Vietnamese American Arts And Letters Association

To connect and enrich the communities through Vietnamese art and culture.

VAALA was founded in 1991 by a group of Vietnamese American journalists, artists, and friends to fill a void in the community and provide a space for newly resettled immigrant artists to express themselves. VAALA’s mission is to connect and enrich communities through Vietnamese art and culture. Historically run entirely by volunteers, VAALA is a community-based non-profit organization. Over the years, VAALA has collaborated with diverse community partners to organize numerous cultural and artistic events. VAALA’s four core programs include the annual Viet Film Fest and Viet Book Fest, the Gallery Beyond Walls program featuring art exhibitions, and free art and film workshops for youth, such as Youth in Motion: A Filmmaking Workshop for Emerging Filmmakers.

Top 3 accomplishments from the past year:

1. Viet Film Fest 2024
VAALA successfully hosted Viet Film Fest 2024, celebrating Vietnamese and Vietnamese diasporic filmmakers. Highlights included:
- A grand Opening Gala and Awards Ceremony at Bowers Museum.
- Special recognition of Tony Bui with the Inspiration Award and a re-screening of his iconic film Three Seasons.
- Industry Networking Event featuring a panel on "Vietnamese Representation in American Filmmaking".
- Attracted over 5,000 attendees over the three-day festival at The Frida Cinema, Santa Ana.
2. Viet Book Fest 2024
VAALA expanded its literary impact by organizing Viet Book Fest, showcasing Vietnamese authors and stories. This event provided a platform to celebrate Vietnamese literature, foster community connection, and inspire the love of reading, especially among younger generations. We also hosted a panel discussion for writers who have books published in Vietnamese.
3. Art Exhibition: "Here/There: chúng tôi"
VAALA curated the powerful art exhibition "Here/There: chúng tôi", held at the Black Umbrella Gallery. The exhibition highlighted identity, belonging, and the Vietnamese experience.

Top 3 accomplishments for 2025

1. Continuing the Success of Core Programs
o VAALA maintained the success of its signature programs: Viet Film Fest, Viet Book Fest, and its art exhibitions.
2. Re-Launching the Youth in Motion Filmmaking Workshop
o VAALA successfully re-launched its Youth in Motion Filmmaking Workshop, empowering the next generation of storytellers to create impactful films.
3. Launching Successful Fundraising Campaigns
o VAALA introduced effective fundraising initiatives that garnered strong community and donor support.

• Financial Support
Increased funding to sustain and expand core programs like Viet Film Fest, Viet Book Fest, art exhibitions, and programs for youth.

• Staffing and Management Resources
Additional staff and resources for professional development, infrastructure improvements, and operational efficiency.

• Volunteer Support
Dedicated volunteers to assist with event planning, program execution, and outreach efforts.

• Technology Upgrades
Investment in updated technology and software to streamline operations, improve communication, and enhance program delivery.

• Fundraising and Partnerships
Development of successful fundraising campaigns and strategic partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.

Orange County, Los Angeles County, Inland Empire, and San Diego. (Mainly Southern California)