Kalapriya is an arts organization that represents one of Chicago's most diverse cultural communities. We proudly serve Chicagoans of all races and identities, delivering programs in our South Loop Studio and throughout Chicago neighborhoods via our outreach and community collaborations. 

Rooted in South Asian culture & performing arts, Kalapriya's programs address subjects relevant to the current challenges faced by all Chicagoans. Productions & programs are generated from stories both local and global addressing the human condition, anger, anxiety, violence, loss, migration, displacement, identity, and injustice. Perspectives from Chicago's diverse cultures are discussed and presented. 

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion are at the forefront of Kalapriya's values. Kalapriya's programs seek to build bridges between ethnic groups and cultural communities. 

Kalapriya partners wherever possible with arts and community organizations. Through collaborations with the Chicago Park District, The City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Columbia College of Chicago, Uniting Voices Chicago, Chicago Public Schools & Libraries, Chicago Cultural Alliance, Chicago Loop Alliance, and many other community centers, Kalapriya presents programs informed by South Asian culture and philosophies to use the arts to explore the challenges that unite us. 

Kalapriya believes BIPOC organizations play a critical role in giving voice and presence to the diversity of Chicago's cultural contributions. Kalapriya's collaborations and programs in the community provide a gateway to present diverse cultural programs to new audiences within Chicago's neighborhoods.

Kalapriya’s work is grounded in social justice and encompasses four areas: 

• Arts Education and Instruction: Kalapriya’s Studio Classes focus on South Asian Dance, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts and are taught by an outstanding group of highly skilled instructors. Our School Outreach Programs provide interdisciplinary lessons in Indian Folk Dance, Percussion, Storytelling, and Visual Art Forms to students in grades Pre-K thru 12. 

• Community Gatherings: Kalapriya’s Community Gatherings offer cultural programs in public venues and community spaces across Chicago’s neighborhoods, as well as in our studio in the South Loop.

• Kalapriya’s Productions, Performances, and Festivals: Kalapriya presents South Asian performing artists of local, national, and international renown in innovative and premiere productions.

• Literary & Cultural Arts: Kalapriya explores social justice and humanistic themes informed by the frame of South Asian literature, philosophy, cultural history, and the arts. All of our programs are curated by local, national, and international scholars and advisors.