2023-04-15-annual-report

Annual Report of Mudra Academy of Performing Arts UK for the year ending in April 2023

The trustees of Mudra Academy of Performing Arts UK are pleased to present the annual report for the financial year ending 15[th] April 2023.

2022-2023

Achievements, Activities :

1. The trustees meet via zoom.

2. Mudra Academy of Performing Arts Dance classes are normally held regularly every Saturday St. Mary Magdalene Church, Belfast. Here a number of children come to learn Bharatanatyam , an Indian classical dance form.. The classes are open to all members of public irrespective of gender, nationality, religion.

3. The academy also provides frequent drop-in sessions for women with any degree of experience in dance to come, meet and learn Indian dancing.

4. Online Bharatnatyam classes are also held for ladies and kids from other parts of NI.

Events organised by Mudra Academy of Performing Arts UK:

1. Multicultural New year celebration Anand Mela 2022:

• Mudra proudly celebrated the South Asian new year which falls around march -April. It was held on 23[rd] April at St Mary Magdalene church, Donegal Pass, Belfast. This event had songs, dance , games and stalls to mark the joyous beginning of the year. This event received funding from the National Lottery.

2. Durga Puja and Dussehra Celebrations:

• The annual festival of Durga Puja and Dussehra was held in the Indian Community Centre from 30[th] Sept-2[nd] Oct.

• This religious as well as cultural festival at the beginning of autumn marks the victory of good over evil. The 2 day festival consists of religious rituals, dance performances by kids and adults, retelling the myths through a drama performed by children, community dancing , education and awareness through powerpoint presentations and talks. . Members of Mudra Academy and Josh group performed dances and the play Ramayana. There were other artistes also who performed at the event. We received funding from the Belfast City Council for the event.

3. Rhythm Speaks, charity event for Action Cancer

• The annual flagship event of Mudra Academy of performing Arts UK is the Charity fundraiser for Action Cancer. It was held at Methodist College Belfast on 25th Feb 2023. This highly entertaining, diverse, multicultural musical and dance event was attended by 100+ members of the public. Irish dancing, contemporary dancing , Indian dancing by the Mudra Academy students as well as community groups from all over Belfast and Newtown Ards made the evening a spectacular success with approximately £2432 raised for the noble cause.

4. Felicitation of Para swimmers from India:

• Mudra Academy held a felicitation ceremony for a group of Indian para swimmers who were in NI to cross the Northern channel. This event helped boost their morale and provide support to the wonderful athletes in a foreign country enabling them to successfully complete the crossing.

Events participated by Mudra Academy of performing Arts UK in Belfast and in Northern Ireland:

1. Mudra Academy pupils took part in the diversity day at the Pentecostal church on 28[th] May.

2. Mudra Academy performed at the youth concert of the St Columbanus festival in Bangor on 15[th] June.

3. Members of the Academy participated in a fundraiser for a charity supporting leprosy affected families in India

4. On 28[th] Jan 2023 Students from Mudra Academy performed at the Republic Day celebrations organised by ImageNationNi.

5. Members of Mudra Academy took part in the Holi at Hilltown celebration organised by ImageNation NI on 11th March 2023.

6. Members of Mudra Academy took part in the Ugadhi celebration organised by TCSNI on 25[th] March 2023.

Financial Review:

The main income of the charity is through donations and the main expenditure this year is the purchase of and perishables like snacks, sweets , flowers etc

during the running of the two flagship events, Durga Puja and Rhythm Speaks and the additional Anand Mela.

Funds at the beginning of financial year : £ 2124.97

Funds at the end of financial year :£ 1120.04

Objectives and Activities

Charitable Object

The object of the charity is to foster understanding and the development of South Asian cultural practices through dance, music, arts etc.

Mudra Academy of performing Arts UK aims to increase the knowledge about the South Asian culture among the youth and children of South Asian origin as well as among the local community. It aims to promote understanding and exchange of ideas between the cultures in the UK and especially in Northern Ireland.

Public Benefit Statement

The trustees can confirm that this charity has complied with the requirement of the Charity Commission on the Public benefit and its activities in the year 2020-2021 has been in accordance to that.

We have strived to increase awareness of South Asian culture among the local community and also helped the South Asian diaspora to feel connected to their roots through music, dance and art. It has helped through the arts to foster a sense of belonging to the local community and give back to society through the fundraising activity. We also provide a fun filled Indian dancing drop-in sessions for women, thus helping them relieve stress as well as provide a physical activity resulting in better physical and mental wellbeing.

Summary of Activities:

1. Imparting education in Indian dance.

2. Promoting the South Asian culture through dance, music at various events.

3. Running the Durga Puja and Dussehra celebration .

4. Helping other organisations in their fundraising efforts.