Dating back to the early 1800s when Asian immigration was rapid during the California Gold Rush to the very recent debate on diversity in media, our ability to self-identify has been controlled by politics, economics and racial stereotypes.

Celebrating its 20th year, the United States of Asian America Festival, will focus on such themes of identity, past and present, and explore how Pacific Islander and Asian American identities continue to evolve in today’s media driven culture. Presented by the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center, USAAF 2017 reveres its 20th birthday by showcasing works that examine our history: where do we come from? Where are we now? And where are we going?

Two of the most pungent instances which altered Asian American identity are, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which largely villainized Chinese immigrants, inducing fear and promoting racism and stereotypes and the coining of the term “model minority” in 1966 by sociologist William Petersen, which shifted from the stereotype of uneducated laborers during the Exclusion Act to hard-working, upper class educated minorities.  Both created a narrowing tunnel for more diverse opportunities for our communities, an effect we still see today.

But how do we reconcile with the repercussions historical events, such as these, have had on our communities? With the recent push for diversity in media, art has begun to thread into different aspects of politics, economics and culture, making connections while creating communities where people are free to form their own identities and even force social change.  

Currently accepting submissions, USAAF 2017 explores these topics by presenting 20 to 30 different programs reflecting the artistic accomplishments and the cultural diversity of San Francisco’s Asian and Pacific Island communities and showcasing artists representing a diverse range of ethnic and cultural groups.  APICC collaborates with both emerging and well-established groups allowing these groups access to the center’s wealth of production and fundraising know-how.

Selected artists or groups will be invited participate in USAAF and will receive one of the following three levels of support…

Supported by APICC: Up to 10 artists or groups will be selected.

• Your event will be featured in the USAAF print calendar (sent to over 7,500 people in the Bay Area) and online calendar.
• Participants in this category may present anywhere in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Sponsored by APICC: Up to 10 artists or groups will be selected.

-Receive local publicity support in the form of email marketing, press releases, event announcement posts, and social media marketing.

-The APICC website will include a special section showcasing the artist or group and their work, featuring links back to the artist or group’s website.

-APICC will provide $500 for artist fees.

-APICC will run box office for your event: online presale tickets and day-of-event box office. The artist/group will receive 90% of box office income.**

-Up to 4 hours of technical assistance consultation in 2 of the following areas: fundraising, fiscal sponsorship, Internet media/social networking, organizational capacity, and event production.

-Participants in this category may present anywhere in the City and County of San Francisco.

Presented by APICC: Up to 10 artists or groups will be selected.

-The awardees will receive all of the above benefits. APICC

-APICC will provide $1,000 for artist fees.

-APICC will pay for venue rental up to $650.

-APICC will pay for one technician for the show up to $150.

-APICC will run box office for your event: online presale tickets and day-of-event box office. The artist/group will receive 75% of box office income.**

-Up to 4 hours of technical assistance consultation in 2 of the following areas: fundraising, fiscal sponsorship, Internet media/social networking, organizational capacity, and event production.

-APICC will assist participants in this category to book their event at one of San Francisco’s cultural centers (i.e., SOMArts, African American Arts and Culture Complex, Bayview Opera House, or Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts).

Note: Money received from APICC can only be used to reimburse artistic or technical fees. To receive the sponsorship amount, the artist or group must submit an invoice and canceled checks for fees paid to artists. You may invoice APICC for an advance of 25% of your award upon signing of the contract. For Sponsored by APICC awardees, venue must be secured with proof of executed rental contract before advance can be made.

**APICC will provide box office support and staffing to ticketed events only. Donation-based events will be marketed as free in the USAAF calendar.

If you would like to ring in the new year with style and have an awesome project to submit by our DEADLINE ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2017 @ 11:59PM, please view our online application.

If you have any questions about this application, the festival, or APICC, please visit our website at www.apiculturalcenter.org or e-mail Artistic Director Melanie Elvena at [email protected].

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