The Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) is opening its state-of-the-art building that will serve as a vibrant cultural hub to honor the rich heritage of Asian and Pacific Islander communities while fostering education, arts, and cross-cultural connections.
A Vision Actualized After Three Decades
In 1996, local artist and community leader Patsy Surh O’Connell met with a group of Asian Pacific community leaders in Pierce County to envision a central gathering place to celebrate their diverse cultures, support immigrants and refugees, and provide a space where future generations could connect with their roots. Support from many individuals, businesses, volunteers and leaders in Pierce County and Washington State government has culminated in bringing this vision to life.
“APCC is a group of action-oriented dreamers working together. It is a hub for local leaders to join hands to promote our hometown and invite guests to build partnerships with us,” says Belinda Louie, Ph.D., UW Professor of Education and Vice President of APCC.
Designed to accommodate over 300,000 visitors annually, the new building will feature varying spaces for education, culture, and art. “The selection of color, materials, and architectural details and style, such as textiles, nature and other aspects throughout the building represent and give homage to our 47 cultures and communities,” says Albert Q. Cosio, MS, and Secretary of APCC.
Cultural Destination for Coming Generations
The center, in partnership with Parks Tacoma, is poised to become a premiere destination for cultural engagement, attracting visitors from near and far. Joel Larimer, founder and instructor for Guma’ Imahe dance school, optimistically acknowledges the importance for both the ANHPI (Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander) and AAAPI (Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander) communities. “Who knows, in the next 10 years, we may need a bigger building.”
The community is invited to celebrate the opening of this iconic new facility on August 29, 2025.
- Arts Gallery – Showcasing traditional and contemporary works from Asian Pacific artists.
- Performing Arts Center – For cultural performances, music, dance and community engagement.
- Welcome Center – A gateway for visitors to explore Asia Pacific heritage.
- Corridor of Nations – Highlighting the diverse cultures of the Asia Pacific region.
- Community Gift Shop – Offering handcrafted goods and cultural artifacts.
- Culinary Demonstration Kitchen – A space for cooking classes and cultural cuisine experiences.
- Asia Pacific Garden – Featuring native plants and serene landscapes.
- Asia Pacific Library – A resource center for cultural and historical research.
- Community Courtyard – A gathering space for events and celebrations.
- Classroom and Meeting Space – For workshops, tea ceremonies, classes, and meetings for learning, exchange of ideas, and community engagement.
Opening Celebration
Friday, August 29, 2025
asiapacificculturalcenter.org