Our Bureau
Houston, TX
Indo-American Association, a Houston Cultural Treasure, is excited to announce its Artist Development Program, beginning on October 22, 2024. This offers artists a structured skill-building curriculum designed to empower emerging, mid-career, and established creatives. The program will support and enhance the journeys of Indian, Pakistani, Black, Indigenous and other artists of color to build stable arts careers.
Over four weeks, the Artist Development Program will offer participants insights into the industry landscape, actionable frameworks to elevate their artistry, and tools to thrive in today’s competitive environment. Artists will gain skills to sustain a long-term career, confidently navigate the unique arts ecosystem, and cultivate meaningful relationships. Artists will develop programs that meet audience expectations and align with industry standards, all while staying true to one’s artistic vision. Importantly, they will learn how to present distinctive and marketable works without compromising authenticity, thereby creating and/or building on their own unique brand.
The program is conceptualized and taught by Sonny K. Mehta, Artistic Director of Riyaaz Qawwali, who brings extensive experience in both music and the business of art-making. Mehta’s work has been honored at the White House and featured in NPR, The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Chicago Tribune, and The Houston Chronicle. He has received major commissions and awards at the local, regional, and national levels. With 18 years of global touring experience, his ensemble, Riyaaz Qawwali, continues to captivate audiences around the world.
This important initiative reflects IAA’s ongoing commitment to supporting BIPOC artists. It is an opportunity for BIPOC artists to grow their skills, expand their networks, and gain insights from a distinguished leader in the arts field. Mehta explains, “As painters, dancers, musicians, or actors, we often focus entirely on perfecting our craft. Yet success in the arts takes more than that. This program highlights the essential business knowledge that’s overlooked and purposely hidden. I want to share what I’ve learned along the way.”
Echoing his words, Sheetal Bedi, CEO and Executive Director of IAA, says, “At IAA, we believe that empowering artists with the right tools and knowledge is essential to shaping a vibrant and inclusive artistic community. The Artist Development Program is our commitment to ensuring that BIPOC artists not only hone their craft but also gain the business acumen and resilience needed to thrive in today’s competitive arts landscape. We are excited to offer this program.”
Applications are now open. Interested artists can register and seek more information on its website.
Indo-American Association (IAA), a Houston Cultural Treasure, is a 31-year non-profit 501(c)(3) organization for the promotion of cultural arts of India.
