Nov. 12, 2026
Esteemed Community,
As World Arts West approaches its 50th Anniversary in 2028, we honor the Legacy of elders and ancestors whose stories and traditions shaped cultural dance in California and the United States. We recognize the founders of World Arts West, who produced the first city-sponsored multicultural dance festival in the US in 1978, and implemented initiatives such as an arts newspaper, arts education programs, and a documentary.
Since 2019, the organization has focused on debt reduction, financial stability, and diversifying funding under CEO Dr. Anne Huang. By embracing programs that serve the needs of cultural artists today, we’ve secured new sources of funding to diversify revenue. We listened to our community and broadened our programming to become better leaders and advocates for the culture-bearers we serve. Today our work also includes artist services, archiving and advocacy.
This year we are especially proud to share that our Cultural Dance Catalyst Fund (CDC Fund) will distribute twenty (20) general operating grants, of $24,675 each, to California-based cultural dance organizations, both in 2026 and in 2027. Thanks to the Wallace Foundation and three years of steadfast advocacy by a cohort of National Arts Partners, World Arts West has become a granter for the first time in our 48 year history.
The Berkeley Thai Temple hosted the first cohort convening for CDC Fund Grantees
CDC Fund grant recipients have used funding for administrative expenses like paying for insurance, instruments, rehearsal space, and translation services. They’ve also used funding to support conferences, performances, documentary preservation, travel and youth education services. Please visit our website to learn more about the CDC Fund Grantees and other important programs at World Arts West.
Please consider a gift to the World Arts West (WAW) to help sustain the organization that has been supporting artists who practice, teach and share their cultural knowledge with audiences and community since 1978.
If you have already given this year, thank you. We are grateful for your support.
With deep appreciation,
Dr. Anne Huang
CEO, World Arts West