ArtsWestchester Receives Funding from Guru Krupa Foundation for Two-Day Celebration of South Indian Arts & Culture in White Plains: May 1 & 2, 2026
White Plains, N.Y. (April 13, 2026) – ArtsWestchester has received an $8,000 grant from the Guru Krupa Foundation to support a May Celebration of South Indian Arts & Culture at its White Plains arts venue. Guru Krupa Foundation is a private foundation that funds charitable causes based on the principles and philosophy derived from the value system of Hinduism. The grant to ArtsWestchester was awarded in the Spirituality, Arts & Culture funding category, which support projects that ‘promote cultural integration’ and ‘raise awareness of India’s traditional art forms, and culture.’ Grant funds from the foundation will go towards supporting artists fees and production costs for the two-day Kala Samaagam program.
The two-day event will include a Friday evening concert of Carnatic Flute and voice and a family-friendly Saturday program of interactive arts and craft workshops, music, storytelling and traditional foods.
ArtsWestchester CEO Kathleen Reckling explains, “This initiative is an important part of ArtsWestchester’s efforts to ensure our programming reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. By highlighting South Indian arts and culture, the program creates new and meaningful opportunities for connection between local heritage bearers, families, and audiences across the region.”
The full schedule of events follows below:
May 1 & 2, 2026
KALA SAMAAGAM: A Celebration of South Indian Arts & Culture
LOCATION: ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains
Immerse yourself in a confluence of music, dance and artistic tradition from South India.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Kala Samaagam: An Evening of Carnatic Flute and Voice
Feat. Shashank Subramanyam (flute), Abhishek Raghuram (voice), Parupalli Phalgun (mrdangam), and Krishna Sriram (ghatam)
Doors: 7pm | Concert: 7:30pm
Tickets: $25 General Admission (Eventbrite service fees added at checkout)
Experience the magic of this electrifying collaboration as flute maestro Shashank Subramanyam and powerhouse vocalist Abhishek Raghuram unite for an incredibly special performance of South Indian classical music. Presented in the intimate setting of ArtsWestchester’s gallery, the concert offers a rare opportunity to experience two of the world’s most celebrated Indian classical musicians up close. In this performance, Shashank and Abhishek will be joined by percussion virtuosos Parupalli Phalgum and Krishna Sriram. The event welcomes those who are discovering South Indian classical music for the first time as well as devoted rasikas offering an unforgettable evening to all.
About the Artists: Renowned for his breathtaking virtuosity and lyrical tone, Shashank Subramanyam has redefined the expressive possibilities of the bamboo flute on the global stage. The GRAMMY-nominated musician is the leading exponent of classical Indian flute today. A child prodigy, whose musical career began at the age of six, Subramanyam is the youngest recipient of India’s most prestigious performing arts award, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2017).
Hailed for his electrifying voice, intricate improvisations and deeply emotive renditions, Abhishek Raghuram brings a rare blend of tradition and daring creativity to every performance. Born into a legendary musical lineage, he rose from child prodigy to an A-grade artiste of All India Radio. With acclaimed performances from Chennai’s December Season to international stages such as New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, he is widely recognized as one of the most compelling and innovative voices in contemporary Carnatic music.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Kala Samaagam: Community Celebration
Time: 11AM – 4PM
Registration: Free to all, registration strongly suggested here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kala-samaagam-community-celebration-tickets-1985448320373?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
Join us for an immersive celebration that honors the rich cultural and artistic traditions of South India. This family-friendly event invites audiences of all backgrounds to experience and learn together.
11AM-1PM | Interactive Workshops for Families, ages 5-14
Designed for children ages 5-14 and their parents/guardians—but open to all—these sessions offer an accessible introduction to South Indian arts:
- Arts & Crafts – Create traditional geometric mandala designs, flower garlands and kathakali masks. (11am-2pm)
- Rhythm & Solkattu – Learn to recite rhythmic drum syllables while keeping tala (meter) with your hands and body. (11:30am & 12:15pm)
- Bharatanatyam Basics – Explore expressive storytelling (abhinaya) and rhythmic movement (nrtta). (11:30am & 12:15pm)
1-4PM | Cultural Program, all ages
Experience the vibrant richness of South Indian music and dance in this dynamic showcase. The program brings together folk, classical, and devotional traditions, featuring nearly a dozen dance styles, as well as performances by vocalists, instrumentalists, and powerful drumming ensembles.
2-3PM | South Indian Feast, all ages
Try delicious regional dishes from across South India. *Food sold separately – as supplies last.
All programs take place at ArtsWestchester’s downtown White Plains building.
31 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, NY 10601 – artsw.org – 914.428.4220
About ArtsWestchester
Founded in 1965, ArtsWestchester is New York State’s largest private not-for-profit arts council. The leading funder and advocate for the arts in Westchester and Rockland Counties, ArtsWestchester works to create an equitable, inclusive, vibrant and sustainable community in which the arts are integral to and integrated into every facet of life. Building on its 60-year legacy, ArtsWestchester advances arts and culture by providing grants, bringing artists into schools and community centers, advocating for the arts, and building audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. ArtsWestchester enriches the lives of everyone in the community and operates a multi-use gallery and home for the arts at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains, New York.