National Indo-American Museum plans cultural activities in Chicago

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The Chicago-based National Indo-American Museum, NIAM, is planning a host of cultural events showcasing the Indian-American community over the coming months.

According to its mission, “NIAM builds bridges across generations and connects cultures through the diverse, colorful stories of all Indian Americans.”

Going by that mission, the upcoming event is “Cultural Rhythms” for which NIAM received a grant from The Ralla Klepak Foundation for Education and will be facilitating interactive programs like Cultural Rhythms where students will able to learn about Indian history by way of performing arts.

The Museum has an ongoing exhibition entitled “Desi Roots and Wings” which includes the Beyond Bollywood exhibit developed in conjunction with the Smithsonian, NIAM, The Field Museum and Chicago Community Trust. The traveling exhibit now has a permanent home at the National Indo-American Museum.

The Desi Roots and Wings exhibit displays images ranging from railway workers from the 19^th century, and representations of the daily life of the community, its culture and contributions to U.S., bringing it up to date with doctors, engineers, astronauts, yoga masters, to high-tech CEOs.

The Museum is also gearing up for a new exhibit featuring Indian-American artists. This is a follow-up to the success of last year’s E/Merge: Art of the Indian Diaspora exhibit curated by Shaurya Kumar, chair of the Faculty and Associate Professor at the School of the Art Institute Chicago.