What We Do:
We proudly spotlight Birmingham’s diverse arts and cultures, challenging social injustices through conscious, critical creative collaborations. Our core pillars of Development, Commissioning, Programming, and Touring foster artist growth, empower communities, and forge global connections, promoting unity and meaningful change. Join us in shaping a more just and equitable society through the transformative power of the arts.
At Kalaboration Arts, we are driven by a relentless commitment to championing artistic excellence, social justice, and cultural transformation. Our work is rooted in the belief that creativity can inspire change, challenge the status quo, and reimagine what is possible. From our inception, we have set out to carve a space where diverse voices can be amplified and celebrated, particularly those from marginalised and underrepresented communities.
Our practice is unapologetically bold, critical, and forward-thinking. We operate as an interdisciplinary arts development agency, bridging the gaps between visual art, film, theatre, performance, digital media, and immersive storytelling. Through this expansive approach, we cultivate new perspectives, foster collaboration, and create spaces where artistic expression and community engagement thrive. By centring the experiences and narratives of Asian, African, and Caribbean communities, we ensure that the creative work emerging from these lived realities is given the prominence it deserves.
Our Approach
Creative Collaboration: At the heart of everything we do is the spirit of collaboration. True to our name, which means “Black” in Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu, we see blackness as a symbol of unity and shared struggle. Our projects are built on co-creation, often working with artists, cultural producers, and community groups to ensure that every voice in the process is valued and heard. We believe that collaboration enriches the creative process and results in work that is more profound, impactful, and resonant.
Arts Development: We are committed to nurturing and supporting artists at every stage of their creative journey. From emerging talents to established practitioners, we provide the tools, networks, and platforms necessary for artistic growth. Our development programmes, residencies, and commissions are tailored to meet the specific needs of artists from underrepresented communities, equipping them with the confidence and capacity to sustain their careers in the arts.
Amplifying Marginalised Voices: Representation matters. Our mission is to centre stories that have been historically overlooked or pushed to the margins. By creating opportunities for artists from African, Caribbean, Asian, and other underrepresented communities, we ensure that the cultural landscape is more inclusive, dynamic, and reflective of the society in which we live. Through exhibitions, film screenings, live performances, and digital storytelling, we bring these voices into public consciousness, sparking dialogue and critical reflection.
Innovative Storytelling: Storytelling is at the core of our creative work. We push the boundaries of narrative by exploring new forms of immersive and multi-sensory storytelling. Our projects embrace the possibilities of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and interactive media to provide audiences with transformative experiences. We aim to immerse people in the stories we tell, creating lasting emotional and intellectual impact.
Cultural Advocacy and Leadership: With over 100 years of combined experience, our three artistic directors—Mukhtar Dar, Ian Sergeant, and Bob Ramdhanie—are recognised as thought leaders in the arts and cultural sectors. Their deep understanding of Birmingham’s super-diverse communities enables Kalaboration Arts to influence cultural policy and advocate for greater equity and inclusion within the arts ecosystem. We use our platform to call for systemic change, ensuring that cultural institutions are held accountable for their commitments to diversity and representation.
Our Impact
Kalaboration Arts has established a reputation for producing bold, thought-provoking, and visually striking works that leave a lasting impression. From large-scale exhibitions to intimate community workshops, our projects engage audiences at multiple levels—emotionally, intellectually, and socially. We have collaborated with leading cultural institutions and grassroots community organisations to deliver impactful programmes that challenge dominant narratives and offer fresh, authentic perspectives.
By bridging the worlds of art, activism, and community engagement, we continue to inspire a new generation of artists and cultural leaders. Every project we undertake is an opportunity to disrupt conventional narratives, shift perspectives, and challenge audiences to see the world through a broader, more inclusive lens.
At Kalaboration Arts, we believe that art is not just something to be observed but something to be experienced, questioned, and felt deeply. Our mission is to provoke, inspire, and catalyse change—one story, one artist, and one community at a time.