Showing Strength through Creativity: Equity and Access in the Arts for Asian American/Pacific Islander Communities
![Cover of American Artscape No 2 2021](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/images/Amer-Artscape-No2-2021-cover.jpg?itok=3X7itnEe)
Cover art by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya incorporating a piece from her installation We Belong Here at Lincoln Center.
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.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_square/public/images/Lisa%20Gold%20Headshot%20by%20Gerrie%20Lim.jpg?h=068129e0&itok=xT5PhTwJ)
![Japanese family standing outside in early 1940s](/sites/default/files/styles/card_square/public/images/Takei%20Family%20lightened.jpg?h=0a700c99&itok=XbS__g7t)
![Portrait of woman wearing a purple floral wreath.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_square/public/images/VickyHoltTakamine-Enhanced-300CMYK.jpg?h=440012dd&itok=J0GIfI8L)
![Indian American woman in purple outfit dancing.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_square/public/images/Leela%20Dance%20Collective%20-%20Rina%20Mehta%20Kathak%20Solo%20-%20Photo%20Credit%20Travis%20Broxton.jpg?h=8f0b2d98&itok=cShEcRxT)
![Asian women on scaffolding in front of mural she is painting.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_square/public/images/AmandaPhingbodhipakkiya%20_FindingsDC_portrait.jpg?h=e7a37eaa&itok=e9aawd9K)
![An Asian woman in a black velvet dress lying on the wooden floor with a pig on each side of her.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_square/public/images/01-Cerise_Jacobs-c-JamesMatthewDaniel.jpg?h=8f0b2d98&itok=VGhWU1Pt)
![Portrait of Asian man in blue striped shirt with a door and a painting in the background.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_square/public/images/RSPickVaMegn.jpeg?h=5e08a8b6&itok=8aeYY0f6)
![Portrait of Asian man wearing a white shirt and gray sports jacket in front of brick wall.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_square/public/images/snehal-headshot%20%281%29%20%281%29%20%281%29%20%281%29.jpg?h=3cd06fc8&itok=97bOVlm-)