The new Ektaa
Center
The Ektaa Center is a multi-use
space to host a variety of educational and cultural activities to celebrate
the arts and culture of India such as:
-
Classes
in the classical and folk dances of India such as Bharata Natyam, Kathak,
Odissi, Bhangra, Film Dances etc.
-
Classes
in traditional vocal and instrumental music such as vocal Hindustani and
Carnatic music, tabla, mridangam, veena etc.
-
Yoga and Meditation
-
Lecture Demonstration and workshops
on various aspects of the arts of India
-
Language lessons
-
Seminars or panel discussions on
Culture specific topics such as Ayurveda, Travel and cultural tourism
-
Arts and Crafts and traditional
clothing exhibitions.
Besides these activities, the Ektaa
Center will feature presentations of visiting and local performers representing
the arts and culture of India. Watch for an exciting array of activities
at this website or email us at info@ektaacenter.org
The vision….
Over the last two decades,
Orange County has grown into one of the most diverse communities in the
country. We have the opportunity to make this one of the most vibrant and
exciting representations of world cultures; an opportunity to celebrate
the differences and be a model for future generations; an opportunity to
provide the next generations a smorgasbord of cultural experiences that
help them grow into better human beings and good citizens of the world.
The first step to accomplish this is through creating awareness and understanding
through education and experiential learning.
Ektaa in Sanskrit means oneness
or unity. Ektaa Center is committed to create an awareness and understanding
of the traditional arts and culture of India, using diverse medium such
as dance, music, theater and other related arts to help build better communities
in Southern California. The Ektaa Center strives to foster cross-cultural
exchange in this multi ethnic community. We believe education and knowledge
of cultures creates better communities. At the same time, we strive to
preserve ancient cultures through education, community involvement and
sponsorship of the performing arts.
The Ektaa Center….
With the growing number of
people of Indian origin in Southern California and the expanding interest
in the arts and culture of India in the broader community, the time for
a ‘Center’ that is accessible and ‘user friendly’ has arrived. The objective
is to offer opportunities to learn and experience the cultures of India
in an environment that is visually and intellectually stimulating, socially
engaging and architecturally functional.
What is unique to the arts
/ cultures of India….
One of the most revered aspects
of the arts of India is the Guru-Sishya (Teacher-pupil) tradition which
is the building of one-to-one relationships between the master and the
student. This unique tradition sometimes poses limitations in making it
cost effective to offer to the broad based public in commercial spaces/studios.
Hence most of the ‘teachers’ have taught the tradition in a home environment
with minimal overhead. The Ektaa Center will strive to make it more available
in a public learning environment by finding the right mix of activities,
individual /community and business support and government / corporate grants.
This process requires cost effective facilities that are well situated
to meet the needs of the community.
We have the experience …..
The Ektaa Center has functioned
as Arpana Foundation, a presenting organization for over 14 years. Over
this period, we have presented the finest quality performances by visiting
and local artists in the greater Los Angeles area. With over 35 performances
in this timeframe, the organization has been fortunate to present the best
of the traditional (dance) artists such as Birju Maharaj, the late Kelucharan
Mohapatra, Kerala Kalamandalam, Prof. C.V. Chandrashekar and the Dhananjayans.
We have also undertaken risk programming with many local, upcoming and
talented artistes visiting from India. We believe that the quality of the
presentations along with program information have helped establish a benchmark
for présentations in the area
How are you funded ? Why
do you need contributions?
The organization was started
in 1989 with contributions from members of the community. Our revenue sources
are ticket sales from performances, individual contributions, corporate
donations and grants. In 1993, the organization secured its first grant
from the California Arts Council for $2000 and was a continuing grantee
till 2000. In 2001, we were awarded a grant by the Fund for Folk Culture.
In 2002 and 2003, we received grants from Arts OC, the umbrella arts organization
for Orange County. It is still a completely volunteer run organization.
Many of the artists have been first time presentations that highlight the
risk that the organization has taken to promote the arts and the artistes.
We need funds to support the ongoing programming and efficient day-to-day
operation of the organization.
What are funds used for?
Funds are used to pay performing
artists, lease costs, marketing, supplies and related expenses. Currently
there are no paid staff though we may contract for special services as
desired. Surplus funds and grant moneys are used to offset any future programming
expenses as well as the development of new programs.
How can you help or contribute?
| You may contribute by sponsorship,
cash or in-kind donations. Your contributions are tax deductible since
the Ektaa Center is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization (Tax ID# 33-0373078).
We also welcome volunteers to assist us in various aspects of operations
and administration. Please contact Harish Murthy (949-300-8912) or email
to harish@ektaacenter.org to
see how you may contribute. |
|
We thank the following for
their support:
Arts OC, the countywide arts agency |
Portofino Inn and Suites, Anaheim |
