Background
The South Asian Artists’ Community (SAAC) was founded in January 2024 with a simple but powerful vision – to create a platform that brings together artists, creatives, performers, makers, and supporters from South Asian heritage under one roof in Milton Keynes.
As a volunteer-led community group, SAAC was born from conversations around representation, belonging, and the need for more inclusive creative spaces that celebrate South Asian art, culture, stories, and lived experiences. Since then, the community has continued to grow through exhibitions, cultural events, workshops,
cultural collaborations, and community engagement activities across the city. Our aim is not only to showcase artistic talent but also to strengthen cultural understanding, community cohesion, and intergenerational connection through creativity.
Our Story
What started as a casual conversation between three passionate creatives soon evolved into a growing movement for South Asian arts and culture in Milton Keynes. In late 2023, three local artists recognised that while Milton Keynes is home to a rich and diverse South Asian diaspora, there was no dedicated platform connecting South Asian artists and creatives collectively. They envisioned a supportive space where artists could network, collaborate, exhibit their work, and proudly celebrate their heritage while engaging wider communities across the city. In January 2024, SAAC officially launched, entirely volunteer-led and community-driven.
Since then, the community has proudly collaborated with organisations including Milton Keynes City Council, AHA, Milton Keynes Islamic Arts & Culture, Milton Keynes Museum, Community Action: MK, Unity Place and so on. These collaborations have helped us reach wider audiences, engage with more communities, and promote the richness and diversity of South Asian heritage and culture across Milton Keynes. The co-founder and Chair of SAAC, Suraj Garg, shares:
“Our group is not only about art and creativity – it is also about recognising our people’s stories, resilience, and contributions of South Asian communities across generations. We are looking forward to South Asian Heritage month and this year’s theme, ‘Unity in Diversity’, reflects the beauty of our differences while reminding us that art and culture have the power to connect people beyond language, faith, or background.”
As a grassroots volunteer-led initiative, we are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support and guidance from Community Action: MK, whose signposting, encouragement, and community support have been invaluable in helping SAAC grow and strengthen its impact.
South Asian Heritage Month 2026 – “Unity in Diversity”
From 1-31 July, communities across the UK will celebrate South Asian Heritage Month, and this year’s theme, “Unity in Diversity,” strongly resonates with SAAC’s mission and values. South Asian culture is beautifully diverse – spanning multiple countries, languages, artistic traditions, cuisines, identities, and histories. Through art, storytelling, and creative collaboration, SAAC hopes to continue building bridges between communities while creating safe and welcoming spaces for expression, dialogue, and belonging.
Our Biggest Challenges
Like many grassroots arts organisations, one of SAAC’s biggest challenges is securing sustainable funding and finding affordable exhibition venues across Milton Keynes. One of our aspirations is to host a month-long South Asian arts exhibition and cultural programme across the city – creating greater visibility for emerging artists while bringing communities together through creativity and culture. As a fully volunteer-led organisation, we continue to seek partnerships, sponsorship
opportunities, venue support, and collaborative funding opportunities that can help us expand our reach and impact.
How to Join Us
SAAC is always looking to welcome new people into our growing creative community. You can get involved by:
- Joining our Board or Management Committee
- Volunteering at exhibitions, festivals, and community events
- Collaborating as an artist, performer, or creative partner
- Partnering with us as an organisation, venue, or sponsor
- Helping us promote South Asian arts and heritage across Milton Keynes
Whether you are an aspiring artist, creative, student, volunteer, organisation, or simply
someone passionate about culture and community – we would love to hear from you.
Upcoming Workshops
SAAC members are also beginning regular ongoing creative workshops from this May half term at Unity Place, offering accessible and inclusive art experiences for the local community. Workshops will include mindful art sessions, candle making, henna workshop, creative wellbeing activities, and seasonal community events suitable for different age groups and abilities. Follow the socials to stay up to date with our upcoming events via:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southasianac/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthAsianArtistsCommunity/
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/southasianac/
Looking Ahead
As SAAC continues to grow, our vision remains rooted in community, creativity,
representation, and cultural celebration. We hope to continue building partnerships, supporting artists, and creating opportunities that celebrate the richness of South Asian heritage in Milton Keynes and beyond. Together, through creativity and collaboration, we can continue building a more inclusive and culturally connected community.