The Asian American Literature Festival, which was abruptly canceled last year by the Smithsonian Institution, is set to make a comeback this September. The festival will run from September 14-22 and will feature a combination of in-person and virtual events, spread out not just in Washington, D.C., but also in several other cities nationwide. The festival will include readings, salons, workshops, and interactive installations in cities such as New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and more, as well as in New Zealand and Australia.
Previously held every two years since 2017 in collaboration with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, the festival serves as a gathering for writers, publishers, and others within the Asian diaspora. Events were typically hosted in Washington, D.C. at locations like the National Portrait Gallery and the Library of Congress. The cancellation last year came as a surprise to many involved, with the Smithsonian citing “administrative/logistical reasons” for their decision. The cancellation had nothing to do with the festival content, which included works by transgender and nonbinary writers.
The decision to move forward without the Smithsonian’s involvement provides the opportunity for a more diverse range of communities to participate in the festivities. Organizers are hoping that by hosting events in various locations across the country and internationally, they will be able to reach a wider audience and engage more people in celebrating Asian American literary works. This change in approach also allows for greater flexibility and creativity in planning the festival, as well as the chance to involve partner organizations in new ways.
The festival has been a significant platform for bringing together voices from the Asian American community and showcasing the diverse range of literary works being produced within this group. By including writers and organizations from various backgrounds, the festival has helped to amplify marginalized voices and provide a space for sharing stories that are often underrepresented in mainstream media. The decision to continue the festival despite the setbacks faced last year demonstrates a commitment to supporting and uplifting Asian American literature and creating an inclusive space for dialogue and community engagement.
The revival of the Asian American Literature Festival signifies a renewed dedication to celebrating and promoting Asian American literary works, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. By adapting the format of the festival to include both in-person and virtual events in multiple locations, organizers are striving to make the festival more accessible to a wider and more diverse audience. The widespread support and participation from writers, publishers, and organizations across the Asian diaspora demonstrate the importance of creating spaces for marginalized voices to be heard and celebrated.
Overall, the resurrection of the Asian American Literature Festival represents a powerful affirmation of the importance of Asian American voices in the literary world. By creating a platform for writers and artists from diverse backgrounds to come together and share their work, the festival continues to be a vital space for fostering dialogue, creativity, and community building. The decision to move forward with the festival, despite the challenges faced last year, underscores the resilience and determination of the organizers and participants in supporting and celebrating Asian American literature.
