drumming up power

HANA Center collaborated with American Indian Center and the Japanese American Service Committee to create a community drumming festival filled with rhythm and tradition and celebrate rich community-based art & cultural practices. The theme of the event was “Drumming Up Power” to remember the history of colonization of Native Americans, Korean people being annexed by the Japanese government, and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Through this event, our communities demonstrated how drumming, singing, and making artwork brings people together and creates a collective resistance and power. The groups will continue to work together and build a stronger community together through art and culture. 

HANA’s Youth Drumming program and this type of events are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. 

When in-person drumming classes had to be suspended due to COVID-19, HANA Center rose to the challenge of moving its youth drumming programs online. The participants made makeshift drums at home using household items to continue their drumming practice, and the program also expanded to explore an expanded range of art forms, including movement/dance, spoken word, and painting.

Traditional Korean Paper Crafts

HANA Center runs two art programs for older adults: a Korean Paper Crafts class and a Visual Arts class. Senior students are able to express their creativity, build community with each other, and share Korean culture by showcasing their art at events such as the Museum of Science and Industry’s “Christmas Around the World” event.

These programs are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.