Letters From Stephanie Reese
Better Together
This year’s Asian Arts and Heritage Festival surprised me in the best ways. In three years, we grew from 4 to 30 events, with strong attendance, dedicated volunteers and a deep sense of connection. I started with no roadmap—just a belief in creating an island-wide celebration for AANHPI Heritage Month that would bring people together.
Along the way, I learned more about our island’s history and the organizations that make it special. I envisioned collaboration—businesses, nonprofits and neighbors sharing space and ideas—but never expected controversy around inclusion.
When questions arose about non-Asian performers taking part, my answer stayed the same: inclusivity is our foundation. From the start, anyone who showed up in support was welcomed as an ally, and that belief only grew stronger.
We chose to invite, not exclude—encouraging participation in meaningful ways. Not everything looked traditionally Asian, and that was intentional. Culture here is meant to be shared and experienced together.
Our mission statement is clear. We are an inclusive festival where everyone is welcome to celebrate Asian culture—as community members or allies. We believe culture should be lived, shared and experienced together, fostering connection, learning and celebration across diverse communities. On Bainbridge Island, we stand together and welcome all.
