About Us
Kala Darpan is an art organization in Austin, Texas founded on March 22, 2012. We are a tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission of Kala Darpan is to provide a platform for emerging Indian and Indian American artists, as well as established professional artists, with an aim to preserve and promote all forms of fine arts from India, reflecting its rich history and multifaceted nature. Our main focus is to be a stepping stone for the new generation of Indian and Indian American artists and local art aspirants who are under-represented in terms of opportunities to present their art. We strive to bring the most authentic and intimate Indian art experience to the art-lovers in the Greater Austin area.
Panch-Tatva of Kala Darpan : The Five Principles
Provide a stage for raising fine arts awareness with an aim to cultivate and promote all forms of Indian performing and fine arts.
Organize small/medium scale concerts, exhibitions, demo workshops by providing volunteer help in the areas of venue, accompanying artists, technical equipment and publicity.
Work as a community supported and operated non-profit organization.
Generate and nurture interest for Indian fine arts in the next generation by providing them easy access to quality art events by upcoming artists from the current era.
Promote fine arts and fine arts only and not engage in celebrating any religious, regional or cultural customs and festivals.
We deliver!
In 12 years, Kala Darpan has hosted 45+ events of young professional artists from India and North America benefitting about 3000 people. Establishing a communication network with US based fellow organizations has allowed us to bring a variety of events of emerging artists to the Austin metro area in a cost-effective way. With Kala Darpan's platform, the art lovers in Austin are able to enjoy the talents of the young artists and authentic Indian music without driving to cities like Houston and Dallas. We host annual India Music Festival and India Dance Festival as a platform for the underprivileged budding local talent of Indian Classical art forms to showcase and workshops of eminent artists to buttress their formal learning. The events attract great support and participation from the local community. These events also become key networking events for the art practitioners, teachers and students helping them in their art journey and careers.
Volunteerism: Our driving force
Kala Darpan is purely a volunteer based organization. A dedicated team of executive committee and volunteers plan and execute these events with their efforts in event planning, execution, artists hospitality, and technical and marketing aspects of the events. It gives them an intimate organizing experience in various skills like public speaking, event management, sound engineering, etc.
Testimonies