Putting the U in SAA-uk
Turning a 10-year dream for SAA-uk into a reality, South Asian arts and culture was being celebrated in pretty much every corner of the city through July and August 2025. But how do you continue to keep an event relevant for years to come?
Keeping the momentum going.
With nearly a dozen showcases this summer, over summer 2025 the team at South Asian Arts-uk kickstarted their ‘Pop-up Culture’ project; a diverse spectacle of dance, art, music, poetry and more connected to the sub-continent.
Initially commissioned as short recaps for social media, the events were filmed, edited, and posted within 48 hours. Each video became a promotional tool for the next event, riding on the momentum and joy from the previous and being shared by spectators and participants alike.
Recording interviews, dances, community interactions and chatting to audience members, SAA-uk engaged us to create a living, breathing memory of each event.
But we nearly missed the big picture.
At the end of the project, we had a gift – what started as social content had become a fully documented Arts Council-supported programme with key case studies from trustees, audiences, and emerging communities across Leeds.
A series of 12 unique films became key assets for SAA-uk’s impact reporting, evidencing reach and engagement across the programme.
The events weren’t just captured (and captured well, we might add) but with video, they were amplified – setting the groundwork for the next iteration of the arts festival but now with a strong marketing campaign behind it.
And then were repurposed to secure more funding (and more video, let’s hope!)
Ready to make an impact?
At Circle Take, we’re all about driving positive change and telling positive stories. If you’re an Arts & Culture organisation that needs event capture, community impact case studies, documentation for funding application or an outstanding project film that tells both your story or the story of the people you impact – give us a shout. We work especially well with people who aren’t comfortable on camera, so you know you’re in safe hands.
Circle Take Films were particularly skilled at connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds, making everyone feel at ease. This came through in the visuals which created honest, joyful and collaborative stories and truly represented all the heart that went into the project. Almir and the team come highly recommended, whether you are a charity, business, governmental organisation or something else!
Ellen
SAA-uk
It’s called Circle Take for a reason
We’re named after the industry term for the perfect take. It’s because we don’t settle for anything less. And neither should you. Get in touch and let’s make some magic together.