About Us
British Albanian Arts Association mission is to raise positive awareness, inspire, educate and engage people, about British and Albanian culture, arts heritage people, way of life, collaboration and co-existence and multi-cultural exchanges.
We achieve this by organising:
- Artistic, cultural and educational events, concerts and performances
- Announcements for new and old creations
- Announcements for British, Albanian and International artists, artistic and cultural creations
- Film screenings, poetry readings, symposia of various kinds
- Open conversations and discussions with artists and creators
- Promotional events and networking
- Employment opportunities
- Projects and collaboration opportunities
- Legal and professional information and support
Founded by Tomorr Kokona, and chaired by Altin Gjoni, BACA stands as a vibrant bridge connecting the rich tapestry of British and Albanian arts and culture. At BACA, we are passionate about promoting and supporting artists from diverse backgrounds around the globe, transcending borders and languages to create a shared space for creativity to flourish.
Our members, hailing from the UK, Albania, and beyond, converge in physical and virtual spaces to celebrate the multifaceted world of British-Albanian culture & arts. BACA is more than an association; it’s a community where artists, creators, and art enthusiasts gather to explore, discuss, and exhibit the brilliance of our shared heritage.
Board Of Trustees
Alma Verija Panajoti – Board Member
Alma Verija Panajoti is an Albanian writer originally from Korca. She has lived in the UK for over 25 years and studied literature and creative writing at Brunel University.
Alma has published poetry, prose, dramatic pieces, and literary essays, among which her latest work, the book ‘Më Gjeni’ (Find me.), which was published by Cuneus in Kosovo. She also completed a Masters Degree in Social Work and currently works as a Social Worker in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
Through her work amongst some of the most vulnerable people in our society, she also finds daily inspiration that fuels her poetry and love of life.
Altin Gjoni – Chairperson of BACA
Altin Gjoni is a well-known guitar player, music/creative industry professional, music producer, international session musician and a Chevening scholarship alumnus from Tirana living between Tirana and London.
As a studio musician, Altin has recorded for hundreds of International artists, ranking as one of the top-rated online musicians in the world. Plays guitar for the UK band Rusty Halo and has produced/written songs for the Albanian Eurovision National Finals.
Altin is the director of the Muse-X conference – the premium music and arts Expofest in the Balkans – founder of music industry education hub ‘Balkan Music Industry, spearheaded an EU-funded cultural project, produced cultural events bridging UK and Albanian arts and culture, and in 2025 performed in two events part of the British Cultural Week in Albania – the royal tea party and the final closing night along with his band; event sponsored by the UK embassy and Albanian ministry of culture.
Learn More About Altin
Anila Kadija – Board Member
Anila Kadija is a prominent figure in the Albanian diaspora, dedicated to promoting the Albanian language, culture, and education. Born and raised in Tirana, Albania, she holds degrees in Language and Literature from the State University of Tirana and Social Services Coordination from Parma, Italy.
As a journalist, she has written extensively for publications such as Gazeta E Diasporës, sharing her insights and perspectives on various topics. She has also been actively involved in community organisations, serving as co-founder and vice president of the Scanderbeg association in Parma; playing a key role in establishing the Scanderbeg Albanian school.
In London, Anila continues her dedication to the Albanian language and culture. She is a teacher at Ardhmëria school, where she imparts her knowledge and passion for the Albanian language to students. Using her creativity and experience with different cultural backgrounds, she creates interactive tasks so that the children can learn the language while also discovering more about their roots. Additionally, she founded the book club, ‘Book Lovers’, a platform for Albanian intellectuals to promote the language through literature.
Recognizing her invaluable contributions, Anila was awarded the National Literature Award in 2022 for her book of poems, “Ninulla e zemrës” (Lullaby of the Heart) This award celebrated her dedication to preserving and promoting the Albanian language and culture, particularly among children in the diaspora.
David Cummins – Board Member
David Cummins is a Manchester-based progressive and ambient rock artist and producer with 40 years in the making, a university lecturer and a creative industry entrepreneur.
n 2017, after the death of his partner, David picked up his guitar and started writing songs again. Music was his emotional outlet – a reflection of his feelings and a way to come to terms with the passing of a loved one. These songs formed the basis of the album ‘I Have Dreams’ which was released at the end of November 2019.
David’s second album ‘Reflections’ was released on all platforms July 2020.
A creative in every sense of the word, David is also a designer and photographer, and has worked in these industries for more than 30 years. His passion for music started at the age of 11, when he got his very first guitar. He is now a multi-instrumentalist, playing the keyboard, bass and guitar on his songs.
His connection to Albanian culture lies deep in his passion for music, and in 2023, he launched the ‘ffusion’ project blending Albanian polyphony with UK progressive rock.
Learn more about David
Krishna Zivraj-Nair – Board Member
Krishna Zivraj-Nair is a Bharatanatyam artist, teacher, performer, and choreographer. She is the artistic director of award-winning Sanskruti Cambridge CIC.
