The Asian American Literature Festival, which was abruptly canceled last year by the Smithsonian Institution, is set to make a comeback this year. The festival will be held from September 14-22, but this time without the Smithsonian’s involvement. Instead, the festival will take place in various locations across the United States, as well as in New Zealand and Australia. The Collective and several partner organizations have organized a series of events, including readings, salons, workshops, and interactive installations, bringing together writers, publishers, and others within the Asian diaspora.
The festival, which has been held biannually since 2017, has traditionally been a collaborative effort with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, featuring events at Washington sites like the National Portrait Gallery and the Library of Congress. Last year’s cancellation was attributed to “administrative/logistical reasons,” and not due to the festival’s content. Organizers have expressed disappointment over outstanding debts owed to them by the Smithsonian and hope for accountability and repair on the institution’s part. Despite this, the Smithsonian has not ruled out collaborating on the festival in the future and has expressed support for this year’s event.
In response to allegations of outstanding debts, Smithsonian officials have stated that 48 individuals and three organizations were paid honoraria for completed work, and two others declined payment altogether. They assert that anyone who submitted necessary paperwork for payment received their dues. The sudden cancellation of last year’s festival left many writers and literary organizations blindsided and facing financial losses. The new decentralized approach to this year’s festival aims to enable greater participation from diverse communities and promote Asian American literary works across a wider audience.
Organizers of the Asian American Literature Festival are determined to make this year’s event a success, despite challenges faced in the past. With events planned in multiple cities across the U.S. and internationally, they hope to create a more inclusive and accessible platform for Asian American writers and readers. The festival will feature a range of activities, including readings, workshops, and interactive installations, and aims to celebrate the rich diversity of voices within the Asian diaspora. By expanding the reach of the festival to different locations, organizers seek to engage an even broader audience and raise awareness of Asian American literary works.
The announcement of the resurrection of the Asian American Literature Festival comes as exciting news for those within the literary community. As the first Asian American to hold the post of curator at the White House, Donna Hayashi Smith’s appointment also signals a growing recognition of diverse voices within the arts and culture sector. The festival represents a significant opportunity for Asian American writers and readers to come together, share their work, and engage in dialogue around important issues. Despite challenges faced in the past, organizers remain committed to creating a vibrant and inclusive space for celebrating Asian American literature and fostering connections within the community.
Overall, the revival of the Asian American Literature Festival represents a positive development within the literary landscape, providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard and celebrated. By decentralizing the festival and expanding its reach to multiple locations, organizers are working to ensure greater accessibility and participation from a wide range of communities. Through a range of events and activities, the festival aims to highlight the creative contributions of Asian American writers and promote dialogue around important cultural issues. As the literary community comes together to support this year’s festival, there is hope for a successful and impactful celebration of Asian American literary works.
