I feel like life didn’t really start until Dhaga. Looking back, I don’t know how I went so long without such a loving and inspiring community. Even though you’ll see me out and about, I’m still very much an introvert, and I know how hard it can be to make friends—especially in a new city or country.

I moved to London in 2020, but I only really started living and experiencing the city in 2022. Then in 2023, Dhaga was born—a platform to amplify the work of South Asian visual artists and designers. In just two years, we’ve put together two sold-out exhibitions (featuring 46 artists in total) and hosted so many other amazing events.

Bringing people together in such an individualistic city is one of the things that brings me the most joy. And while I do this because I genuinely love it, I’ve also realized just how much it’s needed—not just in terms of amplifying South Asian art and design, but also creating third places for South Asian creatives. Spaces where we can meet, connect, and form meaningful IRL friendships.

Third places (places outside of work and home where people can gather) in general have been disappearing, which has only made loneliness worse, especially among young people. And at almost every Dhaga event, at least one person tells me how grateful they are to have found this community and how much it means to them.

That’s one of the main reasons I decided to design Dhaga’s first T-shirt. I wanted it to be more than just a piece of clothing. If you saw someone wearing one out in the world, you’d instantly have something in common—something to spark a conversation, just like at a Dhaga event. It’s a symbol of connection, a way to recognize each other in a city that can feel isolating.

It’s a little substitute for a permanent third place for South Asian creatives. And maybe, just maybe, it’s a step toward creating one in the future.

- Sarith Ratnayake