| AdminHistory | 'Mukto Arts CIC is a London-based Diaspora arts development organisation led by artists and creative producers. We work with diverse communities and artists to create access to cultural production for people that are excluded from or on the fringes of the mainstream.We facilitate cultural expression and visibility for the many complex and diverse communities that make up Great Britain, working across the performing, visual and media arts.'
(source: https://www.muktoarts.org/about/ [accessed 24/07/2026]
Mukto Arts CIC runs the Brit-Bangla Heritage Festival:
First covered Bhatiyali
Second covered Kirtan
Third covered Dhamail.
Projects have included the Dhamail project which ran from 2024-2026, featuring at Third Brit-Bangla Heritage Festival, 19 April 2025. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets Idea Store Service.
The following was written by Dr Ashim Chakraborty, 25 March 2026 on deposit of the archives at Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives:
'From Performance to Preservation: Dhamail Project delivered by Mukto Arts Finds a Permanent Home in Archives'
'The Dhamail project is a pioneering initiative dedicated to celebrating, documenting, and revitalising Dhamail-an endangered British Bangladeshi intangible cultural heritage rooted in centuries-old traditions of music, dance, and storytelling. Through a dynamic programme of performances, co-design workshops, publications, and audio-visual productions, the project has brought together women, young diaspora communities, and cultural practitioners to rediscover and reimagine this powerful art form. By capturing untold stories, lived experiences, and intergenerational knowledge, the project has created a rich body of work that reflects both the historical depth and contemporary relevance of Dhamail.
Led by the creative team at Mukto Arts CIC, including Dr Ashim Chakraborty, one of its Creative Directors, the project reflects a strong commitment to community-led heritage preservation and inclusive cultural practice.
A significant milestone of the project is the gifting and archiving of its complete outputs-including the published book, video recordings, performances, and research materials-at the Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives and Idea Store. This ensures that the legacy of Dhamail is preserved within a trusted public institution and made accessible to communities, researchers, and future generations.
For the project team, this act of archiving carries profound meaning. It represents a commitment to safeguarding a fragile yet deeply valued cultural tradition, while honouring the voices and memories of those who have sustained it over time. By placing these materials within a permanent archive, the project not only preserves heritage but also creates a lasting bridge between past, present, and future-ensuring that Dhamail continues to inspire identity, belonging, and cultural pride for generations to come.' |