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 CHAT and expanded its reach into multiple disciplines – making it the first Hmong arts organization in the United States.
MISSION: CHAT exists to nurture, explore and illuminate the Hmong American experience through artistic expressions.
VISION: CHAT envisions a vibrant community where Hmong American artists are inspired to share their perspectives, valued for their creative contributions, and empowered to challenge life’s boundaries.
SOCIAL JUSTICE LENS: CHAT addresses social injustices through Hmong American artists and youth that express their inner truths through contemporary arts by 1) raising awareness 2) initiating action and 3) building community.
VALUES: Reflecting our mission statement, our commitment to a viable arts community and our strong belief in the benefits of arts education, these value statements embody our core principles:
CHAT’s PRIMARY GOALS:
- To provide quality arts education, activities and opportunities for Hmong American children and youth;
- To foster the advancement of emerging and experienced Hmong American artists and;
- To build audiences for the arts by creating and producing art that significantly enhances understanding both within the Hmong community as well cross-culturally.
CHAT is supported through financial support from private foundations, government grants and individual donors:
- McKnight Foundation
- Target Foundation
- Traveler’s Arts and Diversity Fund
- Youthprise
- COMPASS
