Jayanthi Moorthy

"I have always found ways to stay connected with my Indian cultural roots after I left India and came to the US in 2004. For example, in my initial years in the US, as a visual designer, I helped promote Indian cultural organizations by designing their print and web campaigns. Later as I pursued my career in visual arts I made art inspired by core ideas and philosophies from Indian culture. 

My first initiative towards community arts education in Manhattan started in 2013 where for 4-years I conducted a creative festival in Manhattan called the Art Fast. This 5-day festival of music, dance, and visual arts revolved around the essence of the Indian festival of Navarathri. This program was a big inspiration to start Akṣarā. I launched Akṣarā in March 2021 envisioning it to be a hub for Indian cultural learning through the arts. I am looking to build Akṣarā to be a creative space for South Indian Americans and people of all other communities to come together through a shared learning experience about Indian culture."   

Ms. Moorthy has 20+ years of experience in the creative industry (interaction design and visual arts). She has a Masters in Art Education as Community Practice and a Masters in Business Administration. She is still active with her visual art practice (www.jaymoorthy.com) as she continues to exhibit her works and curate shows.