May 4, 2021

By Lisa Lee
While the Asian and Pacific Islander communities have always faced forms of discrimination and xenophobia, the recent increase of hate and violence has been a troubling and heartbreaking reminder of prejudice, especially as our elders have been targeted.

In times of division and hatred, arts and culture are a great source of humanity and hope. As we raise our voices and come together, turning to arts and culture can help us find new ways of learning, understanding, and healing.

With Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month upon us, it is with great joy that I’m announcing that Google Arts & Culture has partnered with 48 cultural institutions and experts of Asian American and Pacific Islander (API) cultures to celebrate and launch a new hub dedicated to Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures. This builds on our work with partners including the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center,  Center for Asian American Media,  Museum of Chinese in America, and Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design.

With new partners including Visual Communications, Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, and Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, the site includes over 110 stories and thousands of cultural artifacts, archives and artworks — all available in one place. Now, everyone will be able to learn more about API cultures in the US and how their contributions shaped the economical, political and cultural life of the country. (read more…)