DECLARASIAN x ARTS |
The Virtual Art Gallery is now LIVE!
It's been 4 months since I began working on this initiative in hopes of promoting creativity and expression in Asians across America, and I can say that the artwork final gallery is every bit as incredible as the people who created the art. It was eye-opening to learn about the stories of these 20 talented individuals - just see for yourselves.
-Carina Sun
-Carina Sun
The Plan:
In partnership with the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit in Pennsylvania, DeclarASIAN will be hosting a free Asian-American Young Artists Initiative this summer.
Virtual Method (Round One):(Finished)
Due to the developing situation surrounding COVID-19, we will be using an alternate "virtual method" to ensure the safety of all participants. During July 15-20, we will be shipping out free "art-kits" designed specially by art professors and our DeclarASIAN team to participants. These art kits will include all materials necessary to create a "final project" which we hope will help you express yourself and will include: 1x set of acrylic brushes 1x set of acrylic paints 2x canvas boards 1x set of Bristol multimedia paper 1x set of inking pens 1x set of graphite pencils 1x set of palette paper a complete 9-course online lesson plan designed for this initiative We will compile all participants' final pieces and host an online art gallery here on August 25th, highlighting the beautiful artwork of our Asian-American artists! Requirements: -Permission to have supplies shipped to your address. -Send us updates of your progress! (More information will be given to participants) -Be willing to have your work displayed on our virtual gallery late-August! -Be passionate about art! |
Virtual Method (Round Two):(Finished)
Due to the developing situation surrounding COVID-19, we will be using an alternate "virtual method" to ensure the safety of all participants. During July 29-August 8, we will be shipping out free "art-kits" designed specially by art professors and our DeclarASIAN team to participants. These art kits will include all materials necessary to create a "final project" which we hope will help you express yourself and will tentatively include: 1x set of color pencils 1x set of inking pens 1x set of Bristol multimedia paper 1x set of sketching pencils (material list subject to change) a complete 9-course online lesson plan designed for this initiative We will compile all participants' final pieces and host an online art gallery here on August 25th, highlighting the beautiful artwork of our Asian-American artists! Requirements: -Permission to have supplies shipped to your address. -Send us updates of your progress! (More information will be given to participants) -Be willing to have your work displayed on our virtual gallery late-August! -Be passionate about art! |
Introducing the DeclarASIAN Arts Initiative
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In early 2020, as reports of violence against Asians across the world were rising exponentially, I was struck by the lack of media coverage and official action taken after the reports were made. Over social media, Asians were expressing their feelings of helplessness against the wave of discrimination that arose with the pandemic. More than ever, I felt that a chance for young Asian students to express themselves through different mediums was needed. As I dug deeper, I realized it wasn't that simple. For many Asian students, arts opportunities are simply inaccessible, whether it be because they are forced towards a more "practical" path or simply don't have access to opportunities and supplies because of financial issues. The high rates of poverty among the wide umbrella term: “Asian American community” are often overlooked due to inaccurate and incomplete media portrayal. This leaves these communities at a severe disadvantage when it comes to having access to the same resources as those in more fortunate communities.
Art has been something that has helped me to express so many of my feelings and emotions during my darkest times. These days, it's become almost a novelty. Supplies, lessons, and opportunities to showcase one’s art is very limited to those who have the money and time to spare. I would like to give those in the poor Asian-American communities across America a chance to engage in these activities and showcase their own talents. Aside from that, I believe it is a universal language that can be heard and appreciated by all audiences, no matter race, religion, or identity. It's one of the oldest forms of expression, and one of the most effective. It’s something that should be available to everyone, but in today’s world, that is simply not the case. So, I launched the DeclarASIAN Arts Initiative to provide a few young Asian-American artists across the states with art supplies and instruction this summer. Follow along as we share updates on the process! -Carina Sun DeclarASIAN Co-Founder |
The untold numbers behind Asian-American poverty.
