“I Am…” Asian American Visual & Performing Arts Residency The National Association of Asian American Professionals-Kansas City in partnership with ArtsKC presents a five-month interdisciplinary arts and professional development residency at the ArtsKC Gallery Space from May - September, 2022. Over the course of the past several years, Asian Americans have had to defend themselves against a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and prejudice. With social media campaigns exclaiming #ItsAnHonortoBeAsian and #IAmNotAVirus, the community sought understanding, compassion, and support from its fellow Americans. This residency, presented by the National Association of Asian American Professionals-Kansas City in partnership with ArtsKC, is a reclamation of identity and strength by allowing AAPIDA (Asian American Pacific Islander Desi American) artists and thought leaders to declare themselves with the statement of “I Am…” Featuring a rolling group exhibit of visual artists, performing arts salon nights, celebration of women and the LGBTQIA+ community, pop-up performances, professional development mixers, and community social events, the “I Am…” residency seeks to center the AAPIDA community as well as an invitation for dialogue and conversation with other communities in Kansas City and beyond. Please join us for the opening celebration on Friday, May 6 from 5:30-8:30 PM at the artsKC Gallery Space, 106 Southwest Blvd Kansas City, MO 64108! COVID-19 Protocol for residency events will not require proof of vaccination for admission, however, masks will be required while in the building.