Date: May 1, 2024
May is Asian Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions of Asian and South Asian communities across the country, and throughout the province.
The AFA is pleased to recognize a few individuals that have enriched, supported and diversified the arts within our province.
Artists featured in Here & Now
We are pleased to share artist profiles of two of the 12 artists featured in the AFA exhibition, Here & Now, at the Royal Alberta Museum.
Raeann Kit-Yee Cheung
Born in Hong Kong and raised in Canada, Raeann Kit-Yee Cheung is a photographer who leans on a dual heritage to create work that is both personal and universal. Having immigrated almost five decades ago, Raeann has come to accept she is neither Chinese nor Canadian, but rather someone who embodies a rich ambiguity that helps her confront melded identities to resolve inner complexities.
Wei Li
Wei Li is a Calgary-based emerging Chinese Canadian visual artist, whose experience as an immigrant to Canada, provides her with crucial inspiration in her artistic practice. Her dual cultural background challenges her to integrate different cultural perspectives in her works and creates tensions through the contradictions inherent in forming a new hybrid cultural identity.
Get to know Wei as she shares the stories behind her new digital series, Vessels, and a bit about herself in her AFA Artist Spotlight.
AFA Board Directors
The AFA Board of Directors includes arts champions from across the province, appointed by the Government of Alberta.
Le Bo
Le Bo is the Vice Chair of the AFA's Board of Directors. He has a passion for learning and volunteerism.He actively organizes and leads community events and participates in cultural events and exhibits. Le Bo is a successful entrepreneur who founded and served as the CEO and Chairman of an oil and gas company that was eventually listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after 15 years of operation. In addition, Le Bo has founded multiple private companies in IT, robotics, and software.
Hear Le Bo speak on the importance of creating diversity in the arts.
Watch
Nabil Malik
Nabil Malik a Member of the AFA's Board of Directors. A resident of the Wood Buffalo region, Nabil is a progressive and creative contributor to the cultural fabric of his community. In his work as a community development planner by day and an active volunteer by night, he advocates for the vital role the arts play in placemaking, creating vibrant communities, and fostering a sense of identity and belonging.
Hear from Nabil on the importance of the arts and the role of the AFA.
Watch
Shana Yang
Shana Yang is a Member of the AFA's Board of Directors. She is a passionate and active member of Calgary’s music and arts communities. Shana received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, and has over 20 years of experience in vocal training and choral conducting. She is currently the Artistic Director of an Alberta registered non-profit choral organization she founded in 2004, and a music instructor at the Mount Royal Conservatory. Shana looks forward to helping local art communities strengthen and flourish.
Hear from Shana as she shares how the arts can grow in Alberta.
As we celebrate those that have supported and enriched the arts in Alberta, we encourage you to take part in any and all events recognizing and honouring Asian Heritage Month.
Learn more about how the AFA is addressing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in and through the arts.