About Inspirate
Inspirate is a diverse led organisation, specialising in contemporary South Asian arts and culture. Our work spans across long term creative programmes and our annual flagship festival, An Indian Summer.
Our community engagement projects seek to build dialogues across communities, and nurture the creativity and wellbeing of all involved. Our heritage programmes are re-claiming what it means to be South Asian in the UK, examining heritage through a diasporic lens.
Our artist development opportunities are inspiring a generation of socially-driven artists and cultural entrepreneurs. Our annual festival platforms an innovative and thought provoking programme of South Asian led artistry and talent.
Our producing and consultancy services share our expertise in Socially Engaged Practice, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity, working closely with organisations to actively embed these values within their ethos, programmes and projects.​
Origin Story
Inspirate was born from a serendipitous meeting of minds — a group of friends who shared not just a love for South Asian culture, but a bold vision for its place in the heart of Leicester. What if the city could become a miniature ‘Mumbai’? That idea, sparked by the immersive spectacle Bombaysers de Lille, became the seed of something bigger. Much bigger.​
In June 2011, we launched An Indian Summer — our flagship festival and the beginning of a cultural movement. Rooted in the richness of the South Asian diaspora and a burning desire to share our heritage, the festival set out to reimagine what it means to be South Asian in the UK today. Not bound by tradition, but driven by creativity, collaboration, and a deep connection to community.
​Over the past two decades, that spark has grown into something extraordinary. We’ve toured giant puppets across UK cities, transformed public spaces with awe-inspiring outdoor art, hosted world-class concerts, and co-founded pioneering cultural initiatives. Through it all, we’ve championed one of the most innovative and dynamic explorations of South Asian culture in the UK — pushing boundaries and shaping the arts and heritage landscape.
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Inspirate’s journey has always been collaborative at heart. We’ve partnered with leading institutions like the British Science Association and the Royal Collection Trust, built bridges with corporate giants including Sony TV and the State Bank of India, and worked side by side with renowned cultural organisations like Without Walls, Curve Theatre, and the Philharmonia Orchestra.
​​Today, Inspirate stands at the forefront of the UK’s cultural ecology. We’re not just creating festivals — we’re creating change. From advancing social equality to fostering intercultural communities, we’re shaping a future where the arts are truly for everyone.
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And the story’s only just beginning.
