The Center for Hmong Arts & Talent (CHAT) grew out of Pom Siab Hmoob Theatre (PSHT), the first Hmong theatre company in the world. In 1998, PSHT organizers decided to expand their focus beyond theater arts in order to serve more artists in the Hmong community. PSHT changed its name to the Center for Hmong Arts and Talent (CHAT) and expanded its reach into six artistic disciplines: visual, theater, literary, music, traditional Hmong arts and multi-media arts-making it the first Hmong arts organization in the United States.

Being the one of the only Hmong arts organization, CHAT has the unique opportunity and responsibility of strengthening the Hmong community by connecting them to the engaging and empowering benefits of the arts. We value the arts as a source for individual empowerment and as a means for social change by communicating messages that affect the larger community as a whole. CHAT's mission is to nurture and develop Hmong artists to enhance the community. Our vision is to create a place in daily Hmong life for the arts, by offering art instructions, supporting creative works, and providing space for presentations. Our goals are:

• To provide quality arts activities for at-risk Hmong children and teens.
• To foster the advancement of emerging and experienced Hmong artists in both traditional and contemporary art forms.
• To create and produce theatre, literature, visual art and media projects that significantly enhances cross-cultural understanding between Hmong and non-Hmong people.

CHAT's office is located at:
995 University Ave W, Suite 220
St. Paul, MN 55104
Main Phone Line: 651-644-6969
Fax Number: 651-603-6983
E-mail: angie@aboutchat.org