THE RAVI & SHASHI BELLARE ARTS FOUNDATION

Founded in 1992, the Ravi & Shashi Bellare Arts Foundation (RSBAF) is a Southern California-based non-profit dedicated to showcasing the global landscape of contemporary tabla artistry to a wide audience. Emerging from intimate "dungals" - concerts held in residences and community centers - RSBAF was established as a heartfelt tribute to the Founder's gurus, aiming to create accessible pathways for future generations to engage with Indian Classical Music (ICM). Historically, despite their profound knowledge and integral contributions to performances, tabla artists were often relegated to the role of accompanists. RSBAF's signature initiative, the Festival of Tabla (FOT), directly addresses this underrepresentation by spotlighting the rich and intricate tradition of solo tabla performance. FOT proudly presents artists from varied backgrounds and skill levels, with a particular emphasis on providing a welcoming platform for female tabla artists, who have historically faced significant limitations in opportunities.