VISION Create a culturally vibrant community by expanding entertainment, education, and imagination through arts and culture of Indian heritage. | MISSION IAA Houston's mission is to bridge cultural divides by showcasing the rich heritage of the Indian subcontinent through multi-disciplinary performing arts, cultural, educational and artistic expressions. | GOALS
| INCLUSIVITY The Indo-American Association commits to championing policies and practices of cultural equity that nurture a just, inclusive and equitable society creating harmony and understanding amongst multi-ethnic communities. |
IAA Artistic Advisory Council |
Indian violinist, composer and conductor | Indian playback and classical singer | Sitar Maestro | Indian musical composer |
Sheetal Bedi Executive Director & Board of Director |
Board of Directors |
Somdutt Behura (Treasurer) | Atul Bhatia (Secretary) | Radhika Day | Leela Krishnamurthy |
Aparna Asthana | Veena Kaul | Alpana Loyalka | Sakina Ali |
HistoryThe Indo-American Association (IAA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1993 to promote cultural arts of the Indian subcontinent. Historically, each year IAA has presented a thoughtfully curated season of 8-10 live shows. Each season’s line-up has included a blend of art disciplines of India - music, dance, and theatre. At the same time, cross-cultural collaborations between artists from India, US and other countries have been showcased over the years. The events are targeted at multi-cultural audiences which have grown with each passing year. IAA today is regarded as a leading cultural arts organization presenting world-class talent in Houston and other North American cities. In its 30 year journey, IAA has celebrated many firsts. Notably, IAA was the first Indian arts organization to: - receive regular arts grants - offer an annual season with subscription options - present cultural arts of India in Houston in collaboration with mainstream American organizations - launch a successful digital platform and stream live virtual concerts in Houston in 2020, as a result of COVID. IAA has a track record of hosting legends and the "who's who" of Indian music, dance and theatre to entertain and enthrall captive audiences. Over the long history, IAA has proudly hosted legends of Indian music, dance and theatre. Amongst them were: Among featured are all three Grammy winning musicians of Indian origin – Ravi Shankar, Zakir Hussain, and Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. Anushka Shankar, Gulzar Saab, Padmashree Aruna Mohanty, Padmashri Kailash Kher, Pt. Shubendra Rao and Vidushi Saskia Rao - de Haas have also been presented on IAA’s stage. In this new digital age, IAA continues the tradition of bringing top artists to Houston audiences on its virtual platform enabling audiences to enjoy the arts even during Covid times. In 2020 and 2021, with the entire annual season being cancelled due to COVID, IAA pivoted very quickly and launched multiple social media platforms. With great pride, IAA supported and continues to support a record number of artists while bringing high caliber shows to patrons in the comfort of their homes. The digital content can be viewed on IAA’s YouTube. The Board of Directors and leadership of IAA Houston thank the patrons, the City of Houston, Houston Arts Alliance,Texas Commission on the Arts, the media partners including the Houston Chronicle and KUHF Radio for getting IAA’s message to the multicultural audiences of Greater Houston, and the Indian media for keeping IAA in public focus as well as the various corporate sponsors and partners over the years. We could not have done this without you! |
IAA History | About IAA |