A project exploring, interpreting, and providing access to a unique archive of more than 3000 South Asian vinyl records and artifacts, rescued from Birmingham’s iconic Oriental Star Agencies.

our mission

We want to make the archive accessible, celebrate the collection, inspire new generations and ignite discussions, memories and ideas. We are engaging with the public through events, inviting artists to interpret the archive and developing a membership for ongoing access.

What's Happening

Request Line

South Asia Gallery, Manchester Museum
Past Event
19.07.23
– 17.08.23

Public events

Find out how we bringing the archive to life.
See all events

Project timeline

Trace the development of the project.
View timeline

Get to know the music

Learn about South Asian genres and artists. 
Explore music

in the Press

Media coverage of the project and our events.
See press

What people are saying

Request Line

Manchester Museum

SUNO

Dunya members and event participant looking at records

New Art Exchange, Nottingham

Pop-up Vinyl Museum

OVADA, Oxford

Music and Art Speaks

The Old Print Works, Birmingham

Oriental Express

The Old Print Works, Birmingham

"The archive is more than just a catalogue of exciting and rare music: it is also a social history, tracing the changing lifestyles and listening habits of the 20th-century diaspora in the Midlands."
Safi Bugel, The Guardian

our values

We are driven by our values to produce work that is:

Radical, Collaborative, Disruptive & Accessible

Learn about our values

Get Involved

Accessing the Archive

Find out about our plans for membership.
Learn more

Volunteering

Opportunities to work with the archive.
Learn more

Team and Friends

Get to know the people behind the project.
Meet the team