About

let’s imagine together…

Chinatown Media & Arts Collaborative (CMAC) is a platform that celebrates, explores, and supports leading and pioneering creative expressions at the intersection of community, art, and media.

Founded by six highly accomplished nonprofit San Francisco-based API organizations, the unprecedented partnership brings together their combined experience and expertise, resulting in the harmony of collective resources that give back to the community in exciting new ways. As such, CMAC serves as a model for the nonprofit community and the ways in which we approach institutional collaboration.

As a focal point, CMAC will operate Edge on the Square, a site-specific visitor’s destination, with programs that leverage the power of art and culture for social change and economic recovery. Embedded in its mission is the aim to spark discourse and foster greater public understanding of Chinatown’s significance as an immigrant gateway, and historical landmark of cultural resilience.

Mike Arcega and Paolo Asuncion
TNT Traysikel

Equity Statement

As a BIPOC organization with deep roots in its neighborhood community, CMAC understands that work involving anti-racism, belonging, and equity is never complete. Our organization recognizes that marginalization and oppression in areas such as race, ability, gender, and sexual orientation prevent the full participation, achievement, and security of our diverse and disparate communities. To this end, CMAC has dedicated itself to enhancing and highlighting the voices of the underrepresented through creative and substantive programs aimed to promote positive narratives of Asian Pacific Islander people. A collaborative created of, by, and for its intended served communities, CMAC possesses a staff and board reflective of its core principles:

• Asian Pacific Islander experiences and perspectives are a critical part of the American story;

• Chinatown is a unique place that matters to our city and nation;

• Art is fundamental to a healthy community;

• Belonging and collaboration are essential to community vitality;

• Honest dialogue and civic discourse nurture a culture of creativity; and

• We may only achieve excellence with ongoing experimentation.

CMAC is continually committed to equitably fostering an environment supportive of the full breadth and depth of its community’s artistic, cultural, and political experiences and pride.

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

  • California Assemblymember Phil Ting

  • Governor Gavin Newsom

  • California Legislature

  • California State Library

  • San Francisco Mayor’s Office

  • San Francisco Board of Supervisors

  • Office of Economic and Workforce Development

  • San Francisco Arts Commission

SPECIAL THANKS

Alfred Chin, Sarah Wan, Eva Lee, Lily Lo, Calvin Yan, Jenny Robinson, Cathie Lam, Tan Chow, Shaw San Liu, Lai Wa Wu, Doug Mei, Laura Li, Bill Lee, Kathy Lee, Ning Ho, Carlos Serrano-Quan, CYC youth volunteers