Live Arts
APIDA Arts Festival
Composite courtesy of APIDA Arts
The MCA is proud to collaborate with Mia Park, founder of APIDA Arts, to present Day 3 of the APIDA Arts Festival, a free, three-day event that amplifies and unifies Asian, Pacific Island and Desi/South Asian American artists in Chicago by showcasing their work at premier cultural institutions, providing greater representation, equity and opportunity.
The MCA event on May 5, 2023 is a part of a full weekend program that includes activities at the Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, and the Chicago Cultural Center from May 5-7, 2023. For full festival schedule please visit APIDAArts.org
This program is organized in collaboration with Mia Park, Founder and of APIDA Arts.
Schedule
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The Commons
- 10 am–3 pm
DIY Craft Market, curated by Ed Mar and Buddy. View a list of Craft Market Vendors. - 11 am–2 pm
Family Creation Station with Myra Su teaches storytelling with puppets.
- 10 am–3 pm
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Edlis Neeson Theater
Free tickets required for each performance
- 10:30–11:30 am
Open Stage with master of ceremonies Jonald Reyes
Featuring magician Jimmy Chung, The Victor Wong Improv Team from Second City, dancer/performer Juliann Wang, and the a cappella group The Treblemakers of Northwestern University. - 12:15–1:15 pm
Panel discussion — “Creativity for Wholeness and Healing,” moderated by Susie An
Can art making complete an individual or population? Exploring the healing potential of creativity by and for the Asian, Pacific Island and Desi/South Asian American communities. Panelists include Asad Ali Jafri, Lanialoha Lee, Anneliese Moy, and Jigar Shah. - 2–3 pm
Dance curated by Helen Lee featuring dancers Irene Hsiao, Helen Lee, Kinnari Vora, Mitsu Salmon, and Tuli Bera. - 3:45–4:15 pm
Music by the rock band Kim.
ASL provided in theater and by request.
- 10:30–11:30 am
-
Marisol Restaurant & Bar
During the APIDA Arts Festival and through August, enjoy two items from the menu of Chef Margaret Pak’s new restaurant, Thattu, opening this April in Avondale:
- Kerala Fried Chicken Sandwich
Spicy “naked” fried chicken, greens, spicy cucumber pickle, curry leaf aioli on a brioche bun - ChaaterTots
Tater tots, house chaat masala served with spicy beet ketchup - Masala Biscuit
Only available at The Counter during APIDA Arts Festival on May 7
- Kerala Fried Chicken Sandwich
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Outdoors
- 11 am–12 pm
Outdoor Audio Walk lead by Jee Yeun Lee
”Shore Land,” a one hour event that reflects on the history of the Chicago lakefront and contrasts the settler’s engineering with Indigenous perspectives on land and water. Participants should expect 35 minutes of walking and bring a smartphone and headphones to stream the audio. RSVP
- 11 am–12 pm
Event Partner
The mission of the APIDA Arts Festival is to amplify and unify Asian, Pacific Island and Desi/South Asian American artists in Chicago by showcasing their work at premier cultural institutions, providing greater representation, equity and opportunity.
By showcasing and bringing together the creativity and imagination of Asian, Pacific Island and Desi/South Asian Americans, APIDA Arts Festival envisions a strong and sustainable APIDA arts community that is an integral presence in Chicago’s culture – evocative of our past, declarative of our present and innovative towards our future. The programming includes a self-populated Artist Directory, networking events and a festival dedicated to APIDA arts.
