Asia Pacific Cultural Center Gets House Funding

The House Appropriations Committee has advanced new funding that has been championed by U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) to assist with the expansion of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC). The expansion of APCC aims to ensure they can meet the rising demand for their programs, including cultural, business, community outreach and youth programs to the Asian Pacific Islanders community and broader population in the South Sound.

"For over 20 years, APCC has been doing tremendous work to give our region the opportunity to celebrate art, culture, education, and the vibrant diversity of our community,” said Rep. Kilmer. "The expansion of APCC is a testament to the important, and growing, role that this cultural institution plays in the Pacific Northwest. And it’s why expanding their services is so critical. I’m thrilled that funding advanced by the House Appropriations Committee will help their expansion become a reality. I’ll keep working to get it signed into law.”

"This is absolutely great news! Thank you, thank you, so very much Congressman Kilmer, you are always helping our community with a full heart. That’s why we respect and honor you so much,” said Faaluaina Pritchard, Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center. "This award will move our fundraising efforts forward to be 69 percent confirmed – and will help build our very first AANHPI Home in Washington State – to be a cultural destination representing the great people of Asia and the South Pacific Islands.”

The Asia Pacific Cultural Center is the only type of facility of its kind in the Pacific Northwest – offering cultural and youth programs to not just the Asia Pacific Islanders (API) community, but to the broader South Sound population and beyond. Through a physical expansion to its home at South Park, APCC aims to grow its current offerings through language education and foreign exchange programs, visual and performing art exhibits, business services for the local community, residential and commercial leasing, adult education, and youth educational and career guidance services. The expansion will add necessary amenities to APCC, including a demonstration kitchen, cultural classrooms, Asian Pacific Islander library, office and conference rooms, and a large exhibition hall.

Economic development is also a critical component of the APCC’s work. Their facility is located in South Pierce County where a significant portion of the small businesses are API-owned. APCC provides assistance to businesses to overcome barriers, create jobs, and remain vital members of the local economy.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, APCC worked with Pierce County officials to reach API residents on health issues, such as COVID-19 vaccines. In fact, during the pandemic, APCC reportedly increased their services to provide space for drive-thru virus testing, and vaccination – where more than 2,500 people have been vaccinated. They have also redirected many of their volunteers to conduct outreach activities, to provide critical support to the community, and to distribute food and grocery gift cards twice a week to those in need.

Kilmer led the effort to secure funding for the project through the House Appropriations Committee’s Community Project Funding process. The project is supported by Tacoma Public Schools.

APCC’s new building and campus will a history-making event for Tacoma and the area of South Tacoma Way where APCC is located. The expanded facility with have a capacity to reach out and attract more than 300,000 annual visitors and participants from throughout the state, the country, and perhaps the world. In coordination with Metro Parks, APCC’s new home will be a cultural destination for people to gather, learn and experience Asian and Pacific Islander culture and heritage.

In this new home, APCC will have an arts gallery, performing arts center, welcome center, corridor of nations, community gift shop, culinary demonstration kitchen, Asia Pacific garden, Asia Pacific library, community courtyard and multiple rooms for meetings and conferences.

APCC has provided programs and services since 1996. When Metro Parks opened STAR Center in 2012, APCC entered into a lease with Metro Parks to operate the former South Park Community Center as the home of their organization. Over the past decade, APCC has offered access to an array of classes, activities, and events rooted in the cultures of 47 countries. These unique offerings provide rich and authentic cultural experiences for all who take part in center activities and help keep alive the traditions and heritage of our community members.

Through this partnership, APCC welcomes the entire community to join in immersive learning opportunities and community-building events and celebrations. By sharing traditional performing, visual, and culinary arts, APCC helps expand understanding and appreciation for the vibrant diversity of all who call Tacoma home.

While the former community center has expanded multi-cultural opportunities over the past decade, the outdated design limits the types of programs and numbers of people who can be served by cultural center programming. After years of planning and outreach, the cultural center is nearing its goal to replace the existing building with an updated structure designed to meet new programming needs.

Learn more and make your donation at bit.ly/apcconeheartonehome.