Krishna received the Nritya Ratna Award from India for her contribution to the arts. Krishna’s work has been endorsed by Akademi’s UTKARSH award, One Dance Teaching Mentoring programme, given to those identified as future leaders and ISTD Bursary Award in recognition for her teaching skills. She was also selected as an artist for Mercury Creatives Artist Development Programme. Krishna’s artistic vision is to create dance theatre for children and families that is rooted in south-Asian heritage but at the same time be relevant to British society, which consists of diverse ethnicities.
Her role behind the scenes includes researching and developing new choreography ideas, establishing collaborations with partners and stakeholders and overviewing production and audience development with her team members. With her knowledge of bringing multicultural performing arts to the British audience, which comprises of diverse ethnicities, Krishna hopes to share this knowledge with BACA.
Loresa Leka – Board Member
Loresa is a versatile artist with a deep passion for the arts and her Albanian heritage that brings a wealth of experience to the role of Trustee for the British Albanian Arts Association. With a background in acting, playwriting, directing, and music, she has a proven track record of creating innovative and engaging theatrical productions that celebrate Albanian culture and amplify the voices of the Albanian diaspora.
As a director and playwright, Loresa is skilled at bringing stories to life in innovative ways, both on stage and through youth theatre programs. Her commitment to expanding Albanian representation in theatre is evident in her work, which aims to showcase the richness of Albanian culture and history.
With her strong leadership skills and collaborative approach, Loresa is dedicated to fostering community engagement and providing opportunities for artists and audiences alike to connect through the arts.
Mariela Cingo – Board Member
Mariela Cingo, an accomplished Albanian pianist, was born in Korcë, where her extraordinary musical journey began. From the tender age of six, she immersed herself in the world of music, embarking on a path that would see her blossom into a prodigious talent. At just seven years old, Mariela graced the stage for her inaugural concert, setting the stage for a remarkable career.
By the time Mariela reached the age of twelve, her virtuosity had already led her to share the spotlight with the Korcë Philharmonic Orchestra, performing the Haydn Piano Concerto in D. Her innate musicality and dedication were evident, setting her on a trajectory that would lead to international recognition.
Learn More about Mariela
Sara Hehir – Board Member
Sarah Hehir is a poet and playwright. Her writing explores and exposes abuse of power, shifting the control of the narrative away from authority and giving voice to marginalised individuals and communities. Since winning the inaugural BBC Writer’s Prize in 2013, she has written for radio, TV and film. Her play ‘The Shadow Garden’ is currently touring Kosovo. Sarah Hehir is a poet and playwright .
Since winning the inaugural BBC Writer’s Prize in 2013, she has written for radio, TV and film. Her plays have been staged across London, in Kosovo and at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She is currently writing for The Archers and her play The Shadow Garden is touring Kosovo.
Learn more about Sara
Tomorr Kokona – Founder and Deputy Chair of BACA
Tomorr is an Albanian London-based #1 Amazon Bestselling Author “Successful Artists Mean Business”, International Creative Leadership Business Consultant, and mentor with a background as an elite international arts practitioner specialising in theatre, community engagement, movement and choreography.
In 2019, Tomorr was awarded the title of “Nation’s Ambassador” by the prime minister and decorated with the title of “Special Civil Merits” by the president of Albania and has been one of the pioneers in promoting and setting up various community-based projects and organisations in the UK, Spain and Albania.
As an artist and cultural expert trainer, Tomorr works constantly with various national and international organisations to promote multiculturalism and Albanian tradition. Some of the institutions include: The English National Opera, Scotland Yard, Police Training School, Various Social Services, Greater London Authority, Various Colleges, Universities and Schools across the UK.
Learn More About Tomorr
Sara Payman – Board Member
Sara Payman is a British-born singer and songwriter of Iranian and Indian heritage, known for her warm vocals, multicultural sound, and heartfelt performances. Blending influences from Persian, Indian, and Western music, Sara brings a unique global flavor to her artistry.
After moving to Albania with her husband, she fell in love with the country’s people and traditions, earning public attention for her graceful performances of Albanian songs such as “Të të them je lule.” Her ability to sing fluently in multiple languages and connect emotionally across cultures has made her a symbol of artistic diversity and cultural harmony.
Now a staple name of the Albanian music scene, with her soulful voice and cross-cultural message, Sara Payman continues to build bridges between communities through music and compassion.
Learn More About Sara
Artistic, Cultural, and Educational Events
Immerse yourself in our curated events, ranging from art exhibitions and cultural performances to enlightening educational workshops.
Global Collaborations
Explore diverse projects and collaborative ventures that transcend geographical boundaries, allowing you to collaborate with artists from around the world.
Promotional Events and Networking
Benefit from promotional events tailored to boost your artistic presence and connect with fellow creators, fostering a network of collaborative opportunities.
