Jiva Performing Arts
- Location : Long Island City, NY
- Community Served: Local Community
- Focus: Cultural arts
Organization background
Founded in 2007, Jiva Performing Arts (Jiva) is dedicated to preserving and
evolving south indian classical arts of India.
Their core programs are
- Jiva Dance: a professional Bharatanatyam company that presents productions in the US and internationally
- Akshara Music Ensemble: a collective of Carnatic and cross-genre musicians
- Jiva School: education programs in Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and rhythm for youth and adults
- Community Engagement: lecture-demonstrations, performances and workshops in schools and public spaces
Through performance, education and
community engagement, Jiva fosters new voices and creates innovative works
that explore the relevance and vitality of South Indian classical dance and music in today's world.
Project background
The project, Lessons from my Mothers, is a dance theatre production,
that addresses the visibility and validation of South Asian
immigrant women's experiences in American performing arts.
Premiering in Fall 2025, this evening-length, multidisciplinary production,
based on the histories of immigrant women, aims to preserve oral histories,
empower South Asian artists, and engage audiences through Bharatanatyam dance-theatre,
spoken word, narrative scenes, and an original live score.
GKF contributions to Jiva:
- 2024: Funding for the Lessons from my Mothers project