Our Mission The Chinese-American Arts Council was established in 1975 to meet the cultural needs of an expanding immigrant population. Since then, CAAC has become by far the largest presenting and producing organization of performing arts and visual arts in the Chinese community. In 1989, we opened our Gallery 456, the first and only non-profit Asian American gallery in the Soho district, a 700 square foot, column-free well lit space open daily to the public. Our programs have developed for the purpose of Preserving the traditional art forms and cultural heritage of Chinese Americans. Maintaining the cultural identity of thousands of new immigrants. Deepening childrenâs cultural identity through arts. Providing Asian American artists, both visual and performing, opportunities to express their talents and creativity. Providing opportunities for the general public to enjoy Asian cultural events, free or at minimal cost. Ensuring the continued vigorous development of both the traditional and contemporary Chinese art forms.
The cultural heritage of the Asian American is a continued uninterrupted development over many thousands of years and expresses in performing and visual arts the history, beliefs, philosophy and social ethics of the people. In a 1990 survey Asian New Yorker readers ranked cultural events as their primary interest. CAAC seeks to present professional, authentic programs and visual art exhibitions that embrace the Asian American cultural experience. In presenting performances and visual arts CAAC seeks to include the traditional, which has stood the test of time, as well as recognize quality, new emerging forms involving contemporary influences.
Chinese theater is highly developed and sophisticated, full of sound, color, motion, symbolism and stylistic convention with scripts based on universal human conditions and emotions, probably the community's most beloved form of entertainment. CAAC presents visiting professional troupes as well as New York based performers in Chinese theater plays. CAAC presents China's ancient martial arts performed by New York based and visiting troupes. Traditional, ethnic, folk dances are presented in concerts and festival celebrations. In addition, CAAC presents music concerts ranging from traditional Chinese music to Western classic and contemporary music. Chinese artists master western instruments and music.
CAAC's mission is to preserve and show the best of the traditional and give visibility to the artistic genius of the present.