‘Diaspora!’ Is home to the celebrated Melody and Harmony Yurts, which, having operated for some years as an aspect of the much-loved ‘Tribe Of Doris’, have since 2022 been under the care of ‘DAN’ (Diverse Artists Network); the heir to Doris’s infectiously creative spirit, and to her fantastic family who now continue to create and inspire through DAN.
Vandna Mehta, after co-curating ‘Doris’ for some years, ultimately co-founded DAN with a view to generating a network, agency and platform by means of which marginalised people in the arts world might, above all; “Be Seen, Be Heard, (and, importantly) Be Paid”. Since then, she has built an extraordinarily capable team to deal with the ever-complexifying need for DAN to continue evolving in order to embrace the multifariously ever-emergent opportunities to empower individuals; help artists to achieve their goals by building skills and knowledge relating to their professional development, continue to grow relationships with arts venues and organisations, facilitate dialogue, and during more recent years via ‘Diaspora!’; the creation and orchestration of events.
In May of 2023 ‘Diaspora! Festival’ took place for the first time across Bristol and the Southwest, uniting all varieties of venues and artists in a Bonanza celebration of Arts and Culture. Now Vandna and ‘Diaspora!’ present Music and Voice workshops in the ‘Melody’ and ‘Harmony’ Yurts here at Shambala. Throughout the weekend entirely World-Class artists will be sharing songs and musical skills in an entirely participatory context. Be sure not to miss the opportunity to come and get involved!