The aim of ‘Q Tube Cafe’ started by National Streets for Performing Arts is to give performers a venue to perform free of cost
After being in the works for more than two years, a platform to engage local artists has been set up in Bandra West on S V Road. The ‘Q Tube Cafe’ has been started by the National Streets for Performing Arts (NSPA) a month ago with an aim to give performers a venue to perform free of cost.
NSPA not only encourages its own artists to perform in the evening, they also approach other performers to perform at the venue.
Jessica Noronha, project coordinator, said: “There are a lot of permissions required for performing in public spaces, and that is why we wanted a dedicated space. NSPA is powering this space which give artists a platform.”
With a view to bring art closer to the public, a businessman, Ajit Dayal founded National Streets for Performing Arts (NSPA) in April 2012. Quantum Mutual Fund, which funds the non-profit NSPA, has been funding the expense of the cafe.
While the space is not only dedicated to music, many groups have started approaching the members to organise meet-ups and open mic sessions.
“While we also give chance to the 100 musical artists who are part of NSPA group, in the evening we have performances by different groups of artists. Besides the music sessions, people organise poetry sessions, board games sessions, fund-raising activities and meet-ups. The groups have to book the space in advance so that the timing with other groups don’t clash,” added Noronha.
Besides the performances, individuals are allowed to sit and read books, hangout with friends to play board games and spend a leisurely time. The visitors are given two hours free access to WiFi and a cup of coffee free.
“The books in the cafe are donated by the artists and the founder. People can drop in their books so that others can read them. We have kept common musical instruments so that anybody who wishes to play can come forward to perform,” said Noronha.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Q Tube Cafe")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}