Bafa Inc. Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts

- 2172 Starling Ave, Bronx, NY 10462

In the vibrant, diverse borough of the Bronx, a true cultural anchor is dedicated to enriching the community and preserving the artistic legacy of South Asia: Bafa Inc. Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts (BAFA). Recognized as a vital cultural center and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, BAFA’s mission goes far beyond simply teaching music and dance. It is focused entirely on educating and spreading the knowledge of the rich artistic and cultural heritage that Bangladeshis are immensely proud of, especially among the new generation of Bangladeshi-American children and youth right here in New York City.

Established through a grassroots effort, BAFA’s story is rooted in community empowerment. The organization was founded by a group of dedicated Bangladeshi immigrant women, initially led by co-founder Farida Yeasmin, with a shared vision to uplift their community. This effort first manifested through the Bronx Bangladesh Women's Association (BBWA) and a successful lending circle model aimed at financial empowerment. This strong foundation of community care and advocacy eventually evolved into the formal establishment of BAFA in 2012. Today, BAFA provides a sustainable, growth-driven platform that fosters cultural pride, youth development, civic engagement, and artistic excellence, serving thousands of New Yorkers each year.

The academy is essentially a dynamic learning environment, functioning simultaneously as a language school, a music school, and a dance school. It hosts a dedicated faculty that specializes in training students of all ages in traditional and classical music and dance. From the compelling footwork of classical Kathak to the spirited rhythms of Bangladeshi folk dance, BAFA ensures that the profound artistic traditions of the homeland are kept alive and thriving in the heart of the Bronx. It is, in the simplest terms, an "Amazing opportunity for the Bangladesh community," as one local customer noted, demonstrating its high value to New Yorkers seeking authentic cultural connection.

Bafa Inc. is strategically located in the Bronx, making it a convenient destination for families throughout the borough and surrounding areas of New York City who seek specialized South Asian cultural education. Its specific location in the Van Nest area helps establish it as a neighborhood institution and a local hub for cultural exchange and learning.

The cultural center is situated at: 2172 Starling Ave, Bronx, NY 10462, USA.

Its presence on Starling Avenue provides a fixed and reliable location for local residents to access high-quality performing arts training. As a dedicated space for learning and community gathering, Bafa Inc. is committed to maintaining essential comfort amenities for all its visitors, including a readily available Restroom. This simple assurance ensures that families and students attending the frequently scheduled weekday and weekend classes can focus entirely on their enrichment experience.

BAFA provides a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary educational curriculum, making it a true academy of fine arts. The services offered are specifically tailored to preserve the Bangladeshi artistic heritage while providing a professional, structured learning environment for the New York youth and adults.

• Performing Arts Education (Dance and Music):
  • Dance Classes: Specialized instruction in South Asian classical, folk, and modern dance forms. This includes the intricate choreography of Kathak (a North Indian classical genre), high-energy Folk dance, and Bangladeshi modern contemporary dance. Classes are segmented by proficiency, including Beginner, Intermediate, and advanced Choreography Sessions.
  • Vocal Music Classes: Students gain a strong foundation in traditional and classical music, covering the works of legendary artists such as Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, alongside modern interpretations. Classes are available for both children and adults.
  • Instrumental Music: Regular instruction is provided for the Guitar, expanding the musical curriculum beyond vocal traditions.
• Language and Visual Arts:
  • Bangla Literacy Classes: Operating under the Bengali Language Preservation Initiative, these classes are offered on weekends and after school. They are crucial for the new generation to maintain linguistic fluency and connect with their cultural roots.
  • Art Class: Instruction in visual arts, allowing students to express creativity and engage with the aesthetic heritage through drawing and painting.
• Community Programs and Outreach:
  • Cultural Festivals and Performances: The academy organizes and actively participates in various Bangladeshi cultural festivals across New York. This includes celebrations for key historical and cultural days such as Ekushey February, Bangladesh Independence Day, Boishakhi (Bangla New Year), and Bangladesh Victory Day.
  • Community Advocacy: Through its continued connection to the Bronx Bangladesh Women's Association (BBWA), the organization maintains a focus on community advocacy and support for immigrant families.

The dedication of Bafa Inc. to its mission has cemented its reputation as a respected and essential cultural institution within the New York South Asian diaspora. Its unique attributes make it a premier choice for arts education in the Bronx.

• Non-Profit Dedication to Culture: As a 501(c)(3) organization, BAFA’s primary goal is not profit, but cultural preservation and community service. This ensures that all resources are channeled back into program quality and accessibility for the New York community.
• Grassroots Founding Story: Evolving from a women’s financial lending circle in 2006 to a full-fledged cultural academy, BAFA embodies the spirit of self-reliance and community empowerment highly valued by New Yorkers.
• Specialization in South Asian Performing Arts: BAFA is one of the few institutions in New York City specializing in the intricate techniques of Kathak, Folk, and Bangladeshi modern dance, offering an authentic, deep immersion into these unique art forms.
• Multigenerational Focus: By offering classes for both children and adults in music and language, the academy facilitates intergenerational learning and ensures that cultural knowledge is successfully transferred to the youth.
• Strong Civic Engagement: The academy actively participates in major civic and cultural celebrations, providing its students with invaluable performance opportunities and reinforcing their connection to global Bangladeshi identity while contributing to the diverse tapestry of New York City life.
• Experienced Leadership: The academy is led by dedicated individuals, including co-founder Farida Yeasmin, who have decades of experience in community building and cultural arts, ensuring high-quality instruction and governance.

For New York residents interested in enrolling in classes, learning more about the performance schedule, or supporting the non-profit's mission, please use the following contact details. The organization actively welcomes inquiries about their various programs.

Address: 2172 Starling Ave, Bronx, NY 10462, USA

Phone: (347) 712-2540

For a New York family, choosing Bafa Inc. Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts is an investment in authenticity, quality, and community. Unlike general performing arts schools, BAFA provides a highly specialized curriculum that is both culturally rigorous and deeply rooted in the context of the South Asian diaspora. For parents of Bangladeshi-American children, the academy offers a vital service: preserving their heritage by providing formal training in their native language and traditional arts—skills that are essential for maintaining cultural identity in a global metropolis like New York City.

Moreover, the non-profit’s commitment to community upliftment and youth empowerment means that students gain more than just artistic skills; they gain confidence, a sense of belonging, and opportunities for civic participation that are integrated into their artistic journey. They have the chance to perform at major local cultural events, which is an invaluable experience in showcasing their talent and cultural pride to the wider New York public. The combination of its authentic, high-quality instruction in specific art forms like Kathak and its strong, caring community foundation makes BAFA the premier and most valuable choice for South Asian fine arts education in the Bronx.

Bafa Inc. Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts

2172 Starling Ave, Bronx, NY 10462, USA