the cultural significance of specific materials and symbols used by the artist. This is followed by a demonstration of how a Rangoli pattern is created before the young people are invited to have a go themselves and create their very own Rangoli art work. These workshops have been delivered throughout the City at various organisations and institutions including Towers Hospital, youth clubs, schools and community centres.

 

       

      South Asian  Dance

 

These workshops provided children, young people and emerging artists with an opportunity to learn traditional South Asian dance styles and techniques, performed around the festival of Navratri and Diwali. Led by a professional South Asian artist / choreographer, children learnt about the history and significance of the dances and had the chance to learn about and try on traditional costumes & jewellery.

  Music Workshop

 

Our music workshops gave children the opportunity to work with a leading South Asian vocalist & musician Durgesh Parmar learn about the heritage of the art forms and their relevance today. Durgesh Parmar provided a demonstration of all traditional South Asian drums including tabla and dholak. The children were then given the opportunity to play the drums and composed their very own drumming piece, based on traditional South Asian rhythms.

 

 

 

   Rang Exhibition - Friday 16th - Sun 18th Oct, Highcross, Leicester 

   

Leicester Belgrave Mela was commissioned by Highcross Leicester, the city's new multi million pound shopping and entertainment complex, to create a unique contemporary Rangoli to celebrate Diwali. Over 65,000 people visited the Highcross over the three days from across the Midlands to see the spectacular Rangoli art work.

Inspired by the intricate designs and architecture of the Highcross, the Rangoli design was created by renowned South Asian artist Neemita Dabhi, in partnership with arts practitioner Pravin Mistry, and a talented team of artistic assistants. The final creation used contemporary influences along with a combination of traditional materials, vibrant colours and modern artistic techniques. Input from members of the public helped develop and determine the final piece of art work.

Over three days, more than sixty members of the general public, of all ages and ethnic backgrounds came to take part and add their own touch to the masterpiece. This project allowed the public to have access to a rational South Asian art form they may never have seen or tried. Many took the time to observe and learn from the artists and even returned the on Sunday for a chance to see the completed artwork.

In terms of new audience development and arts for all, Sunday gave us an opportunity to interact with the public, explaining to them the significance of the ancient South Asian art form, the materials being used and its relationship with Diwali, the festival of light. We also gave families and young children the chance to create their own small Rangoli designs and taught them the same techniques used by the artists on the exhibition's centre piece

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                               

  Rangoli Art  

                   

Having heard of our work in the development and delivery of the South Asian art form of rangoli, Leicester Belgrave Mela were commissioned by Leicester City Council and Alliance & Leicester, part of the Santander Group, to create a semi-permanent artwork that celebrated Diwali and the diverse cultures and communities of Leicester. As a result, we launched a competition for young people to design their own rangoli which encapsulated their thoughts about the Diwali celebrations in the city.

Representatives from Leicester City Council, Alliance & Leicester, Part of Santander Group and the Lord Mayor of Leicester chose the winning design from over 550 entries. It was then created into a Mosaic using coloured glass aggregates and resin to set the pattern within the design. The winner, Prachi Acharya 7 yrs old from Mellor Primary School received a scalextric set and was presented with a certificate at her school.

Pravin Mistry, Project Co-ordinator, Lead artists, Ashok Mistry and Simon Doughty, Design Realisation artist delivered the project. The finished artwork was unveiled at the Diwali Light Switch on Ceremony on Sunday 4th October and the piece has continued to be displayed across the city at a variety of museums and public spaces.