Five brown women and non-binary artists produce a catalogue of five prints
South Asian Today, an independent media startup for South Asians in Australia, launched an online store on September 29, 2021, aiming to uplift, amplify and highlight South Asian artists.
A first of its kind, South Asian Today officially set in motion in April 2020 to bridge the gap between South Asian creatives - especially women and gender diverse folks - and the media industry. Since then, it has worked with more than 70 writers, published 150+ articles, a podcast series, and 20+ multimedia interviews. Reaching 10K followers through social media, South Asian Today primarily focuses on representing Australians with origins in South Asia.
With social impact through storytelling as its core objective, opening an online store with South Asian artists is a step into seeing a more diverse Australia. At least 32% of international students are South Asians, yet a space to access art that caters to their interests ceased to exist.
South Asian Today has collaborated with five brown women and non-binary artists and has produced a catalogue of five prints, with a tote bag along with other accessories made in India on its way.
“Every South Asian item you’re likely to find on the Australian art scene is either taken or exoticised. We go way beyond Bollywood, chai or curry. We have a generations-old feminist history, and it’s time we put that on display because it deserves to be seen,” says founder and editor-in-chief Dilpreet Kaur.
As opposed to corporations where an artist’s margin is usually only 17-20%, at South Asian Today, we are equal partners with all our artists, i.e. 50% of each sale goes directly to the artists, without any cuts, promising better brand equity.
As an independent media start-up, the proceeds will help platform more South Asian voices and boost stories otherwise unseen in the mainstream.
The Head of Design, Danushi Rajakapse, collaborated with community members for the shop’s photoshoot and branding, resulting in a collective and immersive experience.
South Asian Today’s shop is now open. More information can be found here: https://southasiantoday.bigcartel.com/.
Buy with a purpose.
Any questions about the shop can be directed to contact@southasiantoday.com.au.
10% of any money raised by South Asian Today is donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation as our rent for living and working on stolen land. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging.