The second year of a festival is pivotal. After setting a high bar in our first year, we knew we had to meet—and ideally exceed—those expectations. At the same time, we were shaping the festival’s identity and laying the groundwork for its future.

In 2012, we scaled up. We expanded our programming, grew our diverse audience, strengthened partnerships, added new components, and focused on financial sustainability. Our team grew, and we created new platforms where they were most needed, all while deepening our community roots.

The festival hub at SFU’s Goldcorp Centre for the Arts came alive and spilled onto Hastings Street with a public art installation by Raqs Media Collective. We extended into the Woodward’s Complex, transforming the atrium and W2 Media Café with a community lounge serving an Indian-infused menu, alongside a vibrant street photography exhibit. Our reach even extended to SFU Surrey, where Bollywood legend Sharmila Tagore shared stories from her five-decade career in Indian cinema.

We debuted the Lit & Sound Cabaret—a lively evening where emerging local artists performed alongside established talent. We also stayed true to our core. The Ideas Series brought global conversations to the forefront with Af-Pak expert MJ Akbar, feminist thinker Urvashi Butalia, and BC authors Gurjinder Basran, David Chariandy, and Anosh Irani discussing identity and belonging.

Our signature Dinner by Starlight, featuring chef Vikram Vij, transformed East India Carpets’ warehouse into an unforgettable one-night-only experience with Sharmila Tagore. Mrigya’s electrifying fusion of Sufi and Hindustani music reminded us again how music transcends language.

Key relationships from our inaugural year were renewed and deepened. SFU joined as multi-year Presenting Partner, anchoring our festival home. We welcomed back early supporters like Canada India Network Society, Sandy Garossino, ICCR, the Consulate General of India in Vancouver, and media partners CBC, Vancouver Sun, The Province, OMNI, and RJ1200. We also gained new patrons and sponsors, including support from Canadian Heritage, Immigration & Citizenship Canada, the Province of BC, and the City of Vancouver.

Our community partnerships grew stronger too, with collaborations involving the Audain Gallery, W2, Vancouver Folk Festival, and others—allowing us to share resources, amplify impact, and cross-pollinate audiences.

Our board, leadership council, and volunteer family also expanded. The support from community stakeholders created a spirit of celebration, cultural pride, and meaningful dialogue.

Our audience grew—not just in numbers, but in diversity—realizing our vision of a festival that’s both deeply international and deeply Vancouver. At gatherings and parties throughout the festival, it was clear: Indian Summer is where old friends reconnect and new friendships spark.

As we look ahead to 2013, we’re filled with gratitude. Thank you to everyone who helped make Indian Summer Festival 2012 a resounding success. We can’t wait to see you again at ISF2013.