From 18 July to 17 August, South Asian Heritage Month celebrates the vibrant cultural tapestry of South Asian communities in the UK, highlighting heritage, traditions, migration stories, and creative expression. It's a time to honour our shared histories and look ahead with pride.
For SAA-uk, this month is a powerful opportunity to activate public spaces, spark intergenerational dialogue, and showcase South Asian arts — from music and dance to storytelling — through our Pop-Up Culture programme, bringing creativity and culture to local communities.
Our Vision
We believe that everyone has a story to tell and a creative spark to share. Through our Creative Community Engagement Plan, we're working closely with neighbourhood hosts across the city to uncover and spotlight local talent — from living rooms to local parks.
At the heart of this programme is Platforming Community Talent — a series of joyful, informal Sharing Days held in accessible spaces such as community centres, cafés, and open-air venues. These events will showcase music, dance, poetry, art and creative expression inspired by South Asian heritage — whether traditional, contemporary or beautifully fused.
What's Happening at South Asian Heritage Month 2025
🎤 Talent Call-Out: We're inviting local musicians, dancers, poets, painters, storytellers, and more to submit short videos/written entries to share their work with us.
🌟 Local Sharing Days: Co-curated with neighbourhood hosts, these events would provide a platform for everyday creatives to step into the spotlight and showcase their talent.
🎉 City Centre Showcase: The grand finale! A vibrant performance in Leeds city centre will bring together selected participants from the Sharing Days, celebrating the power of community creativity on a larger stage.
🎶 Pop-Up Performances: Look out for surprise music and dance performances in everyday spaces — from street corners to shopping centres — designed to spark joy and inspire.
South Asian Heritage Month is more than just a celebration — it's an opportunity to connect, reflect, and be inspired by the diverse creative expressions that make up our communities. Whether you're a performer, an artist, or a supporter, we invite you to be part of this exciting journey. Together, let's celebrate culture, creativity, and the power of unity. We can't wait to see you at our events and share in the magic of community-led art and expression.
