Hi! I’m Saira (she/her), and I believe in the power of belonging.
I’m an artist, urban planner, and facilitator who works at the intersection of art & culture, neighborhood development, and organizations. But there’s more to me than just that. I have always been a bridge and connector. Since birth, I’ve bridged Eastern and Western cultures. In my career, I bridge the East and West coasts, and when working on projects, I thrive when I can use both my right-brain and left-brain skillsets.
This bridging ability carries over to my business, where I’m the Lead Artist at SAIRA Creative Arts and Principal Consultant at SAIRA Creative Consulting. Our firm focuses on using arts, culture, and creativity to connect people to their neighborhoods.
Growing up with influences from both Eastern and Western cultures, I understand the importance of being able to express oneself authentically while also feeling welcome and connected. Now, I work to support the development of places that make people feel seen and heard, just as they are.
My experience with the National Main Street Approach and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) – the nation’s largest community and economic development nonprofit organization – have profoundly shaped my understanding of inclusive and equitable development, economic inclusion, placemaking, and community engagement. These roles have equipped me with valuable insights to bring a holistic and community-centric approach to our projects.
On the artistic side, I started my art business in 2019, and grew to leasing a brick and mortar studio in 2021. My artistic focus grew as I combined my background in planning, community engagement, and the arts. Now, I collaborate with communities to uplift their unique narratives, identities, and culture while safeguarding against cultural erasure and displacement. I help people with disparate views find shared visions through creative workshops and public space redevelopment projects.
All these experiences have shaped what I offer through SAIRA Creative. We specialize in breathing new life into commercial districts, creating places that people love, and engaging with the community. We also lead and design community-based art projects and public art commissions in support of more authentic public spaces. It’s the perfect blend of my background in the arts, planning, and community organizing.
If you’re a civic leader wanting to harness the creative potential in your community, let’s chat and see how we can create something amazing together. Email me to get the ball rolling.
