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Dominoes and Mimosas at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture

Dominoes and Mimosas at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture

by | Feb 13, 2026 | Blog

Last Saturday, the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture welcomed the Chicago Cultural Alliance for their Dominoes and Mimosas event with La Familia Domino League! This was a women’s only event, and our Marketing Intern, Fiona, had a blast connecting with other members of the community over mimosas, cups of cafecito, charcuterie-style snacks, and many games of dominoes. La Familia Domino League, especially board member Angel Cebollero, were instrumental in our learning process. This was our first time playing, and it was surprisingly easy to pick up! Plus, we made some new friends along the way.

The day before Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance felt like the perfect occasion to visit the Museum. The Puerto Rican artist dominated the afternoon’s playlist, especially his most recent album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (Fionas favorite song was “BAILE INoLVIDABLE”). The Museum gift shop (a must-see on your visit or for a quick gift of artisanal earrings) had limited museum edition “Benito Bowl” t-shirts for sale, which were also given away at the event as a raffle prize, along with a custom-made domino table!

Encircling the main event were collections of paintings, several celebrating the resilience of Puerto Rican womanhood. The painting Heirloom shows the long, manicured nails and rings of women playing dominoes, a pastime often associated with men. The ritual is reclaimed here as distinctly feminine, allowing space for women across Puerto Rican and Caribbean cultures to step out of the realm of domesticity and take on assertive and competitive roles. Such feminine power was definitely in the air last Saturday. We hope La Familia and the Museum come together again, as it was a truly memorable afternoon filled with impeccable music, community, and, of course, dominoes!

You can view photos from our visit on our Instagram – @chicagocultural

Art as Healing: Remembering Those Lost in the Cambodian Killing Fields

Art as Healing: Remembering Those Lost in the Cambodian Killing Fields

by | Feb 12, 2026 | Blog

Last week, the Chicago Cultural Alliance visited one of our Core members, the National Cambodian Heritage Museum and Killing Fields Memorial. We were grateful to be shown around the museum by our tour guide, Nisa.

Beginning on April 17, 1975, more than two million Cambodians had died under Pol Pot’s dictatorship and the Khmer Rouge regime over three years, eight months, and 21 days. In December of 1985, around 10,000 Cambodian refugees arrived in the city of Chicago. Today, the Museum acts as a place of remembrance, community gathering, culture, and social services for the city’s Cambodian population. The Museum is the only Killing Fields Memorial in the United States. Its Wall of Remembrance, etched with the names of loved ones who perished in the Killing Fields, honors the more than 2 million lives that were lost.

Every weekend, all three floors of the Museum are filled with the sounds and stories of traditional music, dancing, art-making, and language classes. The space transforms into the Culture & Healing Arts program, which emphasizes art as a form of healing for survivors and their families. Parents of first-generation Cambodians oftentimes have difficulty explaining their past in Cambodia to loved ones, explained Nisa. The program allows members to take Cambodian language classes or to learn the Roneat Ek, a 1,000 year old Cambodian xylophone. Participates forge learning experiences and connect to elements of Cambodian culture not commonly taught in public school curriculum in the United States. In turn, shared cultural experience sparks curiosity amongst younger generations, creating space for conversation in the spirit of remembrance and healing between multiple generations of community members. 

The Carving Legacies: Memories in Clay exhibit in January of 2025 shows how sculpture is an avenue of healing, when community members and the Master Ceramicist, Yary Livan, came together to sculpt ornate elephants, a symbol of strength and wisdom within the Cambodian community. The exhibit displays the elephants collectively marching and represents the will and legacy of Chicago’s Cambodian community. Elephants carry stories and memories of the creators and community, to continue learning and healing from the past, keeping close remembrance, a key pillar in honoring those lost at the Killing Fields. Dedicated space for creative outlets and cultural education reminds us of the importance of art and creative expression in bridging intergenerational gaps, generating space and curiosity, and knowledge amongst Chicago’s Cambodian population. 

