The highly anticipated Asian American Literature Festival is making a comeback this September, nearly a year after it was abruptly cancelled by the Smithsonian Asian American Pacific Center (APAC). This time, the festival is being organized by a collective of literary groups, without the involvement of the Smithsonian.
Last year’s cancellation left festival staff and organizing partners dissatisfied, questioning the reasons behind the decision. Despite initial plans for virtual and public events in the future, the Smithsonian did not provide further updates. In response, organizations like Kundiman and Kaya Press have taken matters into their own hands to resurrect the festival.
While the new collective faces challenges in funding the event, they are embracing the opportunity for more creative freedom. The 2024 festival will feature hybrid and in-person events in cities across the country, as well as international locations. This decentralized approach aims to engage with local arts scenes and foster community connections.
Organizers are working to ensure that the festival remains a cohesive celebration of Asian American literature, despite its distributed format. They are exploring ways to recreate the sense of community and camaraderie typically found at in-person events.
The return of the festival is a testament to the resilience and determination of its participants. Despite setbacks, they remained committed to reviving the event and providing a vital platform for Asian American voices. As plans for the 2024 gathering take shape, the organizers are reaffirming the importance of creating spaces for gathering and celebrating diverse literary voices.
