Kalapriya is an arts organization that represents one of Chicago's most diverse cultural communities. It serves Chicagoans of all races, places & identities, delivering its programs in Chicago neighborhoods through outreach and community collaborations. 

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

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

Kalapriya partners wherever possible with arts & community organizations. Through collaborations with the Chicago Park District (Nights Out in the Park), Columbia College of Chicago, Uniting Voices Chicago, Chicago Public Schools & Libraries, Chicago Cultural Alliance, & community centers, Kalapriya presents programs informed by South Asian culture & philosophies to use the arts to explore the challenges that unite us. 

Kalapriya believes BIPOC organizations play a critical role in giving voice & 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 & encompasses four areas: 

• Arts Education and Instruction: Kalapriya Academy classes in Indian classical & folk dance and School & Summer Programs provide interdisciplinary lessons in Indian folk dance, music, stories & cultural art forms to students in grades Pre-K thru 12. 

• Community Gatherings. Kalapriya’s Community Gatherings offer cultural programs in public venues & community spaces across Chicago’s neighborhoods. 

• Kalapriya’s Productions & Performances present South Asian performing artists of local, national & international renown in innovative & premiere productions. Kalapriya will present two performances of "She's Auspicious" an original Bharatanatyam work featuring dancer/choreographer Mythili Prakash & an all-female cast of dancers & musicians at The Dance Center-Columbia College in September 2024. 

• Literary and Cultural Arts explore social justice & humanistic themes informed by the frame of South Asian literature, philosophy, cultural history & the arts. Programs are curated by scholars.