Tyne and Wear Metro is an official partner of Gem Arts’ annual Masala Festival 2023. But what is it, where is it and how can you get involved? Here’s all you need to know about the festival’s brilliant programme of events going on across the wider city and its fantastic displays of cultural sparkle. 

What is the Masala Festival? 

The Masala Festival programme brings to venues and spaces in the North East the very best regional, national and international artists from across the South Asian diaspora exploring contemporary experiences of migration, identity, existence and place through incredible music, dance, literature, poetry, films, exhibitions, workshops, events for children and families, and delicious Indian street food at Dabbawal!.

The festival has a jam-packed schedule including workshops for mystical tote bag printing and concertina books, ‘Out of Sri Lanka’ poetry, BBC Proms at Sage Gateshead, Bollywood dance and a free Mini Mela for all the family!

Find out more in the Masala Festival What’s On Guide

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What is South Asian culture?

South Asian culture is a makeup of a huge range of traditions, customs, and beliefs from the countries of the Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives. South Asian culture is characterized by its colourful and festivals, food, music, dance, and art. One of the defining features of South Asian culture is the importance placed on family and community. 

Who are Gem Arts?

The Masala Festival is Gem Arts’s annual headline event. A Tyne and Wear-based charity, they have won prestigious awards for their work in the South Asiain and diversity arts sector. They create high quality concerts, events, festivals, workshops and commissions with artists from all over the world. They also engage over 8,000 participants each year through outreach programmes, workshops and education, reaching over 81,000 people from all communities with performances and events.

Learn more on the Gem Arts website.

What can we expect from a Gem Arts and Metro partnership?

Its really exciting to be collaborating this year, and to celebrate there is a new addition to this year’s Masala Festival programme; a free dance performance event at Monument on 21st July.

You & Me by Amina Khyam Dance Company presents the spectacle and high energy intensity of Kathak with the physicality of contemporary dance, featuring a live music score of sitar, sarod, tabla, and cello. 

How can I get involved?

Gem Arts reaches tens of thousands of people each year, through schools, community groups, artists, workshops and volunteer opportunities.

Find out how you can get involved on the Gem Arts website.

As official travel partner we are delighted to support in getting people to these experiences like the Masala Festival and celebrating Metro’s long-standing collaborations with art and diversity across Tyne and Wear.