Asian Arts Agency Statement In Memory of Mr. Shivranjan Singh MBE.
We are very saddened to hear of the death of Asian Arts Agency’s Board member and ex-Chairman Mr. Shivranjan Singh MBE who sadly passed away on Friday 30th September 2022. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Singh’s family and friends.
Mr Singh was an iconic figure in Bristol and a huge supporter of the arts and culture. He made an enormous contribution to equality and the arts in the City across a period spanning over five decades.
The Asian Arts Agency Director and Board members have shared their thoughts on Mr. Shivranjan Singh’s contributions to our work and the wider cultural sector.
Jaswinder Singh, Director, Asian Arts Agency said
‘Shivranjan Singh MBE, or ‘Shiv’ as we would call him with love and respect, leaves behind a massive legacy for Bristol City through his enormous contributions to RACE, equalities, diversity but above all the arts and culture scene in Bristol since the 1970s. As the Chair of Asian Arts Agency and under his leadership with the support of all our Trustees, the Agency grew into a nationally and internationally significant organisation emerging from and based in Bristol. Personally, I learned a lot from him. It would be fair to say he was one of the most influential figures in my career. Shiv was a highly intelligent and visionary person who supported the Agency and its team in delivering some outstanding work in Bristol for the City’s local communities. His passing is a big loss to the City. However, he leaves behind a massive legacy for the thriving South Asian arts and music scene in Bristol and the UK.’
Tim Corum, Chair, Asian Arts Agency said
‘I first met Shiv when I came to Bristol in 2006 to work in the Museums and Galleries Department. I remember we talked about the history of the South Asian community in the city and how this should be represented in the museum. Shiv was gentle but insistent and effective, a great advocate both for Bristol and his community.
When I became a board member at the Asian Arts Agency a few years later I got to know Shiv better as a colleague and friend. Shiv was passionate about supporting artists and sharing the music and dance that he loved with the wider community. He made an enormous contribution by developing the Asian Arts Agency which is now a thriving international arts organisation rooted in Bristol.’
Sandeep Marwah, Trustee and longest standing Board member of Asian Arts Agency said
‘Shivranjan Singh MBE, or Shiv to everyone who knew him, was instrumental in bringing Classic Indian Music and Dance to a wider audience in Bristol during the late 70’s and 80’s.
He brought such artists as Hariprasad Chaurasia, Alla Rakha and Ravi Shankar as well as the world’s foremost exponents of Kathakali, Bharatanatyam and Kathak dance to the Southwest.
He was a warm-hearted man with a ready smile and good sense of humour who made many friends throughout Bristol & beyond.
He will be missed.’
Lyn Porter, Trustee of Asian Arts Agency said
‘It was very sad to hear that Shiv has passed away. He had been a Trustee for many years for Asian Arts Agency and was instrumental in steering its course towards becoming the successful organisation it is today, we will miss his guiding hand.
For decades Shiv had been very active in the Bristol charitable and not for profit sectors. A strong voice that championed the voice of the BAME communities in Bristol, working with the statutory agencies to raise issues that impacted on their lives. A wise and knowledgeable man he will be missed.’
Abdul Ismail, Trustee of Asian Arts Agency said
‘Very sad to hear of Shiv passing away. We knew him since 1980s. Helped a lot in set up our shop after being expelled from Uganda. Always helpful and a very pleasant man. He made me a member of Asian Arts Association board and I learned a lot from him. Will miss him a lot too. ‘
For further enquiries, please contact Asian Arts Agency at info@asianartsagency.co.uk