OUR HISTORY
Visual
Communications is the premier Asian Pacific media arts center in the United
States. Having survived every imaginable artistic and administrative challenge,
the organization has earned its reputation as one of the Asian Pacific
community's most respected institutions. Our mission is to promote intercultural
understanding through the production, presentation and preservation of
honest and sensitive stories about Asian Pacific people.
Visual Communications celebrated its 30th Anniversary in the year 2000.
The organization looks back with pride upon a legacy of innovative, effective
and socially responsible services to the Asian Pacific community--a community
representing over two dozen distinct cultures and languages. Visual Communications
has served this complex, diverse constituency with an impressive range
of programs and services: historical photographic and moving image collections;
independent and community production; program packaging and distribution;
exhibition; media artist support; publications; training and workshops;
and employment consultation services and resource sharing.
The organization's productions have received recognition from national
and international film festivals, and its programs have earned the support
of the National Endowment for the Arts, Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department,
Los Angeles County Arts Commission, California Arts Council, Academy of
Motion Pictures & Sciences, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Benton
Foundation, California Community Foundation, California Wellness Foundation,
Eisner Foundation, Entertainment Industry Foundation, Getty Grant Program,
Weingart Foundation, and corporate sponsorships from ABC, AsianAvenue.com,
AT&T, Atlantic Richfield Company, Hitachi, Ltd., Screenplay.com, Transamerica
Occidental Life, TDK, KNBC, and numerous small businesses and community
organizations.
Hundreds of ethnic minorities, women and students have been provided with
opportunities for production experience and advancement in media related
fields. Coupled with its regular instructional programs and seminars,
this commitment to artist development has made Visual Communications a
fertile developing ground for Asian Pacific filmmakers, video artists,
photographers, graphic designers and writers. The support of creative
works by Asian Pacific media artists about their communities has always
been a key part of the mission of Visual Communications.
Today, new communications technologies confront Visual Communications
with dramatic opportunities to further unify its diverse constituency.
With determination, dedication and an ever-expanding vision of community
media arts, Visual Communications maintains its commitment to professional
standards of excellence; empowers the community through creating and sharing
their stories; and looks forward to forging new, creative relationships
and cooperative linkages.
