Our Story
Chicago Indian Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of India and South Asia while fostering meaningful connections within the Chicago community.
Bridging Cultures Through Arts
Chicago Indian Arts is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of India while fostering meaningful connections within the Chicago community. Through our innovative programs, we create spaces where tradition meets contemporary expression.
Bridging Cultures Through Arts
To educate, preserve and promote the rich tapestry of Indian arts, literature, cinema, fashion, music and dance in the heart of Chicago empowering voices, fostering cross cultural dialogue and building vibrant platforms for community expression and creative exchange.
A World Connected by Art
To be a leading cultural force that connects generations and communities through transformative power of Indian art, stories and traditions re-imagined in a global context, rooted in heritage and thriving in diversity.
What Drives Us
Where Stories Meet the Soul of India
Curate and host an annual Literature and Film Festival that showcases Indian literary, cinematic and artistic excellence featuring local, national and international talent.
Rooted in Heritage, Alive in Chicago
Create platforms for emerging and underrepresented voices within Indian diaspora, youth, artists through workshops, residencies and mentorship.
Bridging Cultures, Inspiring Creators
Preserve and promote classical, folk and contemporary Indian art forms making them accessible to the audience.
Celebrating Indian Arts, Creating Global Impact
Build an inclusive cultural archive that documents Indian-American experience in Chicago through verbal histories, publications and multimedia storytelling.
Our Growth Story
Founded
Chicago Indian Arts was established with a vision to celebrate Indian culture in the heart of Chicago.
First Vaarta
Our inaugural literature festival drew over 500 attendees and featured renowned Indian authors.
Prasang Launch
Expanded into fashion innovation with the launch of Prasang, showcasing Indian design.
Varnam Begins
Photography & wildlife program added as our third pillar celebrating visual storytelling.
Growing Impact
Reached 10,000+ cumulative attendees across all programs with national recognition.
Looking Ahead
Bigger events, new partnerships, and deeper community impact on the horizon.
A Message from the Founder
The stories of India shaped who I am today. Growing up in Gujarat, I learned about resilience, coexistence, and community through the stories around me.
Chicago has since become home, given me friendship, inspiration, and opportunity. Now, it's my turn to give back.
Introducing the Chicago Indian Arts, a space for stories, ideas, and cultures to meet and be shared.
Join Our Community
Whether you're an artist, patron, or simply someone who loves Indian culture, there's a place for you here.
Get Involved