The South Asian Performing Arts Network and Institute is a performing arts company based in Washington, DC.

SAPAN is dedicated to promoting and advancing
all South Asian performing arts through dance, music, and theatre.

In Hindi, the term “sapan” means dream.
It is also the acronym for the
“South Asian Performing Arts Network”
and Institute.

 
 

The SAPAN Institute –
“Dream It. Live It.”

Our mission is to inspire collaboration and innovation in South Asian Performing Arts.

In line with this mission, The SAPAN Institute's vision is to:

  • Foster a community of talented artists across dance, music and theater;

  • Share our talent and ideas through performances and productions; and 

  • Engage audiences to explore the diversity of South Asian culture. 

Leadership

Board of Directors, Founders

Prabhu Chandar

Amit Kapoor

Divani Raveena Nadaraja

Sejal Shah

Sarika Singh

Executive Directors

Kushali Marwaha

Kavin Sanghavi

Mayhah Suri

Poonam Vaidya

Sidhant Wadhera

Creative Directors

Hana Khan

Sheliz Rais

Mayhah Suri

Lamiya Zaveri

History

In 2007, Amit Kapoor, Divani Raveena Nadaraja, Sejal Shah, Prabhu Chandar, and Sarika Singh were working together as dancers and directors of an Indian dance company in Washington, DC when, over lunch, they put their heads together and came to the stark realization that there was a deep void in the local performing arts community. While there were many amazing organizations promoting various forms of South Asian performing arts, there was no institution representing all forms and no support system for the many rising artists and young professionals coming to Washington, DC. Over that conversation, our founders made a commitment to fill that void with one expansive institution: The SAPAN Institute.

We’re excited that what was once a dream is now a platform for advancing all forms of South Asian performing arts and for supporting blossoming artists. Whether you’re a musician, dancer, actor or performing arts enthusiast, we invite you to explore our dream and learn more about how you can get involved and add to the movement.