This secular, non-profit, volunteer-driven arts organization has achieved scores of noteworthy milestones in the decade and a half of its existence. IAAC is the first and only Indian Arts Council in the United States representing all of the artistic disciplines, including theatre, dance, music, film, folk arts and literature. IAAC pioneered the first annual Indian theatre, film, dance and playwright festivals in the country, as well as an annual travelling exhibition of contemporary Indian art. IAAC’s programs attract packed audiences and amazing media coverage from ethnic, mainstream and international outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, BBC, Variety, New York Daily News, NY1, CNN IBN, and Huffington Post, just to name a few.
   
“We are thrilled to contribute to the rich diversity of the New York cultural landscape,” said Aroon Shivdasani, IAAC Executive Director. “By showcasing and building an awareness of the artists and artistic disciplines from India’s sub continental heritage, we educate and entertain mainstream America about our culture, our traditions and our rich history, while simultaneously encouraging tolerance and greater understanding between cultures.”
  
To commemorate its 15th anniversary, IAAC will host a celebratory gala where comedian Dan Nainan will entertain guests as the Master of Ceremonies. For all the fashionistas out there, designer Manish Arora will be showcasing his latest collection in a specially-conceived fashion show.  Indian-Americans to be honored will be: author Salman Rushdie, filmmaker Mira Nair and Dr. Manjula Bansal for their contribution to the arts. 

Musical entertainment will be provided by singer/songwriter/composer Paul Williams and jazz piano icon/composer Kenny Ascher as they reunite on stage to recreate their award winning musical magic. Both are co-writers of the Oscar-nominated song “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie. Paul Williams won an Oscar with Barbara Striesand for writing and composing EVERGREEN.   He has written and composed for Barabara Striesand, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, The Carpenters, Elvis Presley

“It may be surprising to find Kenny and I performing at an Indian gala, but it just goes to prove that music is universal and does not discriminate by race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status,” said Williams, who has been at the receiving end of Academy, Golden Globe and Grammy awards, with his most recent work being featured on current pop sensation Daft Punk's Random Access Memories.

Jonathan Hollander, President and Artistic Director of Battery Dance Company and one of the founding members of IAAC is quoted as saying,

“As global citizens, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves about the various practices and traditions of other ethnicities and I’m proud organizations like IAAC exist to tell the story of Indian people through dance, film, theatre, prose, and art.”

Tables at the gala range in value from $5,000 to $25,000, and individual tickets are available for $500.

For more information and to purchase your advance tickets please visit:
 
/iaac_15th_anniversary/tickets.htm
 
Support the arts and buy your tickets TODAY!

press release & images courtesy of IAAC