Wichita Asian Association – A 27 Years Success Story
Wichita, with a population of approximately 330,000 and an Asian population of about 11,300,
is the largest city in Kansas. It is approximately 200 miles from the two closest large metropolitan
areas, Kansas City and Oklahoma City.
In August 1981 four Asians discussed about developing an organization with the following goals
To promote cultural awareness among various Asian groups
To foster an understanding and appreciation of Asian cultures by the community at large
To strengthen awareness among youths of Asian ancestry and the legacy of their cultural roots
To provide opportunities for expression through diverse Asian cultural arts
Thus in 1981, the Wichita Asian Association (WAA) was formed.
The cultural needs of Asians are two fold. One is for the Asian population to understand their roots
and keep reminded about their cultural heritage. The concern of the parents is that their children do
not get an opportunity to learn about their culture. Interestingly some of the younger generation is
also eager to get exposed to their tradition and culture. The youth would like to have a strong sense
of identity. A grasp of ones cultural roots will provide a healthier sense of a self. The second is,
whenever diverse cultural groups live together such as in our society there is a risk of racial bigotry
arising out of lack of information. An understanding of different racial cultures helps communal harmony and
co-existence. There is something in the Eastern cultures that the West has not fully exploited. Could this mysterious
knowledge be the answer to bigotry and racial disharmony, which is the foremost challenge right now in
this increasingly diverse United States of America.
The main promotional vehicle has been the annual Asian Festival presented each year at Century II
and it is well recognized in Wichita. To the Best of our knowledge, this type of festival is presented in
very few cities in the US. Over the years, the festival has introduced new additions to the program. The most
significant was the Miss Asia pageant which was started in 1984 and has been a showcase of talent for girls
from ages 16 to 25. This festival became very popular and well recognized including by the Midwest Travel Writers Association.
The participants in the festival are often students from local universities, area schools, community members and
their children. Their enthusiasm cuts across all ages. Their eager participation deserves plenty of praise. None
of the artists are paid any remuneration. They are happy and proud to exhibit their culture and tradition. Art
and cultural exhibits are encouraged by providing free booth space.
In the recent past the annual Asian Festival has become an outstanding event in the cultural calendar of Wichita. The
popularity of the festival grows each year, as the community views rich culture, costumes, performances and sampled
food from about a dozen countries.
The WAA is proud and delighted to offer the Wichita community the opportunity of enjoying the Asian Festival which is now
attended by about 6,000 people, free of charge.
Many non-Asians eagerly await the festival. School teachers, faculty and administrators who deal with Asians and general public start
calling in October to learn about festival details. This about $10,000 event is organized without any grant funding.
Advertisements in the program, food booth rentals and community donations support the event. Due to it’s
excellent quality many non-Asian businesses and financial institutions also support the event. Since 1998 the generous
support by the America Family Insurance for the Asian Festival is appreciated.
WAA has no paid staff. It is organized 100% by volunteers including the above designated officers
Growth
In 1993 with the intention of expanding the scope of WAA and to present more diversifies events it
sought grant from the Kansas Arts Commission and other sources. These grantors did not have any
difficulty in recognizing the merit of WAA and encouraged by their support. By the support of the
Kansas Arts Commission, the Mid America Arts Alliance, the Greyhound Charities, the Boeing Company and the
Annie Foundation, Kansas Humanities Council and community donations the following programs were presented.
Chinese American photographer Pok Chi Lau’s slide presentation
Chinese American painters Martin Cheng and Norman Gee presented painting demonstration and slide presentation
Chinese brush painting workshops
Japanese flower arrangement and tea ceremony
Asia night – a variety of dances by various Asian dancers
Five out of six types, Bharata Natyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Manipuri, of India classical dance presentations – with lecture demonstrations.
Indian classical music concerts – both Hindustani and karnatic styles
Khac-Chi – Vietnamese traditional instrumental music concert
Lecture on Islam and Hinduism
Folk dances presentation for entertainment for fund raising dinner of Botanica
Several types of Indian percussion music concerts
Whistle music concert
The audiences were both Asians and non- Asians. We receive extremely good evaluations not only from Asians but non-Asian also.
Most of all they want the WAA to present similar programs as often as possible.
Accomplishments
The most significant accomplishment of the WAA is to bring together a vastly diverse community consisting of
more than 13 countries from south and Fareast Asia, representing various ethnic groups and religions (Bangladesh,
Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam) under one
roof and collectively give a unique festival. The fact that they come together plan the event and participate and present is commendable.
This is a great opportunity for them to inter act.
The other accomplishment is that through this festival and through other artistic and cultural events,
the WAA educate non-Asians about Asian art, culture and religions. This is helping to promote cultural
understanding, peaceful co-existence, and mutual understanding.
Several university faculty members and community based organizations request the WAA to give educational presentation about Asian culture.
Many service providers also approach the WAA to learn how to interact with their Asian clients.