Presentation Programs connect artists, artwork, and visitors together to illuminate issues salient to the API community.

Through events, exhibits, and our performance series Chinatown Presents, we feature work from professional API artists to community members. Performers of all types can find their place in our theater. Visual artists can showcase their work in our gallery, which is open for tours, public programs, and self-guided visits.

Residencies bring artists and community members together to address Chinatown community needs through creative projects core to our place-based and artist support programs. Community is at the core of all residencies which are guided by the belief that both artists and community residents have unique skills, assets, and perspectives to harness towards meeting and expressing community needs. For the artist, these programs support artists by building their capacity to deepen relationships with community members.

Artists can also join the API Arts Network to find support from peers in the area.

Artist Support at Pao Arts Center in 2022 is made possible through the Hearst Foundation.

Place-Based Programs bridges artists and community members together to address Chinatown community needs through creative projects and to establish the neighborhood as a cultural destination to ensure the Chinatown community has cultural agency.

In addition to our residencies programs, Experience Chinatown and Lunar New Year are yearly events, bringing together community members, artists and culture bearers, of all backgrounds to share their roots, culture, and creativity.

Education Programs create a safe and welcoming space and opportunity to improve life and educational outcomes for children and adults. Families can enjoy culture or artistic classes and seniors can take peer-led classes.

BHCC classes and events bring learning opportunities to the Chinatown community in the form of credit bearing classes, as well as life-long learning opportunities.