Arts Services Inc. (ASI) is excited to welcome Gaitrie Subryan to our team as our new Programs & Outreach Coordinator. Gaitrie brings with her over 15 years of experience as a professional artist, educator, and cultural advocate, and we couldn’t be more excited for the energy, creativity, and expertise she adds to our organization.
Gaitrie specializes in Indian Dance and is the founder of Devi Performing Arts, a cultural hub offering dance classes, workshops, and opportunities for artistic collaboration. Her work blends tradition with contemporary themes, creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and cultural connection.
Gaitrie has built a career focused on making the arts accessible and inclusive. Her professional background includes producing multidisciplinary performances, organizing community-centered events, and producing impactful projects like Find Your Beat, a storytelling initiative exploring themes of ancestry and cultural identity through Kathak dance.
When asked what drew her to ASI, Gaitrie shared, “I admire ASI’s commitment to empowering artists and fostering creative growth in the community. ASI’s focus on advocacy, inclusion, and professional development resonates deeply with my own mission to bridge cultural gaps and create spaces for meaningful dialogue. What excites me most is the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a vision for elevating the arts as a vital force in society.”
The Role of Arts in Building Inclusive Communities
Gaitrie sees the arts as a powerful force for connection and transformation. “The arts have the power to transcend boundaries and create shared experiences that connect people on a deeper level,” she explains. “By offering platforms for diverse voices, the arts can challenge stereotypes and celebrate the richness of different cultures.”
At ASI, Gaitrie envisions fostering partnerships and designing initiatives that elevate underrepresented voices while advocating for cultural equity. She brings a wealth of experience to this work, including her time as a Creatives Rebuild New York Fellow, where she honed her skills in using art as a tool for empowerment and social change.
Q&A with Gaitrie
To help our community get to know Gaitrie better, we asked her some fun and insightful questions.
Gaitrie performing in Find Your Beat
Photo by Paul Fanara at Living in the Buff Art Media
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you outside of your professional life? I have a deep interest in holistic living and spiritual practices, and I’ve been exploring yoga and meditation to connect with myself and bring clarity to both my personal and professional life. I regularly listen to podcasts on holistic medicine, such as Ayurveda, as well as on the arts and spiritual well-being. David Frawley’s talks, in particular, have been a major source of inspiration and a reaffirmation of my commitment to integrating these practices into my daily routine. These practices help ground me and often influence my creative work.
What was the most recent art event you attended? One recent event I attended as an audience member was the “Step to Gala,” a fundraiser organized by the MahataMmoho Collective, a local dance company. They did an incredible job with every aspect of the event, from the food to the performances and music, it was truly a magical and special night.
Additionally, this summer I took part in “Choreography in Process,” a series on Governors Island, where I had the opportunity to share my choreographic process with other artists. They observed my work and offered suggestions, which were both inspiring and pushed me to expand my boundaries in movement and storytelling. It was a deeply motivating experience that reaffirmed the importance of experimentation and collaboration in the arts.
What book is on your nightstand? I have so many! I am thoroughly enjoying The Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel and The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer. This one is a beautiful exploration of mindfulness and inner peace, which aligns with my journey toward spiritual clarity. I also like to make sure that I’m understanding other parts of myself as well as others. The Book of Boundaries by Melissa Urban is a great read and very helpful to me as I navigate family, work, and professional relationships.
Last but not least, I’ve started tapping into the world of Shamanism. I have been reading The Wisdom of Shamans by Don Jose Ruiz…. I especially love the quote, ‘When you no longer rely on others to tell you what kind of person you are, your love for yourself stops being conditional. You know that you are a great person, and it’s no longer important for anyone else to say so.’
Gaitrie as a child in the Bronx with her parents, brother, and sister.
If you could invite any artist, musician, writer, or creative individual (living or from history) to dinner, who would it be and why? I have always wanted to be asked this question! I grew up in the Bronx, surrounded by people of different backgrounds and cultures. The 90s I believe was the best time to be a kid, listening to music by Michael Jackson, Tupac, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul. These were my first real experiences in the world of music and dance, so I would love to invite one of these (if not all) to dinner where we can gather, eat, learn and be inspired.
What’s heavy on your Spotify rotation lately? I have been listening to Snatam Kaur for her soulful renditions of mantras, balanced with Anderson .Paak’s upbeat and playful tracks—perfect for staying inspired and grounded. I also love
listening to the golden age of Bollywood, specifically Lata Mangeshkar.
We are so excited to have Gaitrie on our team and can’t wait to see how her passion, expertise, and vision will help us serve the arts community in Western New York. Want to say hello? Send Gaitrie an email: [email protected].
