Wandsworth celebrates South Asian Heritage Month

As Wandsworth gears up to become London Borough of Culture 2025, the borough is celebrating South Asian Heritage Month 2024 with a jam packed programme of cultural, arts and heritage-based activities and events.  

In 2023, Wandsworth council launched a new fund for artists and cultural organisations to develop a local South Asian Heritage Month programme for Wandsworth. 

Building on last year’s work, Wandsworth’s South Asian Heritage Month programme returns this summer – from July 18 to August 17 – with brand new South Asian-led cultural projects.

Kicking things off, The Arty Crafty Crescent Club will host creative sessions in the Cromwell House Community Hub.

With teaser events on July 16, the club will offer a ‘Colour with Threads’ workshop, where visitors get the chance embroider black-and-white portraits of South Asian women using vibrant threads.

Also on offer is a South Asian illustration class where attendees will be introduced to South Asian artists and have the opportunity to create their own masterpiece.

On July 23, dive into the world of Pakistani truck art, or join in a family event centred around Rangoli art on July 30.

Heading into August, the Pagrav Dance Company will host Aunusthan at Tooting Works on August 15. The show is a celebration of Indian classical dance wrapped in the mood-lifting sounds and colour of South Asian culture to create an hour of entertainment for audiences.

Led by internationally renowned choreographer Urja Desai Thakore, Pagrav Dance Company is at the forefront of British Kathak Dance – transforming it from a traditionally solo dance to a collaborative ensemble.

Rosheana Olivelle, Thana Sivasambu and Ranji Thangiah make up the Sri Lankan Culture Collective. 

Sharing their love of Sri Lankan heritage, culture and food, they run food-focused businesses and are part of Hera Project X, an initiative that’s reframing the narrative of Sri Lanka in the UK.

The Sri Lankan Culture Collective have curated a digital programme of activities to run throughout South Asian Heritage Month, including an online screening of Jei Palanivel’s short documentary about Kool – a seafood dish from Jaffna – as well as a special podcast episode from Mark Machado, the Sri Lankan cricketing podcaster.

In September, the group will also host a one-day community festival featuring a sari draping workshop, Hopper-making workshop and supper club, and a curated lineup of comedy, music and performances of talent from the Sri Lankan diaspora.

Event details are yet to be confirmed for this not-for-profit event which will see all profits donated to a local food bank.

Councillor Kemi Akinola, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Business, Voluntary Services and Culture said: “As we build towards Wandsworth’s year as London Borough of Culture, we are committed to ensuring that diverse voices are at the heart of the programmes we build, and the opportunities we offer. 

“We’re delighted to support a programme of activities and events that share the stories and experiences of people of South Asian heritage connected to Wandsworth and encourage everyone to attend an event.” 

Each of the commissions have received up to £2,000 to develop and deliver their ideas for the South Asian Heritage Month 2024.

Pictured top: Members of the Sri Lankan Culture Collective (Picture: Sri Lankan Culture Collective)