The Franklin Institute Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which recognizes and honors the achievements and influences of Asian American and Pacific Islander Americans (AAPI) who have helped shape the culture and history of the United States.
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This event has concluded for 2024. Thank you for joining us.
Saturday, May 11, 2024 | 12:00 - 4:00 pm
Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
On Saturday, May 11, join us for a special day of programming highlighting the contributions of some of the amazing Philadelphia organizations that help celebrate, educate, and nourish our AAPI community.
All programming is included with museum admission.
Special Guests
- Merck Asia Pacific Association (APA) works to develop future leaders, build social community, and be a valued business partner by effectively promoting and leveraging Asian diversity and providing business insights to drive our company's competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- Asian Arts Initiative is a community-based arts center in Philadelphia that engages artists and everyday people to create art that explores the diverse experiences of Asian Americans, addresses our social context, and imagines and effects positive community change.
- After four decades of professional training, performing, and teaching, Ballet SUNMI was formed to cultivate the individual student’s body, mind, and heart connection using a relevant and clear curriculum focused on alignment and core strength. Our purpose is to grow the individual in a thriving and caring community. Our studio takes great pride in being committed to disciplining the mind through determination and perseverance in an atmosphere where compassion, inclusion, and friendships are prioritized.
- The mission of Chinese American Women Sisterhood Society of Philadelphia (CAWSSP) is to provide information regarding social services, to provide Fellowship and to provide conduct Cultural events. CAWSSP just celebrated their 25th Anniversary in November of 2023.
- Chenlin Cai is a painter and muralist, and his wife, Xingzi Liang, is a graphic designer. They are committed to promoting Asian culture and traditions through visual arts so that more people can understand the cultural character and legacy of the Asian community.
Schedule of Events
- Chromatography with Merck | Key Hallway
- 12:00 - 4:00 pm: Explore where chemistry and art combine with chromatography.
- Block Printing with Asian Arts Initiative | Key Hallway
- 12:00 - 4:00 pm: Learn how block printing works and create a dragon-themed poster or card for the Lunar New Year with teaching artists from the Asian Arts Initiative.
- Performances by Ballet SUNMI | Atrium
- 1:00 pm: Explore basic ballet principles and vocabulary, focusing on body integration and coordination. Enjoy a short performance from our children, teen, and adult programs, followed by an opportunity to try it out yourself.
- 2:00 pm: Explore free and sharp dance movements using the ever-popular choreography from Korea. Enjoy a short performance from our teen and adult programs before learning some K-pop moves and repertoire yourself.
- Chinese American Women's Sisterhood Society of Philadelphia (CAWSSP) | Key Hallway and Atrium
- 12:00 - 4:00 pm: Participate in lantern-making and calligraphy-writing activities while learning more about the organization itself.
- 3:00 pm: Enjoy a special dance performance by members of CAWSSP at 3:00 pm in the Atrium.
- Chenlin Cai & Xingzi Liang | Key Hallway
- 12:00 - 4:00 pm: Meet the Artists and see their work.
