Australian South Asian Centre (ASAC)

Who we are

Our co-founders, Daizy and Sehar came together to build a connected community of South Asian women founders, creatives and professionals. As an organisation we curate programming that showcases talent and creates an environment where South Asian women can thrive. We’re also a membership based community and create opportunities for our members to connect & further their impactful work.

Australia’s multicultural programming is far behind compared to the United Kingdom, USA and India. Over the last few years we’ve connected with phenomenal South Asian women in these countries who have created safe spaces for migrant and diverse women. It has been amazing to witness from afar – founders of Brown Girl Magazine, South Asian Heritage Month, Asian Woman Festival, Brown Girl Therapy and the Juggernaut – just to name a few. We’re here to accelerate the pace of change in Australia.

We want South Asian women in Australia to know that they’re not alone in their struggles. We’re here for you. For support. To listen. To advocate and raise our collective voice. To provide opportunities to boost your career. To provide a platform to amplify voices of South Asian women.

What we do

EDUCATION & SKILLS IN CREATIVITY

Courses & workshops on stand-up comedy, spoken word and poetry

Practical education series that nurtures women to learn skills in storytelling and performance whilst also fostering lasting connections and building confidence. Supporting women to create their own portfolios of shareable work to continue being part of the arts spaces, where they don't often feel they belong.

VISIBILITY THROUGH CREATIVE PRODUCTIONS

Brown Women Comedy 

Australia’s first and largest comedy show featuring a lineup of talented South Asian women comedians. We harness humour and storytelling to explore identity and tackle otherwise taboo topics shrouded in shame.

Brown Women Poetry We use poetry & spoken word as a vehicle to destigmatise important topics and celebrate the art and power of community storytelling.

CREATING COMMUNITIES & MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS

Quarterly Member Events

Thoughtful, well designed & purposeful events in services of our 180+ members, these focus on creating spaces that lead to strong friendships and collaboration. Ranging from a focus on health, wellbeing, connection and storytelling - all driven by what our members want.

Book club & amplifying writers

A monthly book club, that amplifies under-represented South Asian women authors. Led by and for ASAC’s volunteers for four years, the Book Club has also connected numerous South Asian women authors with the community through Q&A sessions.

ADVOCACY

Australia's Stellar South Asian Women Awards

A showcase of South Asian Australian women’s excellence & contribution to community. The Awards inspire and educate Australians about what South Asian Australian women are capable of, connect these women to like minded achievers, and celebrate their remarkable contributions to our world.Media engagementEngagement with media & press through our creative productions which amplifying creatives who use their artistic practice to speak about things that matter to them and their communities.

Using our privilege to support others

Using our collective privileges to support women who are in need in difficult times and bringing the community together to encourage philanthropy, giving and seva (service). In the past we’ve supported women, whether it’s because of domestic violence (Soul House - Aus), floods (Punjab) or political unrest (Afghanistan) - ASAC harnesses diaspora to support women on the ground in need when possible.