Written by Staff Writer-Now Moments TIMES
Celebrating Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
This May, the National Museum of Asian Art invites you to the annual IlluminAsia Festival, a vibrant celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander cultures. From May 10th to 12th, this event promises to foster connections, understanding, and enjoyment through a rich tapestry of Asian arts and cultural expressions.
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IlluminAsia 2024 will not only celebrate culture but also engage in meaningful dialogue about mental health within the Asian, Asian American, and diaspora communities. The festival will use art, cultural resources, and mindfulness practices to discuss and explore well-being, emphasizing the museum’s role as a place for healing, learning, and contemplation.
Festival Highlights
Friday, May 10th: An Evening of Wellness and Art
Kick off the festival with an evening dedicated to relaxation and cultural immersion. Attendees can enjoy a range of activities designed to soothe the mind and energize the spirit:
A low-alcohol and alcohol-free bar offers refreshing drinks.
A sound bath session hosted by Mel Beyond Yoga to unwind and reflect.
A performance titled “Listening While Muslim: Music as Medicine” that explores the therapeutic aspects of music.
Journaling sessions and creative arts like origami and coloring to engage your creative side.
The second day of IlluminAsia is packed with activities that celebrate self-care and community engagement:
Visit the Care Fair and Vendor Market at Freer Plaza from noon to 4 p.m., featuring local artisans and businesses such as Yume Asian Fusion, TOIMOI Bakery, and more.
Attend empowering workshops and panel discussions that address topics from trauma healing to embracing identity, with sessions led by community organizations like Soar Over Hate and OCA-NY.
Experience curator-led tours through various museum galleries, offering insights into Asian art across several periods and styles.
Conclude the day with a Silent Disco in the courtyard, featuring DJs Les The DJ and FISH HOUSE FUNK, and unwind with a soothing sound bath in the Moongate Garden.
Sunday, May 12th: Closing Celebrations
The festival wraps up with a day filled with family-friendly activities that honor Mother’s Day:
Participate in guided sound baths, offering a moment of peace and reconnection.
Enjoy hands-on activities like drop-in paper flower-making, perfect for families looking to create together.
Experience live performances by notable artists such as TMUUN and Madame Gandhi, who blend music with messages of empowerment and cultural pride.
The IlluminAsia festival is more than just an event; it’s a platform for community and culture to come alive in the heart of Washington, DC. Whether you are drawn by the music, art, workshops, or simply the chance to learn and connect, IlluminAsia offers a welcoming space to celebrate and reflect on the rich heritage of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
Ensure you mark your calendar for this enriching and enlightening festival. It promises to be a memorable weekend of culture, art, and community engagement at the National Museum of Asian Art.
