Bhavani Balasubramanyam

Visual Storyteller | Facilitator

I am an interdisciplinary creative practitioner working across illustration, comics, independent publishing, workshop facilitation, and theatre production. My practice centres on storytelling as a tool for community engagement, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and South Asian representation through visual and participatory arts.

01Education

2022 – 2024
- The Glasgow School of ArtMDes Communication Design, Glasgow, Scotland
2021 – 2022
- Nanyang Technological UniversityUX Design and Product Management Certificate, Singapore
2012 – 2016
- National University of SingaporeBA (Hons) Architecture, Singapore

02Employment & Affiliations

2025 – Present
- Kutty Press StudioCo-Founder and Artistic Director, UK/India
- Rhymes with Purple ProductionsAssociate Producer, Scotland
2023 – Present
- The Glasgow School of ArtGraduate Recruitment Assistant / Student Consultant, Glasgow
- The Improv CooperativePerformer and Facilitator, Glasgow
2025 – 2026
- South Asian SalonMEET Vertical Head and Outreach Coordinator, Remote
2014 – 2022
- The Improv CompanyPerformer and Facilitator, Singapore
2022
- Privé TechnologiesUI Designer, Singapore
2020 – 2021
- Pencil TechnologiesCreative Designer and Customer Success, Singapore
2016 – 2018
- National University of SingaporeResearch Assistant – 3D Specialist, Singapore
2015
- Esplanade Co. LtdVisual Arts Trainee, Singapore

03Group Exhibitions

2026
- Claiming TomorrowGuido Borso, New Delhi/Italy
- Paper and PlayGallery XXL, New Delhi
- Pulp BazaarPulp Society, New Delhi
- Prize Onion ExhibitionOnion Press/La Belle Adventure, Edinburgh
- Jugaading Through LifeSouth Asian Salon/Offset Projects, New Delhi
2025
- Collective ColoursColour Theory/Glasgow Collective, Glasgow
- Tiny Art ExhibitionKala Kutta Studios, New Delhi
2024
- This Little Red DotSingapore Art Museum/Botanic Gardens, Singapore
- MDes ComDes Degree ShowThe Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow
2022
- With PrideHaus217, Singapore
- Arcus Pride ArtClifford Chance, Singapore

04Facilitation, Talks & Features

2026
- Commonwealth Games Live EventImprov Workshops and Zine making, Glasgow
- Zine MelaSouth India Through Zines, Comics and PublishingPanel, Remote/UK
- Mainspring ArtsExploring Structure and Play through Zine makingWorkshop for Springboard Neurodivergent Arts Network, UK
- Glasgow Zine FestCityscapes, Comics and Collectibles – Sequential Storytelling Through EphemeraWorkshop, Glasgow
- Broken FrontierComic Reviews and Kutty Press Feature, UK
- Creative Glasgow PITCH POTTalk, Glasgow
- South Asian SalonSpotlight Feature
- Onion PressOnion Prize Runner Up Feature, UK
2025
- Thought Bubble Comic FestivalBetween Self-help and SolidarityPanel, Harrogate
- Creative Glasgow Members' MeetTalk, Glasgow
- Narrative ImprovSix-week course, The Improv Cooperative, Glasgow
2024
- Broken FrontierComic Review (Avial), UK
- Lucy and YakWith Love – Pride Collection, Artist Feature, UK
- The SkinnyThe Glasgow School of Art Degree Show Feature, Glasgow
2022
- HomeGroundAsiaArtist Feature, Singapore
- FZine17 LGBTQIA+ Creatives And The New Voices And Perspectives They Bring, Singapore

05Publications

2024
- Enhancement Through Partnership: Co-Leading Enhancements with StudentsAdvanceHE. Charters, M., O'Neill, R. and Balasubramanyam, B., The Glasgow School of Art
- Enhancement Through Partnership: Exploring Opportunities to Work in Meaningful Partnership with Students17th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference. Charters, M., Dickson, R., McKee Mooneesawmy, K. and Balasubramanyam, B., The Glasgow School of Art
2023
- Curriculum ConversationsCreative Curriculum: Supporting Creative Practice and Practitioners for the 21st Century, GSA Learning & Teaching Conference 2023. Balasubramanyam, B. and Stevens, T.

06Contributions

2026
- MicroChIP Issue 1Anthology, The CHIP Collective, Scotland
2025
- The Great Comic Tree Anthology Issue 2Chris Phillips, Scotland
2024
- Printmaking zineCoin Operated Press, UK
2021
- White: behind mental health stigmaSingapore

07Awards

2025
- Runner UpThe Prize Onion, Onion Press
2024
- ShortlistNewOne Awards Visual Communication Graduation Project Award, Illustration
- ShortlistArtsthread Creative Graduate Showcase – digital / visual comms / film
2022
- Partial PGT Merit ScholarshipGovernor's Scholarship, The Glasgow School of Art

08Volunteering

2025
- Project AbilityAspire Programme, Trongate 103, Glasgow
2024
- TAGS FestFruitmarket, Edinburgh
2018 – 2024
- Singapore Improv FestivalStanford Arts Centre, Singapore