USAAF 2021: Forging Our Futures - SoMa & ChinatownDear Community, We survived yet another year in the midst of a pandemic, combatting continued anti-Asian violence, while finding ways to create safe spaces for ourselves and each other to start gathering again. I feel so privileged to have been able to produce a hybrid festival along with my intrepid staff members, Diana Li and Vinay Patel. Despite having to overcome challenges and chart new territories, we’re so overjoyed to be able to continue providing resources, professional development, and opportunities for our artists. Most of all, we are so proud of all our artists this year who were chosen out of so many competitive proposals to be part of the United States of Asian America Festival: Forging Our Futures - SOMA & Chinatown. Special congratulations especially to all the emerging artists and first time producers. You are all officially part of the APICC family now, and I am thrilled to see what you will do next! Each project this year celebrated our SOMA and/or Chinatown neighborhoods and communities - with each event intentionally allowing Asian American and Pacific Islander communities space to tell our collective stories and how we can continue to care for one another. We are in awe of our artists’ creativity and how they have become expert digital, online, and hybrid producers in such a short amount of time, thinking of alternative and innovative ways to continue engaging audiences and building community with their art. We also had successful sold out outdoor showcases this year at Portsmouth Square and Kapwa Gardens as the first in-person events we’ve had in almost two years. We’re grateful to all the artists, staff, volunteers, and community partners who helped us make this all happen. It was so wonderful to see folks in-person again after so long, and it was such a treat to be able to gather safely together to experience the performances. It brought so much needed hope and joy to our audiences as we recover from the past year’s hardships. We’re also very happy that almost all of the events are accessible online and how many included ASL interpretation, live captions, and live translations to other languages. It is so important that all our audience members feel included in our programs whether they be online or in person. Special thanks to all of the behind-the-scenes crew, including our volunteers, box office, tech and stage managers, along with publicist Paloma Concordia of PapaLoDown and PR Coordinator, Christina Campbell, for helping artists tell our stories and further highlighting the work we do at APICC. There was a definite spotlight on AAPI communities in the press this year and all of you helped make sure it shined on our festival and our artists. May we keep forging on to a brighter and better future! We look forward to seeing you all again next year. Sincerely, Melanie Elvena USAAF 2021 VIDEO PLAYLISTSVirtual EventsCHINATOWN: OUR FUTURE IS NOW! at Portsmouth SquareUSAAF 2021 at Kapwa GardensONVIEW IN SF CHINATOWN THROUGH AUGUSTScattered Home by Vida Kuang
Take a walk around Chinatown to find a series of talking portrait banners depicting the lives of three intergenerational SRO tenants in Chinatown. Various Locations> Altar-n8 Realm by Macro Waves
Experience a self-guided augmented reality walking tour in support of SF Chinatown Businesses. Learn More> PRESS HIGHLIGHTSSF CHRONICLE DATEBOOKAsian Americans forge the future in annual San Francisco festival ‘Sowing Agency’ pays homage to Bay Area Asian Americans fighting climate change Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the Bay Area LOCAL TV NEWSHonoring Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Documentary honors San Francisco community heroes who stepped up during pandemic FEATURESWhat Can the Environmental Movement Learn From Asian American Art? Kim Requesto Explores the Possibilities of Philippine Folk Dance in YUGTO LISTINGSArts Forecast: Holy smokes, I went to a show. And ate inside a restaurant! Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with dance, music, zines and the history of sugar Arts Etc.
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USAAF 2021 REPORTS
Festival Report
Festival Publicity ReportTHANK YOUJURORSFrances Wong PRODUCING ARTISTSJon Jang & Paul S. Flores LEGACY & LINEAGE,
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USAAF 2021 Festival Recap
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