With support from the California Arts Council, ASIAN CULTURE AND MEDIA ALLIANCE INC will advance Youth Arts Action goals by removing financial, cultural, and digital barriers to arts access. During the grant period, we will serve approximately 600 youth ages 13–26 in the San Diego region through free, culturally responsive media arts training delivered across 50 workshops.
Participants will explore identity, community, and advocacy through filmmaking, podcasting, and digital storytelling, producing 30 creative projects, including 5–6 short films, 12 public service announcements, and 20 podcast episodes reflecting their lived experiences. Media literacy workshops further equip youth to critically analyze the impacts of social media on mental health and well-being.
Through a structured pathway of training, advanced instruction, and paid internships, ACMA empowers youth to become culturally literate storytellers, engaged citizens, and emerging media professionals.
As part of our mission to amplify diverse voices and empower immigrant and underserved communities through media arts, ACMA produces educational and cultural initiatives that promote storytelling, workforce development, and cross-cultural understanding.
ACMA Media Arts Academy
ACMA’s flagship program provides hands-on training, mentorship, and production experience for middle school, high school, and transitional youth from underserved communities. Through L.E.A.D. workshops and the TAKE ONE Vocational Youth Media Training & Internship Program, participants develop skills in filmmaking, podcasting, digital marketing, and media literacy while preparing for careers in the creative industries.
Asian Pacific Voices
ACMA’s multimedia storytelling platform features a documentary television series and weekly podcast highlighting the stories and cultural heritage of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities. Through conversations with artists, community leaders, and changemakers, the program explores cultural identity and issues affecting immigrant and underserved communities.
Asian Pacific Cultural Festival
Asian Pacific Cultural Festival San Diego
Our annual festival celebrates AANHPI cultural heritage while welcoming participation from diverse communities through performances, food, art, and educational activities promoting cultural exchange and unity.
Projects
ACMA develops projects exploring community health, food systems, and cultural storytelling.
Food for Life is a health and wellness initiative through the Far South Border North (FSBN) Initiative promoting nutrition education for underserved youth through culinary arts and cultural food traditions.
The Shared Roots Initiative is supported by the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR), highlighting farming, land access, and sustainable food systems while amplifying the voices of small farmers and immigrant growers.
Community Partnerships and Services
ACMA supports nonprofit, educational, and community partners by providing affordable digital media production and marketing services that amplify their programs and community impact. Supported by youth trained through ACMA’s Media Arts Academy and internship programs, these services create workforce opportunities while strengthening partner storytelling, video production, and digital outreach.