About Ria Phatarphekar-Karmarkar

Ria is an Applied Theatre Practitioner and Community Producer dedicated to co-designing inclusive, creative spaces that amplify underrepresented voices across diverse backgrounds and abilities. With a focus on creating meaningful work that inspires hope and joy, her approach is profoundly shaped by her lived experience as an Indian immigrant navigating the creative industry, which fuels her desire to establish the supportive frameworks often missing for communities on the margins.

Ria is passionate about working on themes around racial justice, climate justice and belonging. She works part-time at Women‘s Environmental Network, delivering the Climate Sisters’, a feminist climate leadership programme for racialised women. As an Applied Theatre Practitioner, Ria facilitates workshops and training for Odd Arts, around themes of anti-racism, anti-radicalisation, mental health and child criminal exploitation, in prisons, educational institutions and communities. 

Having previously worked with The Proud Trust, a LGBT+ Youth Charity, Ria is also a trained Youth Worker and often facilitates arts and theatre related projects for children and young people. 

She is Creative Producer for South Asian Heritage Month with Manchester City Council for 2026.