Lavanyaa Surendar

Lavanyaa Surendar, a WI Arts Board Master artist, is the founding President of Ziksa-An Art Forum, which connects artists through professional channels and helps art thrive. She was also an Educational Co-chair for the Sheboygan Theatre Company, where she proposed educational opportunities and career building focus for students of STC. She served as the Director on the board of The Art Garage in Green Bay. Currently she is on the board of Wisconsin Dance Council serving the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She has also worked with the Maker Faire to use arts (Dance) as a tool for community engagement.

Having a certification in Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University, Lavanyaa specializes in ‘Neuroaesthetics.’ She has written several articles, including “While We Experience Art Sports Do We Feel Connected to Something Large Why,” featured in Neo Narthaki.

She holds a second Masters in Arts & Cultural Management from Colorado State University. Under the guidance of Dr. Sujatha Mohan, she is currently working on Sanskrit treatise on the performing arts “Natya Shastra.”

Lavanyaa also developed a dance based workout ‘Art & Anatomy,’ that premiered in Lawrence University, Appleton. She was also an active member of ‘The Newyork Dance Talks’ and has presented ‘Abigyan Shakuntalum’ at their conference. She works closely with the American Mental Health Organization to use Arts as interventional treatment.

What energizes you as you consider the future of the arts in Wisconsin?

Brookfield has a great culturally diverse group which is very receptive and inclusive. I practice South Indian Classical Dance- Organizations like Dance Works, Sharon Lynne Wilson have always been appreciative of the art form and they are pretty open to learn and include the art form in their features as well. I believe that art is a great engagement tool which helps us connect to the community.

Where can we find your work?

You can find Lavanyaa’s work on her website: www.lavanyaasurendar.com.