Hello, Namaste, Sasriakal, As-Salamu Alaykum! Experience South Asia upon Tyne!
Building on the success of last year's incredible inaugural SAMA Festival, we are back, bigger and better in 2008, bringing the spirit and spice of South Asian Music, Arts and Culture to the North East.
Organised by GemArts, Kalapremi and Pakistan Cultural Society, the week long festival includes a world-class programme of events and festivities with stunning performances by some of the finest musicians, DJs, artists and dancers from across the UK and South Asia.
This year we have teamed up with the new Northern Writers’ Centre so as well as featuring amazing workshops, exhibitions and film screenings, we launch Writers at SAMA — a high profile weekend-long event examining the unique contribution that South Asian writers have made to world literature.
Don’t miss out as SAMA culminates in a spectacular outdoor finale on NewcastleGateshead Quayside, a fun packed day for all the family to enjoy with a bazaar selling delicious South Asian food, art and clothing alongside street theatre and fantastic performances on the SAMA Stage in Baltic Square.
We would like to gratefully acknowledge Culture 10 and NewcastleGateshead Initiative for their continued support and belief in the festival and also Arts Council England, Northern Rock Foundation and One North East for their financial support.
Last but not least we would like to say a big Thank You to all the staff, artists, partners, volunteers, participants and everyone who has been involved and contributed their time and exceptional efforts to make SAMA a success!