ARTS DIARY
Kala Sangam 30th anniversary commission:
To mark 30 years of supporting Indian classical artists in the UK, Bradford-based arts organisation Kala Sangam has launched a bi-annual commission, the Kala Sangam Commission, offering artists £10,000 to develop a new piece of performance work. The commission is designed to support artists to create new work that showcases the breadth and variety of Indian classical art forms. The commission is for artists or companies working in any performance art form with its roots in Indian classical traditions. The commission includes a minimum of two weeks’ studio time (subject to availability) and a guaranteed performance opportunity in autumn 2025. The deadline for applications is 12pm on December 20. For more information visit kalasangam.org/general-news
Pantomime dame’s costumes on display at V&A:
The costumes of legendary York pantomime dame Berwick Kaler are taking centre stage at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. Kaler’s costume and boots are on display in the Theatre and Performance galleries until at least February 2024. The UK’s longest-serving pantomime dame, Kaler will be returning to the stage of the Grand Opera House in York next month for this year’s panto Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates of the River Ouse. It will be the 43rd pantomime in which Kaler has starred and runs December 9-January 6.
Bradford Music Month: The second edition of Bradford Music Month has begun. Taking place across Bradford throughout November, it features a programme of more than 20 workshops, pop-up events, immersive experiences and independent musical events. With support from Bradford Council and Bradford Producing Hub, musician Sinead Campbell, QM Records founder Ned Archibong and The Underground’s Gail Simpkins are leading the delivery of Bradford Music Month 2023. Events include a family-friendly Bassline & Bhangra Daytime Rave taking place today and three mini operas, created in collaboration with inaugural Bradford Opera Festival, popping up in unusual venues on November 25. Details musicmonth.co.uk