Head of Programmes & Planning
What does a typical day at Milap look like for you?
This is an extremely difficult question to answer as no day is the same! A typical non-event day starts off with emails and having the opportunity to see so many artist proposals who want to share their work and perform for Milap and its audiences.
I then tend to work on Event Management for the upcoming workshop and performances nationally and internationally, which involves creating technical plans and schedules, working on presentations, lighting designs, contracting and working on the final logistics to create a successful event.
I then work on the future Artistic Programming of the organising; liaising with our current partnerships, creating new partnerships and audiences and helping to future-proof the organisation.
On event day things are completely different. Depending on the event timing I am liaising with the artists on their arrival to the venue and making sure all is ready for their performance and managing the Milap team, and venues team to make sure all goes smoothly; not just for the artists but also for the audiences. One of the best things on an event day is to eat, relax and discuss the artist’s performance and Indian Arts in general.
What is the best thing about working with Milap?
Having the opportunity to present, preserve and promote Indian arts to an international audience. I feel privileged to be able to have an impact on so many young, upcoming musician’s lives, not just from the UK, but internationally. On top of this I have the opportunity to meet and see so many amazing artists who share the passion I have for Indian arts.
But ultimately, what brings me the greatest joy is when I meet audiences pre and post-performance who are overwhelmed and filled with so much happiness from attending and seeing them become a part of the Milap Family.
What are your favourite Milap memories?
My first is Nachda Sansaar’s Bhangra Dance performance at Liverpool’s ‘Mersey River Festival’ in 2019. This performance happened the same day as Liverpool Football Club had their Champions League Homecoming Parade on the Liverpool Waterfront.
My second is one of the most amazing concerts I’ve ever experienced at Milap; flautist Rakesh Chaurasia with Kousic Sen at Salisbury International Art Festival in 2009. This was a special outdoor performance in the Wardrobe Walled Gardens as the sun was setting.
My third is giving Jasdeep Singh Degun the opportunity to launch his first ever album ‘Anomaly’ at the Southbank Centre.