Keranjeet Kaur Virdee MBE

Keranjeet Kaur Virdee MBE | Chief Executive & Artistic Director, South Asian Arts-uk (SAA-uk)

Keranjeet Kaur Virdee heads South Asian Arts-uk (SAA-uk) based in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Her role as Chief Executive has evolved organically alongside the development of SAA-uk. Since 1998, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the vision and artistic direction of SAA-uk, developing strong partnerships with cultural institutes, community organizations, and artists at local, regional, and national levels. In recognition of her contributions, Keranjeet was awarded an MBE in the 2023 New Year's Honours list.

Excellence, integrity, empowerment, and equality are the core drivers in Keran's approach to safeguarding and facilitating access to high-quality diverse arts for everyone. She passionately believes in the equal right of everyone to participate in and experience culturally relevant arts that not only inspire individuals but also transform communities, cities, and places. Her efforts provide tools for greater confidence in self-expression, fostering a creative populace, workforce, thinkers, makers, and leaders of both the present and future.
 

In 2019, Keran launched the GEN 21 arts professional development programme. This initiative aims to empower and nurture individuals from minority backgrounds to become the cultural leaders of tomorrow. The programme focuses on building skills and confidence among Black, Asian, other minority, and white creative cultural leaders.

RECOGNITION AND IMPACT: 

Keran has been recognised as one of nearly 400 inspirational Leeds women celebrated with a new sculpture in the city's cultural quarter. Created by artist Pippa Hale, Ribbons was unveiled in October 2024 and is located at the top of the gardens between Leeds City College's Quarry Hill campus and Leeds Playhouse. This sculpture celebrates women, both past and present, who have contributed to Leeds. Their names have been intertwined, symbolising a collective celebration of womanhood that has been deeply embedded in the city's fabric.

KERAN'S THOUGHTS ON SAA-uk:

“It's important that there's a place for art and culture wherever people come from to share with the community. Our doors are open for anyone from any background to come and engage with the varied and diverse traditions of South Asia. We contribute to the city, and the peripheral benefits include instilling pride in young people's heritage and helping them fulfill their potential.

For me, it gives me purpose, drive, and helps me to fulfill what I truly enjoy doing, which is empowering and serving others. In the 20-plus years I have been at SAA-uk, I've seen young people become a lot more eclectic, respectful, and understanding of diverse cultures. This is because art allows them to have that respect for creativity, no matter where it comes from or who is doing it. Being able to see firsthand an artist or young learner on stage, from the first moment to when they leave the stage, that transformation is indescribable – there is something about the magic in their eyes that makes it all worth it.”

IN KERAN'S SPARE TIME: 

Keran enjoys watching South Asian dramas to understand the diverse cultural differences between regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab. She also has a passion for painting, sewing, and other artistic work, and enjoys making clothing for family members. Additionally, Keran enjoys gardening and creating peaceful spaces of solitude, which is more important than ever in the current climate.