Hadia Shaikh is a Pakistani-American writer, curator, community organizer, and interdisciplinary artist from Indianapolis now based in Chicago. Born overseas in Hyderabad, Pakistan, Hadia’s family immigrated to Indianapolis where she was raised. Hadia has studied art and explored museums in Spain, Sweden, and France but it was through her aunt’s ceramic exhibitions in Pakistan and Indianapolis First Fridays where she first fell in love with art, community, and curation.
Hadia has a BA from Herron School of Art and Design and an MA with a graduate certificate in Museum Studies from Indiana University’s School of Liberal Arts at Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis. In addition to this, she attended Parsons Paris for their MA program, History of Design and Curatorial Studies. As a curator, she focuses on curating thematic and interactive exhibitions that support the work of under-recognized and emerging artists and providing an educational and innovative experience that actively engages audiences.
Her interests lie in exploring socio-political issues, religion and culture, fashion and textiles, and creating a sense of community through the exhibits she curates. Hadia has 5+ years working in museums and curating. Her writing has been published in NUVO and Newcity Art.
In her free time, Hadia enjoys time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, drawing and painting, hiking, and attending fashion events. Hadia keeps a bucket list which includes visiting 100 museums, exploring the west coast, traveling the world, designing a clothing line, and hiking mountains. Her goals and dreams are endless.
