Local Program One of 15 Nationwide Recognized for Positive Youth Outcomes through Engagement in the Arts and Humanities
Seattle, WA – At a White House ceremony on Wednesday, October 20, theWing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience (The Wing)and its afterschool program, YouthCAN, will be recognized with a prestigious national award by First Lady Michelle Obama for its impact in engaging young people in the arts and humanities.
Seven years ago, New Markets and Historic Tax Credit equity, throughNDC’s HEDC New Markets, Inc., helped the museum renovate the historic 40,000 square foot East Kong Yick Building, a 1912 hotel that had served as a rooming house for many Chinese and other immigrants to Seattle. The museum is playing a central role in the revival of the surrounding neighborhood, and is on the forefront of Asian-American and Asian Pacific Arts culture, art, and history. Chosen from a pool of more than 400 nominations and 50 finalists, YouthCAN is one of just 15 programs across the country to receive the 2010 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, the highest honor for afterschool arts and humanities programs. YouthCAN is being recognized for its work in empowering high school students, helping them build leadership, communication, and organizational skills through arts-based programming.
This award is administered by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH), in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). In addition to the national recognition bestowed by receipt of the prestigious award, awardees will also receive $10,000 to support its programming and engage more young people from the community.
New Markets and Historic Tax Credit equity helped the museum renovate the historic 40,000 square foot East Kong Yick Building, a 1912 hotel that had served as a rooming house for many Chinese and other immigrants to Seattle. The museum plays a central role in the revival of the surrounding neighborhood, and is on the forefront of Asian-American and Asian Pacific Arts culture, art, and history.
The Wing’s mission is to connect everyone to the rich history, dynamic cultures and art of Asian Pacific Americans through vivid storytelling and inspiring experiences. It is the nation’s only museum devoted to the pan-Asian Pacific American experience and is a Smithsonian Affiliate.