Bloomington, Indiana - Indiana University Bloomington’s annual observance of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM) will be a vibrant celebration throughout April. A diverse array of special events, cultural activities, film screenings, festivals, workshops, student recognition gatherings, and panel discussions will be held to honor the achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and the interconnectedness of people’s histories, issues, and cultures. Traditionally observed in May, IU elects to celebrate in April so students, faculty, and staff can fully immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of programs and events associated with AAPI Heritage Month before the end of the semester.
“Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month at IU is important because it provides an opportunity for the university, students, and the broader community to uplift Asian American and Pacific Islander stories and histories,” said Belle Chatpunnarangsee, Wells scholar and student assistant at the Asian Culture Center. “Events like AsianFest remind us that our community is resilient and hopeful despite changes.”
The Asian Culture Center (ACC), a division of the Office of Student Life, has partnered with the City of Bloomington to create a celebration that is truly community-inspired. Melanie Castillo-Cullather, director of the ACC, emphasized the importance of building connections that allow everyone to thrive. “AAPI Heritage Month is our reminder that we all have a role and responsibility to uphold honored traditions that allow us to ponder, remember, and act for the public good,” Castillo-Cullather said. “It is a time to celebrate our community, advocate for inclusion, and deepen our collective understanding of the contributions and importance of AAPI in American history.”
Several special events and programs will be held starting March 27 through April, including:
AsianFest: The community is invited to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander history and culture with a two-part event on Thursday, March 27, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy an outdoor festival with food trucks, activity booths and games from 5 to 7 p.m. on Kirkwood Avenue (between Walnut and Washington). Then experience vibrant cultural performances at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater (114 E. Kirkwood Avenue) from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
MAASU 2025 Spring Conference: Join the Midwest Asian Pacific Islander Desi-American Student Union (MAASU) for the 2025 Spring Conference, APIDA: Redefining Culture: Episode 1, Season 1 – The Training Arc, from March 28 to 30. Engage in family group programming, arts, advocacy, professional development workshops, networking and a formal gala dinner. Register online. For questions, contact the planning committee at advocacy@maasu.org or samshr@iu.edu.
Asian Artists Rising: Innovation, Identity and Community in Music and Arts: Join a panel discussion with AAPI musicians and arts leaders on Wednesday, April 2, at 5 p.m. Featured speakers include Samuel Hsieh (founder of East Zodiac), Oswald Huynh (composer-in-residence at the Louisville Orchestra), Daixuan Ai (creator of Hope Not Hate) and Ryo Hasegawa (director of the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra and Charleston Youth Orchestra).
Movement: AAPI Short Film Fest with Hoosier Asian American Power (HAAP): Experience a dynamic selection of AAPI short films at the Movement Short Film Fest, presented by Hoosier Asian American Power (HAAP) on Friday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at the IU Cinema.
Emerge: Asian American Art in Focus: Emerge: Asian American Art in Focus—Celebrate the creativity and diverse experiences of Asian American artists on Tuesday, April 15, at 5 p.m. at the Gayle Cook Center. Enjoy a panel discussion with featured artists, followed by a reception and opening a powerful new exhibition exploring tradition, innovation and personal storytelling. Presented by the Eskenazi School Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access in collaboration with the Asian Culture Center, the exhibit will be on display through May 15.
Visit the IU Events Calendar for a full schedule of events and details on how to participate.