Dear Friends,

On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, it is my pleasure to invite you to celebrate the 31st Annual Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month in Los Angeles.

Our City is home to people originating from all around the world, with so many cultures contributing to the rich diversity that makes Los Angeles an international capital. This month we highlight our rich Asian and Pacific Islander cultures and the work of artists who keep Asian and Pacific Islander American traditions alive and vibrant in our communities.

I encourage you to take part in the special events listed throughout these pages and welcome you to take part in this year’s theme of “Honoring our Pioneers and Uniting Generations.”

Please join our celebration.

Very truly yours,

Antonio R. Villaraigosa
Mayor
City of Los Angeles

Dear Friends,

This month we celebrate the people whose traditions are rooted in the diverse cultures of the Pacific Rim and the vast Asian continent.

Geographically, Asia includes lands as varied in history and character as some of the former Soviet Republic states and countries in the Middle East. East Asia includes China, Hong Kong S.A.R., Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, and Taiwan. Southeast Asia consists of Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. South Asia includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Asia also includes Australia and Papua New Guinea. The Pacific Islands include: New Zealand, Samoa, Cook Islands, Micronesia, Midway Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Pitcairn Islands, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Rapanui (Easter Island).

Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month provides us with the opportunity to celebrate traditions from the many cultures in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands. On a recent trip to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Hong Kong, I personally experienced just a taste of the wonderful traditions from these lands, and thoroughly enjoyed my experiences with these distinct cultures.

I invite you to learn more about Asian and Pacific Islander American heritage throughout this celebration. I hope you will enjoy the fine art produced by our accomplished Los Angeles artists highlighted in this publication. Please take some time to also explore the many cultural programs and artistic events listed as part of Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month with your family and friends.

Best Regards,

Olga Garay
Executive Director
City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs