Pearls of Toronto Support Nouveau iDEA!

Entertainment professionals and artists from the South Asian community joined together in support of the not-for-profit organization, Nouveau iDEA.

Executive Director Tushar Unadkat along with Nouveau’s board of directors hosted the 12:12 fundraising gala at Innis Town Hall in Toronto last Saturday evening. Among the supporters of the event was director Dr. Sarab Singh Neelam, who flew in from the USA to attend the screening of his critically acclaimed, multiple-award winning film: Ocean of Pearls, about a man who struggles with his East Asian identity. The Q&A afterwards proved quite enlightening as Dr. Neelam touched on the universal theme of human values saying that it goes beyond the East Asian culture. It applies to everyone which is why the film has had international success and why Nouveau iDEA chose it for its inaugural event.

Exclusively sponsored by Sahara One television, one of India's largest media conglomerates, the 12;12 event not only celebrated Nouveau iDEA’s 7th anniversary it also launched a newly expanded mission statement that extends the organization from its on-line community to a physical one starting with Toronto.

Nouveau iDEA’s extended mission is to promote artists of various cultures and to bring the arts and entertainment community together under a multicultural umbrella that celebrates our differences, encourages communication and continues to allow a diverse cross section of artists to flourish.

Following the screening the crowd of 250 was entertained with instrumental music from the near and middle east performed by the Light of East Ensemble. Also on hand were pop-singer Prita Chhabbra and Bollywood-sensation Shweta Subramanian. All who donated their time to raise funds for two Nouveau iDEA initiatives; the creation of a scholarship fund that will assist artists seeking to develop their artistic expression through mentorships in cultures other than their own, and to continue to produce events that will promote culturally diverse artists and their work creating an atmosphere where communities can integrate, appreciate and be inspired by art and entertainment from around the world.

Early reports from Unadkat say that the 12:12 gala event was a success and we ready to begin planning our next event with the inclusion of more cultures.

Contact: Tushar Unadkat, Executive Director, Nouveau iDEA at 416. 716.8582 or info@nouveauidea.com