Route47
A community interest company with the aim to empower and uplift South Asian communities through arts and education. We are dedicated to fostering cultural understanding, promoting social cohesion, and nurturing individual growth.
By creating safe and inclusive spaces, we encourage dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas among individuals from diverse backgrounds. Through our initiatives, we aim to bridge cultural divides, promote understanding, and build strong, interconnected communities.
The co-founders, Sunil Patel and Nasia Sarwar-Skuse have united their expertise to contribute to the celebration of South Asian culture in its various forms.
Our Mission Is Three-Fold
Celebration
Celebrating South Asian heritage through creative arts and education with the aim of increasing awareness of the contributions that South Asian communities have made across Wales.
Preserving
Preserving the memories, stories and experiences of our elders, passing down these rich treasures to educate and inspire younger generation
Challenge Stereotypes
Ultimately, our mission is to empower South Asian communities and to create spaces that celebrate diversity, challenge stereotypes, and promote social justice. Through our collective efforts, we aim to build a society where all individuals, regardless of their background, can thrive and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive world. Together, we celebrate culture identity, and belonging.
How We Achieve Our Mission
- We work with communities and organisations through art, research and education.
- We provide a platform for South Asian communities to explore, share, and celebrate their heritage including the historical insights that connect South Asian heritage to the broader context of Welsh life.
- We collaborate with skilled artists, community groups, and cultural organisations, making these activities accessible in schools, colleges, universities, and workplaces.
The Co-Founders
Sunil Patel
Sunil was born in India and came to the UK at the age of six months. He is passionate about highlighting the contributions made by South Asian communities through the generations to Welsh society.
He has appeared on BBC Asian Network on numerous occasions and in 2022 and presented the South Asian Heritage Month event in Wales.
Sunil has worked in senior management roles for most of his career, namely at the Home Office and the third sector. As a community mentor and an activist for racial equality, he is committed to creating access and opportunity for underrepresented groups.
In 2021, Sunil co-founded a social justice organisation and delivers anti-racism workshops in various sectors such as education, health, criminal justice and media.
Nasia Sarwar-Skuse
Nasia was born in Pakistan and grew up in Manchester. She moved to Wales in the late 1990s and qualified as a solicitor specialising in civil law matters.
Nasia is also a writer and her work has appeared in several publications. In 2023, she won the prestigious Queen Mary Wasafiri New Writing Prize.
She is a PhD candidate in Creative Writing researching colonialism, migration, and its intersections with gender, and material memory.
She is also the co-editor of Gathering: Women Of Colour On Nature (404 Ink, 2024). Nasia is committed to raising awareness of South Asian heritage and to being a mentor for the next generation.
South Asian Diaspora in Wales
The migration of communities from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan and the Maldives, has enriched communities across Wales.
Migration from the Indian subcontinent has transformed Welsh culture and the economy over the past eight decades. From serving in the British Armed Forces, National Health Service and the running of independent businesses the South Asian communities have played a significant role. Their contributions have been recognised in recent years through the celebration of South Asian Heritage Month.
Route47 aims to amplify awareness of those contributions through education and to empower and inspire through our projects.
Our Work
Through our arts and education programs, we provide accessible and engaging experiences we that encourage creativity, self-expression, and a sense of belonging. We believe that the arts have the power to inspire, heal, and bridge cultural divides, fostering understanding and appreciation among diverse communities.
We strive to provide high-quality educational opportunities that promote critical thinking, cultural awareness, and historical understanding. By offering workshops, seminars, and resources, we aim to empower individuals within South Asian communities to explore their history, challenge stereotypes, and equip them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to succeed in various aspects of life.
Digital Archive
Interviews with the South Asian elders and the community to gather personal narratives of Indian Partition, migration, cultural traditions, and other historical insights.
Creative Arts
We organise creative writing sessions, and storytelling workshops to ensure that South Asian heritage remains alive and thriving.
Cultural Education
Learn about the vibrant tapestry of South Asian cultures. We offer cultural workshops, seminars, and lectures that delve into the roots of our traditions, promoting cross-cultural awareness and understanding among various communities.
We recognise the importance of addressing social issues and promoting social justice within South Asian communities. We actively engage in advocacy, raising awareness, and supporting initiatives that tackle inequality, discrimination, and other challenges faced by these communities. By amplifying voices and advocating for change, we strive to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all. We are keen to seek partnerships with individuals, organisations, and institutions that share our vision of a more inclusive society. By working together, we can amplify our impact, leverage resources, and create lasting change within South Asian communities and beyond.
