[Partner] Appeal for FilAm Arts

For over three decades, the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) has been a vibrant thread in the cultural fabric of Los Angeles, a testament to the enduring spirit and rich heritage of our Filipino American community. As many of your readers know, FPAC is more than just a festival; it is a lifeline, a tahanan (home) where we celebrate our shared identity, showcase our artistic expressions, and strengthen the bonds of pakikipagkapwa-tao (shared humanity).

It is with deep concern that we share the news that the National Endowment for the Arts has rescinded a critical $20,000 grant for FPAC. This decision puts the future of our beloved festival, scheduled for September 13th, 2025, in serious jeopardy.

FPAC is the largest and longest-running Filipino festival in the United States, and for 30 years, it has been a source of pride for Los Angeles. It draws thousands of attendees from across Southern California, providing a platform for Filipino American artists to share their talents in music, dance, theater, visual arts, and more. It is a space where our community can come together, connect with their roots, and feel a sense of belonging.

We understand that funding priorities can shift, but we believe this decision overlooks the vital role FPAC plays in the cultural and economic vitality of Los Angeles. FPAC provides significant economic opportunities for Filipino American artists, vendors, and small businesses, many of whom rely on the festival to sustain their livelihoods.

Beyond the economic impact, FPAC fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Filipino culture, enriching the diverse tapestry of our city. It is a space where we can share our stories, our traditions, and our artistic expressions with the broader Los Angeles community, building bridges of understanding and celebrating the unique contributions of Filipino Americans to our city's cultural landscape.

We are appealing the NEA's decision, and we urge our community to stand with us. We ask you, our fellow Angelenos, to raise your voices in support of FPAC. Your letters and your stories can make a difference.

Here is a petition with signatures we are attaching to our NEA Appeal:   https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x3NuYqZu_CqjyJo878jrgugGTMV5Q0l4p2QyormSV40/edit?usp=sharing

Here are individual letters to support our NEA Appeal signed by FilAm Community members: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sDY9gtMlo6-vAXI7NGi_dP4ox7YHtSrV?usp=drive_link

Let us show the NEA, and our city, that FPAC is an essential part of Los Angeles, a cultural treasure that deserves to be preserved and celebrated for generations to come. 

Sincerely,
FilAm Arts

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