Founded in 1987, Asian Improv aRts’ mission is to produce, present, and document artistic works that represent the Asian American experience.  In pursuing this mission, Asian Improv aRts seeks: 1) to make it possible for artists to create innovative works that are rooted in the diasporic experiences of Asian and…
Founded in 1991 by a group of Vietnamese American journalists, artists, and friends, the Vietnamese American Arts & Letters Association is a community-based, nonprofit organization.  VAALA has organized numerous cultural events such as art exhibitions, book fairs, book signings, recitals, plays, lectures, the biennial Vietnamese International…
Minyo, or folk songs, have been passed down through the generations in the various regions of Japan.  Many minyo originated from “commoners” – farmers, fisherman, housewives, and merchants – recounting their daily lives, their stories, and their hopes.  Other minyo tell of religious, historical, or seasonal events.  In the past,…
The art of kumidaiko—ensemble drumming with the taiko, a traditional Japanese drum—was developed in post-World War II Japan in the 1950’s.  Kumidaiko came to America in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, entering through the Japanese American communities of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose. Hiroyuki “Jimi” Nakagawa has…
Cambodian Association of America (CAA) is committed to improving the quality of life in the Long Beach community by providing linguistically and culturally appropriate social, health, outreach education and employment services to low-income children and families.   CAA, incorporated as a nonprofit in 1975, is the…
Filipino American Arts & Culture Festival (FilAm Fest) is held near the historic Filipino community of San Diego County, located in the Paradise Hills neighborhood of the City of San Diego near Potomac Park. The Festival is held on the first Saturday of October, which coincides…
Intercultural performance and gathering
The Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California is a nonprofit organization serving the Muslim-American and greater Bay Area communities.  ICCNC provides a dynamic space that cultivates an exchange of ideas about Islam through art, culture, and education.  In existence since 1996, ICCNC provides religious services to Bay…
Laga, Indigenous weaving traditions from Kalinga
Hawaiian healing arts