Every story has a beginning and Art Asia’s started 25 years ago… to commemorate this milestone Art Asia and local people worked on a very special project.

In 2007 Art Asia was awarded a grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund* to work with the local community and other organisations to capture South Asian heritage in Southampton with a particular focus on Art Asia’s 25 year history within the local community.

The project, Kal Aur Aaj: 25 years of Art Asia (Kal Aur Aaj meaning yesterday and today) saw children and adults participating in workshops to create a spectrum of colourful artwork; members of the community shared their stories of Art Asia and Southampton, five of which have been recorded and a transcribed and kept for posteriority and the restoration of past Art Asia photographs and film footage which has then been used to make a 30 minute documentary DVD and a special exhibition of photographs has been displayed in various locations across Southampton from theatres and libraries to foyers and even Hoglands park!


* The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage. From our great museums and historic building to local parks and beauty spots, to recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, HLF Grants open up our nation’s heritage for everyone to enjoy.