Asia Pacific Cultural Center Presents a Series of Multi-Faceted Experiences

The simple act of making dumplings creates the foundation for a transformational series of events through the Asia Pacific Cultural Center. Yixuan Pan, Associate Professor at the University of Washington and artist, is orchestrating these community-building experiences. They are being designed to grow awareness of issues of the often-diminished labors of immigrants and to provide spaces for healing from the trauma of the global pandemic. It also shines a light on the essential nature and connection we have (and sometimes don’t have) with food.

This multi-faceted project includes three components: experimental dumpling-cooking performances, public programs, and a culmination book. The performances will take a look at our isolated everyday lives (through creating dumplings) and apply the principles of ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, through collaborative cooking. ASMR refers to the sensation of a pleasurable tingling or relaxation response, often triggered by specific sounds or visual stimuli. The audience will see and hear the chopping, preparing, and the other sounds of cooking. Afterwards, they will get to taste the dumplings.

Public programs will happen before, in-between, and after the live performances. They will include still life drawing, a panel discussion with scholars, and a mindfulness/self-care workshop. The third element is an artist’s book with recipes and resources for food justice. The series approaches the generation of knowledge through interdisciplinary lenses.

At a time when individuals of Asian descent across the U.S. are being targeted in violent hate crimes, and where rapidly increasing costs of living give full-time working people no time to cook, this community project rethinks our relationship with food, globalization, and immigrant labor in America.

“There is poetry in everyday movements. Food is a language,” says Pan. She is pleased and proud to offer such engaging programs that intertwine culture, community and home.

Asia Pacific Cultural Center brings people and cultures together. The center believes people’s lives are enriched through teaching and engaging people in Asian and Pacific Islander traditions and arts. APCC helps elevate the voice of the Asian Pacific people by providing a platform to showcase their culture and share their pride in their heritage. The public is invited to explore the Center and its many events.

For Additional Information –
Asia Pacific Cultural Center – asiapacificculturalcenter.org

BY MARY ELLEN PSALTIS