Bradford-based South Asian arts company Kala Sangam has unveiled its new £200,000 auditorium, which will host performances and events from around the world.

The 112-seat multi-purpose venue – the latest stage of development at Kala Sangam’s base at St Peter’s House in Forster Square – will be officially opened next spring.

Funded largely by the Arts Council, the auditorium is aimed at establishing Kala Sangam as a national centre of excellence for South Asian arts.

Work began on the new venue, currently known as the Blue Hall, in August. It has sprung floors, a wall of mirrors and new sound and lighting facilities.

Kala Sangam’s chief executive, Dr Geetha Upadhyaya, said: “It has been a big challenge, but also a celebration of what we initially set out to do – bring people together through the arts.

“There is no other place in the country that has a detached, standalone South Asian arts centre. This is a hub for Bradford’s rich cultural diversity. We are offering opportunities to people from different cultures to come and use the facilities for performances, classes, workshops, parties or as a meeting place.”

As well as producing its own dance and music performances, Kala Sangam hosts national and international productions and runs outreach programmes, helping communities with health and social issues through arts projects.

* For more about Kala Sangam and events at the Blue Hall, call (01274) 303340 or visit kalasangam.org.

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