Kollaboration is an annual event and movement produced by young Asian and Pacific Islander (API) professionals and students to promote a strong API presence in entertainment and media. Our high-energy shows across the nation provide a unique chance for young API artists to showcase their talents.
Kollaboration SF Bay Area currently consists of a team of 20+ passionate staff members, all of whom believe in the cause, and wish to make a change in the Asian Pacific Islander community.
History
Kollaboration was founded in 2000 by Executive Director Paul “PK” Kim. Under the guidance of Executive Producer Roy Choi, Kollaboration became officially incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in January of 2006 and became an Asian and Pacific Islander organization.
Kollaboration’s current mission and mantra is, “Empowerment through Entertainment.” In addition to encouraging the diverse talents of API youth, Kollaboration seeks to empower (1) API youth by providing them with a creative outlet and leadership training that serves as an alternative to gang-activity and delinquency for those at-risk, (2) API families by offering a platform for communication that bridges the gap between 1st generation parents and latter generation youth and (3) the API community at large, by raising awareness for other critical community issues and NGOs.
It is evident that APIs are often categorized into a certain image. APIs may find it increasingly difficult to get jobs outside the “model minority” or “foreigner” role. Such barriers often result in the lack of APIs in mainstream entertainment industries. Thus, APIs are not only unfairly portrayed but also disproportionately underrepresented in the mainstream media.
Evidently, our youth are left with few visible role models and a narrowed pool of aspirations.
Through generous sponsorship, Kollaboration endeavors to bring about a paradigm shift of perceptions and to pave the way for future APIs to accomplish their goals and dreams that may be entertainment related.
In contrast to our mission statement of “Empowerment Through Entertainment,” the ultimate vision for Kollaboration is “Entertainment Through Empowerment,” envisioning a future when our organization represents a movement of innovative and creative artistry with all races and ethnicities.