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Feeding Into the Issue:
Many Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders around America are impoverished and don’t have access to recreational activities or other opportunities to hone their talents and access equal growth opportunities as other races. Why? The stereotypes and labels that surround Asian-Americans overshadows acknowledgement of these issues. The news has painted an unfair and incomplete profile of the average Asian-American. Rather than acknowledging the diversity among Asian-Americans, the media chooses to portray Asian-Americans as a monolithic group—under the labels of “doctor, smart, rich, and successful." Movies like “Crazy Rich Asians” only add to this problem. While being praised for its diverse cast and cultural references, it failed to acknowledge the Asian-American community living in poverty and led to the false impression that all Asians are “crazy rich”. |
The single-resident occupancy (SRO) room this elderly man shares with his family in San Francisco’s Chinatown. High poverty rates and over-crowding have led to these living conditions for Asian-Americans in San Fransisco's Chinatown (Photo credit: Brant Ward / The Chronicle)
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Progress Calendar:
8.31.20 - Virtual Art Gallery Begins Construction!
The creation and compilation of the final art gallery begins construction.
The creation and compilation of the final art gallery begins construction.
8.28.20 - Received all Final Projects!
The most rewarding part of this initiative yet--seeing the finalized artwork.
The most rewarding part of this initiative yet--seeing the finalized artwork.
8.15.20 - Final Projects Begin Work!
The group of now 20 participants are working hard to create their final pieces for our virtual gallery.
The group of now 20 participants are working hard to create their final pieces for our virtual gallery.
7.29.20 - Second Round of Arts Initiative Applications Opens!
After receiving additional funding from PCDC, we have opened the application for another round of participants!
After receiving additional funding from PCDC, we have opened the application for another round of participants!
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7.25.20 - Most Art Kits are received by participants and work begins!
Art kits are delivered and participants successfully enrolled in online course. |
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7.18.20 - Art kits are shipped out!
Art kits are packaged and shipped to all participants.
Art kits are packaged and shipped to all participants.
7.17.20 - Participants Announced!
The ten participants are announced on our social media and website!
The ten participants are announced on our social media and website!
7.15.20 - Application Form Closes.
The process of selecting 10 applicants begins, and participants are notified through email.
The process of selecting 10 applicants begins, and participants are notified through email.
7.1.20 - Supplies are purchased!
With the grant money, supplies were purchased and ready to be put together into art kits for selected participants in mid-July.
With the grant money, supplies were purchased and ready to be put together into art kits for selected participants in mid-July.
6.29.20 - The Initiative Application goes live!
After weeks of preparation and working with the PCDC to finalize flyer distribution and online advertising, the application goes live until 7.15.20.
After weeks of preparation and working with the PCDC to finalize flyer distribution and online advertising, the application goes live until 7.15.20.
5.29.20 - Received $1000.00 Grant from The Awesome Foundation
After applying to dozens of grants in early April, the Awesome Foundation Philadelphia Chapter granted us a $1000.00 fund to move forward with the arts initiative.
After applying to dozens of grants in early April, the Awesome Foundation Philadelphia Chapter granted us a $1000.00 fund to move forward with the arts initiative.
5.4.20 - Interview with Ami Yares
Executive Director at BuildaBridge in Philadelphia, a non-profit organization dedicated to giving the gift of art-making to impoverished Philly-based kids.
Executive Director at BuildaBridge in Philadelphia, a non-profit organization dedicated to giving the gift of art-making to impoverished Philly-based kids.
4.16.20 - Call with Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation
The largest Asian-American resource organization in the Philadelphia area. A partnership was formed with the PCDC, who were to host an in-person summer art workshop with DeclarASIAN in early July.
The largest Asian-American resource organization in the Philadelphia area. A partnership was formed with the PCDC, who were to host an in-person summer art workshop with DeclarASIAN in early July.
4.16.20 - Interview with Yasmine Awais
A registered art therapist, former Drexel University professor, and current president of Artistic Noise, an organization encouraging social change through art.
A registered art therapist, former Drexel University professor, and current president of Artistic Noise, an organization encouraging social change through art.
4.10.20 - Interview with Howard Shih
Research and Policy Director at the Asian American Federation in NYC, Mr. Shih has worked with this organization to provide supplies and translation materials for Asian immigrants who struggle to find jobs, learn English, and find homes.
Research and Policy Director at the Asian American Federation in NYC, Mr. Shih has worked with this organization to provide supplies and translation materials for Asian immigrants who struggle to find jobs, learn English, and find homes.
3.29.20 - An Idea was Born.