The Project
For many Asian Americans the lack of visibility in the public sphere is a persistent and pervasive problem. So in commemoration of our organization's 25th anniversary, we decided to react by creating a collective mural that will claim and transform visual public space to reflect who we are and root our vibrant community. We want to honor all Asian American women in the arts of past and present while providing inspiration to future generations.
images: Artists Ka Yan Cheung, Kathy Fujii-Oka, Reiko Fujii, and Susan Almazol. Photos courtesy of Cynthia Tom, Reiko Fujii, and Lorenz Angelo Photography.
To realize our project we’ve teamed up with local and well-respected Asian American women muralists Cece Carpio (Trust Your Struggle, SF Public Arts Commission) and Erin Yoshi (Trust Your Struggle, The Estria Foundation). With their expertise, AAWAA artists and community members will envision, craft, and paint a mural befitting of our organization’s legacy.
Artwork: courtesy of Erin Yoshi.
Artwork: courtesy of Cece Carpio.
The mural will be located in the Richmond District of San Francisco, a diverse area sandwiched by Golden Gate park and the Presidio with a sizable Asian American population, including many artists, writers, musicians, and other creative makers.
The Impact
Cultural Visibility for Asian Americans
San Francisco has long been the epicenter of Asian American life and culture. The oldest running Asian American arts nonprofit was founded here, we have the nation’s largest yearly Asian film festival , we are the birthplace of Asian American studies, and Asians make up about one third of the city’s population. And yet, there’s no Asian American public art space in San Francisco.
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Commissioning this mural is our way of commemorating AAWAA's jubilee year while claiming a physical and visual public space. We ultimately want to raise the visibility of a community that has made so many historical contributions to this city.
Public Art Improving Economic & Social Environment
Public art adds cultural value to the area, encouraging community building & visitors to the neighborhood.
Be part of the AAWAA Legacy of successfully staging art exhibitions, screenings, lectures, panel discussions, and workshops for the past 25 years.
images: underCurrents & the Quest for Space (2013), Eating Cultures (2014), Unbound Kimonos (2013), Divided Attentions: The Worlds of Bernice Bing (2014), Hungry Ghosts (2015). Courtesy of Cris Matos, Mido Lee Productions, and Lorenz Angelo Photography.
What We Need & What You Get
Contributions to this campaign will go towards:
The Perks
Limited Edition artist collectibles, unique experiences, and more! We've got something for you at any level of support.
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Risks & Challenges
Our biggest challenges are securing a wall and proper funding that will ensure that we, in collaboration with our lead artists, create a mural reflective of our thriving community and that we have the proper materials to make this historical mural last.
Community Support
To make sure this project succeeds, we've reached out to the Clement Street Merchants Association and Supervisor Eric Mar to make sure the AAWAA mural will find a proper home in the Richmond District.
Other Ways You Can Help
1. Know a wall in the Richmond District that would be perfect for this mural? Let us know!
2. Help us get the word out about this historic mural project. Share this campaign and use #MuralMuses!
3. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to get instant updates about the project.
