Letter From Joanne

Dear Friends,

After nearly 3 years devoted to revitalizing Chinatown and expanding narratives through the power of art,  I am transitioning from my role as the Executive Director of Edge on the Square at the end of March.

It has been an immense honor and privilege to serve as the Inaugural Executive Director of the Chinatown Media and Arts Collaborative’s Edge on the Square. I thank the CMAC Board of Directors for their trust in me to lead a new organization whose vision for a greater, more empowered and impactful Chinatown is inspiring a collective movement forward. Together, we have demonstrated that a vibrant contemporary arts and cultural hub in the heart of the neighborhood can become a destination for residents and visitors near and far. A destination steeped in rich histories and sparked by a promising future.

 

Many memorable impact moments at Edge spring to mind, most notably having: 

 

• Hosted 3 annual contemporary arts festivals that attracted over 40,000 visitors to experience Chinatown through a fresh lens by exploring ephemeral art installations, workshops, music, and performances that energized our streets and alleyways

• Showcased 3 multi-media art exhibitions featuring 30 artists, creatives, and artist collectives —who told powerful stories of lineage, immigration, resistance, assimilation, community and care—that invited visitors to connect through their own experiences and engage in critical discourse

• Launched our interactive culinary series “MSG: Making, Sharing, Gathering” where chefs and bakers traced their family rituals and traditions from the Asian American culinary landscape

• Alongside the Chinese Culture Center, we presented “Chinatown Pride 2025: We are Immortal”—a festival highlighting Chinatown’s queer history and celebrating our commitment and resistance through dance and storytelling

• Partnered with countless community organizations to present artist workshops, film screenings, book readings, critical panel talks, and creative artmaking to foster curiosity, joy, and community through the arts

I thank you for being a part of this journey, for your support, enthusiasm, and most of all for coming out to our events! Your collective energy helped ground Edge’s influence and impact in the City’s arts and culture community, one that we all contribute to.

 

I am profoundly grateful for the Edge staff who have carried the heart, vision, and commitment during these early years – Candace Huey, Linda Lui, Peggy Lee, Elaine Fong, Erika Pallasigue, Robyn Mallery, Waymon Ng, Jialin Lu, Cheyanne Chow, Maya Crolene, Linda Huang, and Laura Uyeki. It has been a tremendous journey leading a team of next generation culture workers, and I look forward to CMAC and Edge on the Square’s next chapter...and there’s some big news coming, so stay tuned!

My work in arts, culture and community doesn’t end here. I will continue collaborating and contributing to ensure that our stories are told and preserved, and to build belonging and wellbeing in our communities in Chinatown and beyond. During this transitional period, CMAC Board members Stephen Gong and Mabel Teng will step up as Interim Co-Executive Directors. They can be reached at hello@edgeonthesquare.org.

With gratitude,

Joanne