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Event InformationEVENTS POSTPONED: Revitalizing Tradition XIV at Northern Illinois University – TBD, Beyond the Box IV E {m} urge – TBD, CANCELLED EVENTS: Mai Sugimoto Trio 4/18, WZRD Broadcast 4/23, Sudden Impact 4/23 | We will post updated event details here as soon as it becomes available. Click here.

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The National Endowment for the Arts

Asian Improv Arts MidwestMain Programs

Traditional

Tsukasa Taiko
A program of Asian Improv aRts Midwest that offers taiko drum instruction, education, and performances throughout the year.
As a community group dedicated to understanding and strengthening Japanese American, Asian American, and Japanese identities, Tsukasa Taiko respects tradition while developing artistic excellence and connoisseurship.
Shubukai
Shubukai is now one of three traditional arts programs of AIRMW, and is the only Japanese certified classical dance program in the Midwest
Visit Shubukai.org for more details
Toyoaki Shamisen
New works of a 300-year legacy of Japanese cultural arts.
Discover the Japanese traditional lute, SHAMISEN!
Mikoren
A first Awaodori Dancing Group in Chicago area
Check our local events and join our Awa dance together!

Contemporary

CAAJF
Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival; Finest in contemporary Asian American music.
Internationally acclaimed Asian American artists and their collaborators weave together their collective flair to create an improvisational experience
SuDDEN Impact
A musical series facilitating new catalystic events throughout the year
Together with the Hairpin Arts Center, Asian Improv aRts Midwest's Tatsu Aoki presents the Sudden Impact 2020 Series.
Reduction
Part of Taiko Legacy concert which pursue the mix of traditional arts and contemporary practices
A refined response to the popularity of mainstream taiko drumming, a trend which sees taiko stripped of its particular musical and theatrical elements
MIYUMI Project
Multi-generational group fusing Avant Garde jazz with taiko drumming
Features Tsukasa Taiko celebrate the collaboration between African-American and Asian-American jazz artists

Arts Initiatives

Our Perspectives
A program to provide inspiration, space, and audiences for Chicago based Asian Pacific American playwrights.
four month residencies provide free rehearsal space; stipends for the playwright, director, and actors; and one workshop production or staged reading at Chicago’s top theaters.
Bridge Dance Festival
A hub for global connection through the art of dance
2020 Bridge Dance Festival Detail coming soon!
Chicago Obihiro Exchange Project
facilitates an immersive exchange between Japanese-American artists in Chicago and artists from the Obihiro / Tokachi area in Japan