Organizers & Sponsors
Cultural Celebrations are made possible by Bank of America.
Celebrated in May, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month recognizes and honors the contributions, achievements, and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans (AAPI) who have shaped the culture and history of the United States. In light of the recent increase of violence and discrimination against AAPI communities, the annual celebration takes on even more importance.
AAPI Heritage Month began in 1978 as a weeklong celebration and in 1992 May was permanently designated as the commemorative month. The month of May was chosen to memorialize the arrival of the first known Japanese immigrant to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and to honor the completion of the transcontinental railroad — built by as many as 20,000 Chinese workers — on May 10, 1869.
The Asian Art Museum is dedicated year-round to uplifting the voices and experiences of the AAPI community and providing a platform for visibility, representation, and cross-cultural connection. Each May, we are honored to commemorate AAPI Heritage Month with programming that celebrates AAPI histories and cultures, builds empathy and understanding, and fights xenophobia, prejudice, and discrimination. We believe that engaging with Asian art and cultures in their many forms has the ability to educate, spark creativity, foster dialogue, connect people, and, ultimately, create change.
See below for ways to honor AAPI Heritage Month, from talks, performances, and cooking demonstrations to art activities for the whole family and lesson plans for parents and teachers. You’ll also find information on ways to support the AAPI community and stop anti-Asian hate.
The museum celebrates cultures from across Asia all year long. Learn more about our other Cultural Celebrations.
Click the links below to register for these events:
Cultural Celebrations are made possible by Bank of America.
