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,…
Hawaiian hula is an indigenous dance form accompanied by oli (chant) and mele (song).   The oli and the hula dramatize and accentuate the mele, which carries valuable information: history, genealogy, religion, geography, geology, etc. There are many styles of hula which have been divided into two main categories. Kahiko…
Oaxacan music
Yiddishkayt is the premier Yiddish cultural and educational center in Los Angeles dedicated to the study of Yiddish language, culture, and history and to connecting generations old and new with their cultural heritage.  With groundbreaking language, education, and cultural programs, inventive partnerships, large-scale events, and innovative online…
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…
Coachella Valley Housing Coalition was founded in 1982 by local community activists, business leaders, and other individuals to address the lack of adequate housing for farmworkers, low-income families, and individuals in the Coachella Valley. The mission of CVHC is to help low-income families improve their living…
Intercultural performance and gathering
L.A. Commons works in neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles, facilitating artistic processes, open to all, that result in highly visible public art projects that tell dynamic neighborhood stories.  L.A. Commons builds community by validating the importance of local narratives, enhancing the sense of belonging felt by a…
Oaxacan arts and culture