Our Awards & GRANTS
SU-CASA Grant
2025, 2023
Akṣarā was awarded public funds from the New York City Council, in partnership with the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) and the Department for the Aging (DFTA) and administered by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC). The SU-CASA art engagement program provides opportunities for education, socialization, and recreation for all older residents with particular attention paid to the special needs of the infirm, homebound, and isolated.
Creative Engagement Award
2022
Akṣarā was awarded public funds from Creative Engagement, a regrant program supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Howard Gilman Foundation and administered by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC). The Creative Engagement grant is for projects of tremendous artistry that help connects Manhattan’s diverse communities through the arts.
Ms. Moorthy hopes second-generation American Hindus and their classmates come away from her events with a deeper understanding of Holi. She says, "I think I’m done with people only consuming Indian culture. I just feel there needs to be a point where people are also learning."
Richa Karmakar for Religion News Service (Mar 2025)
Driven by a profound commitment to cultural education Ms. Moorthy seeks to promote Indian cultural heritage universally, challenge stereotypes, and foster a deeper understanding of Indian traditions.
Seema Kumar for SEEMA Magazine (Jun 2024)
Ms. Moorthy is the visionary founder of Aksara, an arts education initiative that delves into the transformative power of the arts in preserving and transmitting Indian culture.
Mat McDormat for HAF Podcast (Aug 2024)
HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE!
Aksarā is a proud participant in SU-CASA, administered by LMCC and supported by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, the City Council, and the Tiger Baron Foundation. This is a community arts engagement program that focuses on engaging older adults in participatory arts projects with an emphasis on hands-on learning and adaptive teaching.