You can view photos from our visit on our Instagram – @chicagocultural

a letter from JI Yang – Associate Executive Director, Heritage Museum of Asian Art

a letter from JI Yang – Associate Executive Director, Heritage Museum of Asian Art

by | Dec 8, 2025 | Blog

Dear Cultural Ally,

My name is JI Yang, and I currently serve as the Associate Executive Director at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art (HMAA), in Chicago. I have been with the organization since 2024. In addition to my role at HMAA, I also serve as a guest curator at the Chinese American Museum of Chicago and contribute to several arts and culture organizations throughout Chicago.

One of my early projects was working with the Chinese American Museum of Chicago—helping secure resources and funding, developing programs connected to their exhibitions, and building outreach to artists, scholars, and community leaders. Since then, I have continued to support CAMOC, including developing its first Pride Month exhibition and program series—an initiative that has grown into an ongoing oral history and multidisciplinary program.

I also supported the Heritage Museum of Asian Art by managing a six-month program series in response to our Year of the Dragon exhibition, followed by Stitching Stories: Cross-Cultural Healing through Quilting and Textile Arts, a project that builds relationships between Asian and African American communities through workshops, storytelling, and exhibitions that was part of CCA’s cultural festival, Journey Chicago. At the time, the museum was experiencing major staff transitions. In July 2025, I was entrusted to step into leadership.

I have worked in the art and culture field for more than 20 years through various forms—collectives, clubs, corporations, and non-profits, both in China and the United States. I’ve witnessed too many arts and culture organizations—full of passion and deep commitment—struggle to survive. Without clear direction, guidance, or adequate resources, organizations can fall into a harmful cycle: lack of funding leads to lack of staff, which leads to limited capacity and fewer activities, which in turn makes it even harder to secure funding. I have seen how collaboration is essential to breaking this cycle. It is my core belief, proven through experience, that we can only survive and thrive by working together. A community-centered approach is the only way to truly understand what we should be doing and whom we should be serving.

This is why the Chicago Cultural Alliance has been so important. CCA emphasizes partnership, resource-sharing, and mutual support, offering member organizations guidance that strengthens operations, planning, and long-term sustainability. With such a small team, the impact they make feels almost miraculous.

The Heritage Museum of Asian Art has benefited tremendously from CCA’s support. At HMAA, we approach heritage collectively and work to build a shared future. The Chicago Cultural Alliance plays an essential role in this ecosystem. CCA amplifies the work of community-based museums and cultural centers—organizations like ours that often operate with limited resources but have deep, lasting impact. Through convenings, shared resources, advocacy, and a strong commitment to community, CCA helps make our work more connected, more resilient, and more sustainable, strengthening the cultural fabric of Chicago as a whole.

Yours sincerely,
JI Yang

By donating to the Chicago Cultural Alliance today, you will join us in working towards our vision for a city where all communities have a voice and cross-cultural dialogue is an integral part of Chicago’s civic fabric.

You can Donate to CCA’s Annual Appeal HERE

The Haunting of Hull House

The Haunting of Hull House

by | Nov 4, 2025 | Blog

Last weekend, the CCA joined a haunted tour of Chicago’s historic Hull House, and it was an experience we won’t soon forget. The moment we stepped inside, we felt the weight of its history—the creaking floors, the dimly lit hallways, and the faint chill that seemed to follow us from room to room.

Our guide, Candace, shared stories of Jane Addams, the social reformer who founded Hull House in 1889, and the many people whose lives passed through its doors. One of the most chilling tales was that of the Lady in White, a spirit said to appear in the upstairs windows or drift through the halls late at night. Some say she was a resident who died tragically in the early 1900s, while others believe she’s a symbol of the many souls who once found refuge within these walls.

