2025 was a record-breaking year for South Asia Institute

Thank you for a year of generous support and community at South Asia Institute. As the only independent South Asian American arts and cultural center in Chicago dedicated solely to preserving, promoting, and presenting South Asian arts, your support has sustained and cultivated a distinct and culturally-rich mission. 

Despite being the fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States, the South Asian American community remains underserved and underrepresented in arts & humanities across mainstream cultural institutions. Through vibrant exhibitions and community-driven programs, we cultivate a platform for visibility, belonging, and celebration for South Asians here in Chicago and beyond. 

Our mission has soared to new heights

South Asia Institute has fostered programs rooted in community and expression – serving our ever-growing and ever-evolving community of South Asian Americans, while exploring diverse themes of the South Asian immigrant experience including womanhood, environmentalism, and post-colonial identity.

In 2025, South Asia Institute featured 154 artists across 6 exhibitions and 52 programs! From traditional miniature paintings to hybrid digital installations, our exhibitions have platformed 54 South Asian visual artists across artistic periods and disciplines. 

With live performances, hands-on workshops, and more, we have brought together community for programs celebrating South Asian and South Asian American artists – including 54 musicians and dancers and 55 poets and authors.

Carrying the momentum into 2026

Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of supporters like you, we have already raised nearly $120,000 to support our unique and vibrant exhibitions and programs at South Asia Institute! You can help carry the momentum to new heights at South Asia Institute by helping us to raise $30,000 to contribute to our year-end campaign goal of $150,000!

If you haven't made your year-end gift yet, we invite you to contribute now. Every contribution – no matter the size – moves us closer to building a stronger platform for South Asian art and artists, bringing appreciation and awareness of our rich South Asian culture and heritage. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today and help us close the year strong. Thank you for standing with South Asia Institute and for believing in the power of the arts to connect, inspire and transform!

South Asia Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible.
For more information, please contact fundraising@saichicago.org