Baluji Music Foundation Limited
Charity 1130985
http://www.balujimusicfoundation.org/
Overview
Summary
Baluji Music Foundation appears to occupy a distinctive intersection between South Asian music education, professional artistic practice and disability inclusion. Rather than treating access as an add-on, its stated work suggests it builds participation, performance and public understanding around visually impaired musicians. Its model combines workshops, a touring orchestra, collaborations and research, potentially allowing it to influence both cultural representation and inclusion within the music sector.
Operational geography
Coverage: International
Operational areas:
Evidence and reasoning
Supporting evidence
Remaining uncertainties
- Direct evidence from the Charity Commission's current record (reporting year ended 31 March 2025) identifies Birmingham City as a place where the charity operates, but does not identify a Birmingham ward, neighbourhood, venue or service location.
- The foundation's website records Birmingham performances in 2022 and an Inner Vision Orchestra appearance at Symphony Hall in August 2023. These show previous activity in Birmingham, but are not sufficient evidence of an ongoing current site or service there.
- There is no evidence that the organisation owns or leases a Birmingham premises; the Charity Commission records that it does not own or lease land or property, and its registered address is in London.
- The current evidence does not establish whether Birmingham activity is recurring delivery, occasional touring/performance work, or activity delivered through local partners.
Additional evidence needed
- A current programme, event listing or annual-report narrative naming Birmingham venues, dates and service activity.
- Confirmation from the organisation of any current Birmingham workshop locations, delivery partners or regular performance arrangements.
- A current Birmingham partner or venue statement confirming an active relationship with the foundation.
Areas of work
- Arts/culture/heritage/science
- Disability
- Education/training
Who they help
- People Of A Particular Ethnic Or Racial Origin
- People With Disabilities
- The General Public/mankind
How they help
- Provides Services
Discoveries involving this organisation
The Atlas has not published any Discoveries involving this organisation yet.
Observations
Inclusion is embedded in artistic practice
The foundation appears to use high-level music-making as a route to disability inclusion, not only as a therapeutic or support activity. The Inner Vision Orchestra may give visually impaired musicians a visible professional platform alongside workshop-based participation.
Why it matters
This helps distinguish the organisation from arts charities that provide access to existing cultural activity: it appears to create artistic structures in which disabled musicians are central contributors.
Show evidence
“The Inner Vision Orchestra is described as the only professional orchestra of blind musicians in the world.”
Source:Organisation“The charity developed Inner Vision Music Workshops for visually impaired people and delivered a national tour of the Inner Vision Orchestra.”
Source:Charity Commission
A bridge between cultural heritage and disability advocacy
The foundation appears to connect the promotion of Indian sub-continent music with disability-focused artistic participation. These are presented as mutually reinforcing parts of one mission rather than separate programmes.
Why it matters
This combined role may enable relationships across arts, heritage, disability and ethnically diverse community networks that might otherwise operate separately.
Show evidence
“Its objects include advancing education in traditional, classical and contemporary Indian music and relieving the needs of disabled people through access to artistic experiences.”
Source:Charity Commission“It promotes understanding and enjoyment of music and performing arts from the Indian Sub-Continent in traditional and evolving forms.”
Source:Organisation
The organisation may be seeking sector-level change
Alongside delivering performances and workshops, the foundation appears to be developing an evidence and advocacy role concerning the inclusion of visually impaired music professionals.
Why it matters
This suggests its potential influence may extend beyond direct beneficiaries, raising questions about whether it is helping reshape employment practices, commissioning and professional access in music.
Show evidence
“BMF released "Blind to the Facts", described as research exploring the inclusion of visually impaired professionals within the music industry.”
Source:Organisation“Its motto is "sharing the joy of music" through performances, workshops, collaborations, films, research and other projects.”
Source:Organisation
- The scale, frequency and geographic reach of current workshops, performances and research are unclear.
- There is no evidence of beneficiary outcomes, participant demographics or sustained partnerships.
- It is unclear how research findings are used to influence the music industry.
Remaining uncertainties
- Recent annual reports or impact data showing participant numbers, outcomes and programme reach.
- Details of partners, funders, venues and industry actions arising from "Blind to the Facts".
Additional evidence needed
Charity Commission profile
Activities
The main areas of activity this year saw the development of the Inner Vision Music Workshops for Visually Impaired people into 5 areas of London, and the National Tour of the Inner Vision Orchestra These activities have been celebrated in national and regional media including the BBC. The Orchestra and workshops were held under the direction of Baluji Shrivastav OBE, supported by Linda Shanson.
Charity objects
1 TO ADVANCE EDUCATION OF THE PUBLIC IN TRADITIONAL, CLASSICAL AND CONTEMPORARY INDIA MUSIC FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT 2 TO RELIEVE THE NEEDS OF DISABLED PEOPLE THROUGH THE ACCESS TO ARTISTIC EXPERIENCES