Asian American Arts Chicago (AAAC) announces EVOLUTION: ASIAN AMERICAN ARTS FESTIVAL, a two-day celebration of the transformation and creativity of Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian artists, performers and makers, in association with Lookingglass Theatre, May 2 and 3, 2026. AAAC is now accepting submissions for the Festival at Lookingglass Theatre, Water Tower Water Works, 163 E. Pearson St. at Michigan Ave. Interested parties may complete the application forms at https://aaac.art/evolution-arts-festival/.
Asian American Arts Chicago’s mission statement is to support and amplify artistic expression from the Asian American diaspora in Chicago, Illinois. AAAC produces festivals, performances, and supports a database of Asian American identified artists to provide better representation, equity and opportunity.
For the 2026 Festival, Asian American Arts Chicago seeks artists, performers, vendors and makers across all mediums and disciplines to participate in EVOLUTION: Asian American Arts Festival.
“As a Korean American performing artist for more than 25 years in Chicago, I wasn't given the same opportunities as my peers,” said Executive Producer Mia Park. “This festival creates space for Asian American, Pacific Island and Native Hawaiian makers and creators to showcase their work and connect. The aim of the festival is to amplify and celebrate these voices.”
Producer Seoyoung Park added “As an Asian-identifying female artist based in Chicago, I’m excited that this festival will bring together AAPINH artists and audiences to celebrate creativity and connection. It’s an important step toward building a stronger, more unified community.”
ABOUT ASIAN AMERICAN ARTS CHICAGO
Asian American Arts Chicago is a not-for-profit organization. The mission of the Asian American Arts Chicago Festival is to amplify and unify Asian, Pacific Island and Native Hawaiian artists in Chicago by showcasing their work at premier cultural institutions, providing greater representation, equity and opportunity.
By showcasing and bringing together the creativity and imagination of Asian, Pacific Island and Native Hawaiian, AAAC Festival envisions a strong and sustainable AAPINH arts community that is an integral presence in Chicago’s culture - evocative of our past, declarative of our present and innovative towards our future. The programming includes a self-populated artist directory, networking events and a festival dedicated to AAAC.
Live painter Won Kim at the Chicago Cultural Center during the 2023 Asian American Arts Festival. Photo by Anthony Nguyen.
Ajumma Rising flash mob at the Chicago Cultural Center during the 2023 Asian American Arts Festival. Photo by Anthony Nguyen
Hannah Michal Santistevan at Goodman Theatre during the 2023 Asian American Arts Festival. Photo by Anthony Nguyen.
Treblemakers at Museum of Contemporary Art during the 2023 Asian American Arts Festival. Photo by Lawrence Hu.
Executive Producer Mia Park. Photo by Tyler Core
Producer Seoyung Park. Photo by Jess Maynard Photography