Locating the Sacred

Nearly 10 years ago, the Asian American Arts Alliance (A4) put out a simple, yet profound call to NYC artists and arts institutions: “What does SACRED mean to you?” Submissions poured in from all over the five boroughs, exploring the word and its relevance in communities. This was all part of an effort by a nonprofit organization dedicated to greater equity and access for Asian American artists and cultural organizations, and managed to unify New Yorkers with a significant theme, while staying true to the organization’s mission to prioritize Asian American voices.The vision of the Locating the Sacred Festival was spearheaded by former Program Director, Nico Daswani, who had been inspired by the World Festival of Sacred Music in LA. He wanted to promote citywide connection between Asian American artists and the larger NYC arts landscape with a festival which would “create opportunities for us, for the public, to think, to imagine, to feel beyond the level of entertainment and into the core values of society.”

And that it did. The festival was the first of its kind for A4, and many participants and attendees will agree that during September 12-23 of 2012 in NYC, they experienced a range of incredible artistic collaborations between artists of all disciplines all across the city. At one of the early informational sessions during the festival application process, an attendee asked “Citywide. You mean - even Staten Island?” Locating the Sacred ultimately launched into a 25-event, 12-day festival which took place in all five New York boroughs, and pushed the boundaries of what could be possible with the passion and leadership of what started as a small team.

Hundreds of artists, arts workers, and cultural activists presented works in small and large venues spanning churches, museums, cultural centers, outdoor gardens and theaters. All this in the wake of the Wisconsin shootings at a Sikh temple, continued violence in Syria, and approaching the 11th anniversary of 9/11. The Locating the Sacred Festival aimed to bring people of all backgrounds together in movement forward as one community through the lens of the arts. From partnerships with the Rubin Museum to Museum of Chinese in America to the Church Center for the United Nations, intergenerational and cross-cultural exchange were significant themes. In partnership with Place Matters, community members were invited to nominate sacred sites in connection with Asian American communities.

The festival’s opening concert at the Church of the Ascension, the oldest church on 5th Avenue, featured sound artist and vocalist Bora Yoon partnering with Riyaaz Qawwali, a group of eight young Asian American musicians infusing traditional Qawwali music with experimental composition. Talented Asian American performers took to the stage at the East Village FAB! Festival while visual artist Jayanthi Moorthy presented Sacred Writing and Threads at the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, combining works on canvas, handwritten rolls sourced from the NY community, and sacred threads from temples in India. The festival culminated with a Flash Mob to the song Nothing Matters When We’re Dancing, led by Asian American dance groups including A.H. Dance Company, Michael Mao Dance, and Project Agent Orange. In just a three minute closing performance, the fleeting yet infinite possibilities of love and light, were celebrated.

We were there. A growing community of Asian American artists. And here we are. The past two years have shaken the world with one of the largest movements for racial justice in U.S. history, an unprecedented global pandemic, and the invasion of Ukraine. In NYC alone, there’s been a 361% increase in anti-Asian hate crimes since 2021, according to the NY Police Department. Many API artists and organizations quickly mobilized to respond and create safe(r) spaces for their communities. From healing workshops to self-defense classes to organized group travel by and for AAPI artists, there continue to be pockets of inspiration. Asian American artists and activists have used their work to inspire, uplift, and support social justice work and movements. There is a growing familiarity around the terms “Equity,” “Diversity.” and “Inclusion,” while organizations like A4 have been forged from the very values of these terms. A4 continues to lead the way in embodying the intersection of Asian American identity and artmaking a powerful way to facilitate cultural exchange, empathy, and understanding.

Their flagship programs such as Town Halls, Community Conversations, and AAPI Fellowships have been instrumental ways to celebrate Asian American artistry in NYC, and have especially amplified calls to stop Anti-Asian hate in these difficult times.

Time after time, Asian American artists have continuously led with their work to strengthen and support the vibrant cultural landscape that is NYC. Perhaps it is time for more individuals and institutions to stand in solidarity with AAPI communities. Perhaps it is time to revisit “What is Sacred” in NYC in 2022.