Standing in those rooms, it was easy to imagine the whispers of the past lingering in the air. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, the Hull House tour had something for everyone: a fascinating mix of history, mystery, and the supernatural. It was a fantastic experience that blended storytelling and real history, leaving shivers up and down our spines.

Celebrating Filipino Culture in Chicago: A Day of Art, Music, and Community

Celebrating Filipino Culture in Chicago: A Day of Art, Music, and Community

by | Oct 29, 2025 | Blog

We are thrilled to share a recap of the recent Halo-Halo Family Day, a vibrant, full-day celebration of Filipino culture and community that the Chicago Cultural Alliance had the honor of attending. It was an unforgettable experience that brought together families, youth, and the public for a rich tapestry of workshops, storytelling, music, and author talks.

The energy was palpable from the moment the doors opened, with artists, writers, and performers filling the space with creativity and joy. The day began with an inspiring art workshop led by Ate Abby Mendoza, whose warmth and guidance helped participants tap into their creative spirits. One of the most beloved activities was parol-making, a traditional Filipino lantern craft that lit up the room with color and meaning.

The stage came alive with a stunning performance by Miss Amanda Payne, whose voice captivated the audience. This was followed by The SamaSama Project presenting “The Great Filipino Songbook,” a musical journey through beloved Filipino classics, which concluded with an engaging Q&A session. To close the day, the Bibbak IL Dance Troupe delivered a powerful and rhythmic performance that had everyone on their feet, celebrating the vibrancy of Filipino dance traditions.

Events like this remind us of the power of art and storytelling to connect generations and communities. The Chicago Cultural Alliance is proud to support and uplift the voices that make our city so beautifully diverse.

Victoria joins us at Archives Crawl

Victoria joins us at Archives Crawl

by | Oct 27, 2025 | Blog

We are so excited to introduce Victoria Nunnally, our new Fall Intern, who joined us at the beginning of October. Since joining the CCA, Victoria has been instrumental in launching our new TikTok account, assisting with program design, attending events, conducting outreach to CCA members, and contributing to our blog.

On October 14th, Victoria participated in our Archives Crawl at the Newberry Library. She enjoyed the experience so much that she wrote a Behind the scenes review of the day. Thank you Victoria from all of us at the Chicago Cultural Alliance.

Behind the Scenes at the Newberry Archives Crawl

On October 14, I had the opportunity, along with the rest of the Chicago Cultural Alliance staff, to step into the past in a way that felt both intimate and monumental. We visited the Newberry Library for their Archives Crawl and were treated to a rare, behind-the-scenes look at some truly remarkable artifacts.

Working with an organization that works daily to uplift and celebrate cultural heritage, I was especially excited to see how the Newberry’s collection intersects with our mission. And it did not disappoint.

One of the biggest highlights? Holding a 1928 Oscar that once belonged to Ben Hecht, yes, holding it. (With gloves, of course!) There’s something surreal about having a piece of Hollywood, and Chicago, history in your own hands.

We also explored early maps of cities. These cities were some of the first in the world, including a Chicago that looked vastly different from the one we know now. It was a powerful reminder of how place, like culture, evolves over time.

Equally compelling were the artifacts reflecting Indigenous influence It’s a reminder that Chicago’s story began long before it was called Chicago. These pieces carried deep weight and served as a quiet but powerful nod to the land’s original stewards.

Another favorite moment was looking through letters and photos exchanged between dancers in old Chicago. Reading their handwritten notes and seeing their faces brought a personal dimension to the city’s performing arts history. It wasn’t just about movement or costumes. It was about people, community, and expression.

What struck me most throughout the day was how alive history can feel when you’re close to it. These weren’t just old objects on display. They were stories, identities, and legacies that continue to shape who we are.

Huge thanks to the team at the Newberry Library for opening their doors (and archives!) to us. This experience reminded me that every cultural artifact, whether a gold statue or a faded photo, has a heartbeat. I will definitely make my way back to the Newberry Library for my research needs!

— Victoria Nunnally
Chicago Cultural Alliance