The gates may have just closed on another successful Belfast Mela but before festival founder and Executive Director, Nisha Tandon OBE begins planning next year’s event she took the time to chat to Laura Mac about the development of Mela, its social and culture impact and why it’s fast becoming one of our top tourist attractions.
Nisha Tandon, who was born in India, came to Northern Ireland through arranged marriage forty years ago. Before her marriage she had completed a Performing Arts degree at the National School of Drama but when she arrived in Northern Ireland she found few opportunities to put her education to good use so she decided to carve her own career out of her cultural heritage:
“When I came here in 1977 there was no opportunity for an ethnic minority person to go into drama, theatre or even T.V. I decided to take another route, that being bringing my own cultural values to different communities.”
Nisha did this through the mediums of dance, visual art, storytelling and cookery:
“West Belfast was my first opening and from there I went all over the country. I was welcomed anywhere I went and never experienced racial abuse or intolerance towards me. I think, back then, we were just too busy fighting each other that minorities were overlooked.”
Later she ran her own Indian cookery school, in her home before expanding into schools and colleges.
Though the years, Nisha built relationships with other artists and art facilitators, living and working in Northern Ireland who were racially and culturally diverse. In 2006, they collectively founded ArtsEkta, Ekta meaning ‘unity’ with the aim of helping communities from all backgrounds build bonds by using the arts as their main tool.
“We started going into schools doing outreach work and from there we went into youth groups, bringing the idea of cultural diversity to them.
“Then we thought that if everyone who was learning about different cultures could come to one shared space and exhibit what they had learned, whether it was through the medium of dance, music, exhibition or food, that would really benefit everyone.
This story is from the September/October 2017 edition of Northern Ireland Homes & Lifestyle.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September/October 2017 edition of Northern Ireland Homes & Lifestyle.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
My Lifestyle
My Lifestyle
Creating Cultures
The gates may have just closed on another successful Belfast Mela but before festival founder and Executive Director, Nisha Tandon OBE begins planning next year’s event she took the time to chat to Laura Mac about the development of Mela, its social and culture impact and why it’s fast becoming one of our top tourist attractions.
Czech Mate
There’s much more to Prague than just Christmas markets and craft beer though they’re as good a reason as any to book a visit as Claire Craig discovered
Home Grown Talent
Claire Craig talks to Gareth Dunlop about his debut album, writing for other people and why the time’s now right to take his own music to the next level
To Patterson Plants Bulbs In Containers For Spring
Planting bulbs for next spring is something I look forward to each year. Searching out scented daffodils and feathery tulips is something I enjoy and in my case, as I replace them every year (though you don’t have to), there’s usually something new.
A New Classic
Janice and Alan’s beautiful period home has evolved with the family over the years.
Fit For Purpose
When Brenda and Peter moved into their home the kitchen was one of the first rooms they renovated.
The Smart Home
At the beginning of February, the gadget obsessed world gathered in Las Vegas for the Customer Electronics show. Michael Howe, from awardwinning 2020 Architects discusses how Smart technology is infiltrating architecture and design changing our overall experience of buildings.
Flash Harry
Claire Craig speaks to Harry Hamilton, front man of Queen tribute band, Flash Harry, as they prepare to celebrate their 25th anniversary.
Easy Elegance
With its vaulted ceilings, antique French oak flooring and original cast iron fireplaces Meriel and Pervis’ 19th century home is the epitome of elegance.