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  1. Home
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  3. American Artscape Magazine

Showing Strength through Creativity: Equity and Access in the Arts for Asian American/Pacific Islander Communities

American Artscape | 2021 No. 2
Cover of American Artscape No 2 2021

Cover art by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya incorporating a piece from her installation We Belong Here at Lincoln Center.

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About this Issue

The National Endowment for the Arts is committed to advancing racial equity, access, and justice, and is continuously learning from the arts community. In this issue of American Artscape, we hear stories from Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) artists and leaders. These first-person accounts reflect distinct communities, art forms, and professional pathways, yet all share a common thread: they tell the story of who we are as a people and a nation.

In the past year, the country has witnessed an appalling rise in anti-Asian hate. Yet even in a time of fear and uncertainty, these stories demonstrate that the arts can offer strength and solace. They provide a way to understand our unique backgrounds, traditions, and histories, showing us that our differences are worth celebrating.

As we look to a more hopeful and inclusive future, we are inspired by these artists and arts leaders.

Included in this Issue

Portrait of Asian woman with short black hair, wearing glasses and a red shirt.
Making Space for Asian Americans in the Arts
Lisa Gold of Asian American Arts Alliance
Japanese family standing outside in early 1940s
The Making of Lost Freedom: A Memory
Actor/Author George Takei and Composer/Musician Kenji Bunch
Portrait of woman wearing a purple floral wreath.
Reclaiming the Culture through Hula
Vicky Holt Takamine of PA‘I Foundation
Indian American woman in purple outfit dancing.
Bringing Joy and Upliftment
Rina Mehta of the Leela Dance Collective
Asian women on scaffolding in front of mural she is painting.
Joy Is a Beautiful Act of Resistance
Multidisciplinary Artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya
An Asian woman in a black velvet dress lying on the wooden floor with a pig on each side of her.
From Law to Libretto
Cerise Lim Jacobs of White Snake Projects
Portrait of Asian man in blue striped shirt with a door and a painting in the background.
The Cultural and Economic Impact of Little Mekong
Va-Megn Thoj of the Asian Economic Development Association
Portrait of Asian man wearing a white shirt and gray sports jacket in front of brick wall.
A New, Fresh Light on Asian American Stories
 
Snehal Desai of East West Players
Audio Available

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