Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center

Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center is a museum and cultural center that showcases the history and culture of Asian Pacific American communities, with a focus on art, history, and culture. The center is part of the Smithsonian Institution, which includes other notable museums such as the National Museum of Natural History, National Air and Space Museum, and National Museum of American History. The center works closely with other Asian American organizations, including the Asian American Journalists Association, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. The center's establishment was supported by Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus members, including Judy Chu, Mike Honda, and Mazie Hirono.

● History

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center was established in 1997 as a result of efforts by Asian American community leaders, including Norman Mineta, Patsy Mink, and Daniel Inouye, to increase representation and inclusion of Asian Pacific American communities within the Smithsonian Institution. The center's early years were marked by collaborations with other Smithsonian museums, such as the National Museum of American History and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the Freer Gallery of Art, to develop exhibitions and programs that highlighted Asian Pacific American experiences. The center has also worked with other cultural institutions, including the Japanese American National Museum, Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, and the Chinese American Museum, to promote Asian American art, history, and culture. Notable Asian American artists, such as Maya Lin, Yoko Ono, and Martin Wong, have been featured in the center's exhibitions and programs.

● Mission

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center's mission is to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of Asian Pacific American history, art, and culture, and to provide a platform for Asian Pacific American voices and perspectives. The center achieves this mission through its collaborations with other Smithsonian museums, such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of the American Indian, as well as with other cultural institutions, including the Asian Art Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, and the Guggenheim Museum. The center also works with community organizations, such as the Asian American Writers' Workshop, Korean American Community Services, and the Filipino American National Historical Society, to develop programs and exhibitions that reflect the diversity and complexity of Asian Pacific American experiences. The center's mission is supported by Congress, including Senators such as Tammy Duckworth and Mazie Hirono, and Representatives such as Judy Chu and Grace Meng.

● Programs

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center offers a range of programs and activities, including exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and festivals, that showcase Asian Pacific American art, history, and culture. The center's programs have featured notable Asian American artists, such as Ai Weiwei, Yayoi Kusama, and Cindy Sherman, as well as Asian American writers, including Amy Tan, Maxine Hong Kingston, and Ha Jin. The center has also collaborated with other cultural institutions, including the Kennedy Center, National Gallery of Art, and the Library of Congress, to develop programs that promote Asian American arts and culture. The center's programs are supported by foundations, such as the Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, as well as by corporate sponsors, including Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Verizon Communications.

● Exhibitions

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center has developed a range of exhibitions that showcase Asian Pacific American art, history, and culture, including exhibitions on Asian American art, Asian Pacific American history, and Asian American culture. The center's exhibitions have featured notable Asian American artists, such as Mark Tansey, Pat Steir, and Martin Puryear, as well as Asian American historical figures, including Bruce Lee, Anna May Wong, and Patsy Mink. The center has also collaborated with other museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, and the Whitney Museum of American Art, to develop exhibitions that promote Asian American art and culture. The center's exhibitions are supported by grants from federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

● Collections

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center has a growing collection of Asian Pacific American art, history, and culture, including artworks, artifacts, and archival materials. The center's collections feature notable Asian American artists, such as Isamu Noguchi, Ruth Asawa, and Kay Sekimachi, as well as Asian American historical figures, including Dalip Singh Saund, Hiram Fong, and Daniel Inouye. The center's collections are supported by donations from individuals and organizations, including the Asian American Arts Alliance, Japanese American Citizens League, and the Korean American Association. The center's collections are also supported by grants from foundations, including the Luce Foundation and the Henry Luce Foundation.

● Outreach

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center engages in outreach and community engagement activities to promote Asian Pacific American art, history, and culture, and to provide a platform for Asian Pacific American voices and perspectives. The center works with community organizations, including the Asian American Justice Center, National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, and the Southeast Asian Resource Action Center, to develop programs and exhibitions that reflect the diversity and complexity of Asian Pacific American experiences. The center also collaborates with other cultural institutions, including the Brooklyn Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Seattle Art Museum, to promote Asian American art and culture. The center's outreach activities are supported by partnerships with corporate sponsors, including Target Corporation, Procter & Gamble, and Coca-Cola Company. Category:Asian American museums