The mission of Zhena Folk Chorus is to perpetuate the tradition of choral music and culture of Eastern Europe and beyond, to heighten awareness of this beautiful and vigorous heritage, and to signify the primary role of women in preserving these important genres of world music.  Based in San Pedro,…
Theatre of Yugen is an experimental ensemble dedicated to the pursuit of the intanglible essence of yugen (yu: deep, quiet, otherworldly; gen: subtle, profound, dark).  With a foundation in Japanese noh drama and kyogen comedy, Theatre of Yugen creates works of world theater by crafting original…
Cantonese Opera Association-Silicon Valley, a nonprofit organization established in 2001, is a presenter and educator of the most well-known and popular type of Chinese Opera.  There are over 300 different opera styles in China, relative to the region from which they originate.  Cantonese opera music is a blend of classical…
Theatre Flamenco is the second oldest dance company in the Bay Area and the oldest flamenco dance company in the country.  Their commitment is to preserve and pass on to the next generation the beauty, passion, and appreciation for the art, music, and culture of flamenco,…
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Paul Cason

Paul Cason is an artist, community leader, and speaker of the Northwestern (Konkow) Maidu language.  Paul’s dedication to the art, culture, and community of this language is unwavering.  He understands that for Maidu art to be fully cherished, it must be experience through the Maidu mindset, language, and worldview.  Paul…
Orgilsaikhan Chimeddorj, Ulziisaikhan Lkhagadorjv, and Otgonbaya Chunsraikhachin — members of the Mongolian traditional music ensemble Nutgiin Alyaguu — graduated from the Music Conservatory of Mongolia, the country’s most prestigious music school.  Ulziisaikhan Lkhagvadorjv is a particularly well-known and respected performer; he is proficient in five Mongolian instruments and the rare…
Fresno-based United Cultures exists to educate, promote, and disseminate the arts, culture, and gastronomy of all the Latino world.  Their mission is to create and encourage economic opportunities and new avenues of expression for all Latino art forms. In 2012, ACTA’s Development Program supported United Cultures’ consultancy with CPA Emmett…
Fua Dia Congo, founded in 1977, is guided by a Kikongo proverb, Wa Dia Fua Yika Dio, meaning “What you inherit, you must add value to.” For forty years the organization has been resolute in its dedication to preserving and presenting the music, dance, cultural arts…
Claudia Lyra has brought Brazilian culture to others since she moved to US in 2003.  Claudia trained in Brazil in capoeira (a Brazilian art form that can be practiced as a martial art or a dance, and its accompanying music).  Claudia is also an accomplished percussionist, studying traditional Brazilian percussion…
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…