How JANM’s $40,000 Grant from Nissan Foundation Enhances Cultural Programs

The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) has been awarded a significant grant of $40,000 from the Nissan Foundation. This grant is aimed at supporting JANM’s family festivals and school visits programs, which play a crucial role in promoting cultural understanding and appreciation among diverse communities.

Promoting Cultural Understanding Through Education

The grant from the Nissan Foundation will specifically support JANM’s virtual and in-person school visits programs, as well as their free biannual family festivals, including the highly anticipated 2024 Natsumatsuri Festival. Ann Burroughs, the president and CEO of JANM, emphasized the importance of these programs in providing students, educators, and the general public with the tools to understand and appreciate different backgrounds and cultures.

The school visits programs are designed to encourage students to appreciate cultural differences, explore their heritage, and become informed and responsible contributors to social and civic life. These programs are accessible to students of all backgrounds, allowing them to make personal connections to the museum’s collections, build critical thinking skills, and engage in participatory learning experiences.

Vibrant Celebrations of Cultural Traditions

JANM’s family festivals, such as the Oshogatsu Family Festival in January and the Natsumatsuri Family Festival in August, are vibrant celebrations that honor Japanese and Japanese American cultural traditions. These festivals foster understanding, appreciation, and respect for cultural diversity, building cross-cultural bridges and strengthening community bonds by celebrating cultural identities.

The Natsumatsuri Family Festival, scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, will feature a variety of festivities. These include cultural performances by groups such as Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko and East L.A. Taiko, an Obon lecture and community dance, a taiko workshop with JANM volunteers, and a drawing workshop with artist duo Giorgiko. Additionally, there will be book readings with the Los Angeles Public Library and a book sale featuring “Sachiko Goes Racing” by former pro race car driver Nadine Sachiko Hsu.

Visitors to the festival will also have the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt for prizes, take souvenir photos, and enjoy free admission to JANM’s exhibitions. JANM members will receive special perks, and the performances and activities will be posted on the museum’s YouTube channel. Advance reservations are recommended, and free tickets and a full schedule are available on JANM’s website.

Nissan Foundation’s Commitment to Cultural Diversity

The Nissan Foundation’s grant to JANM is part of a broader initiative to support nonprofit organizations that promote cultural understanding, acceptance, and appreciation of differences. In 2024, the Nissan Foundation awarded a total of $1.2 million in grants to 44 nonprofits across various regions, including Southern California, Middle Tennessee, Central Mississippi, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Southeast Michigan, New York City, North Central New Jersey, and Atlanta.

Since its founding in 1992, the Nissan Foundation has awarded approximately $17 million to 150 nonprofits. The foundation was created in response to the civil unrest following the Rodney King trial verdict, with Nissan’s U.S. sales headquarters located just blocks from the riot’s epicenter. Over the past 32 years, the Nissan Foundation has helped organizations develop and grow programming that increases understanding and acceptance of different cultures.

Chandra Vasser, President of the Nissan Foundation and Nissan’s first Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, expressed the foundation’s honor in uplifting the work of grantees who are bettering the world by providing safe spaces to explore similarities and celebrate differences. Ali Tonn, the Executive Director of the Nissan Foundation, highlighted the importance of reaching new audiences and sharing the benefits of living in a diverse society.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles, with its rich tapestry of cultures, offers a plethora of opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in diverse cultural experiences. For occasional travelers, attending events like the Natsumatsuri Family Festival at JANM can provide a unique and enriching glimpse into Japanese American culture. Make sure to check the museum’s schedule and book your tickets in advance to avoid missing out on these vibrant celebrations.

For expert travelers who have already explored the well-known attractions of Los Angeles, consider delving deeper into the city’s cultural landscape by visiting lesser-known museums and cultural centers. Engaging with local communities through educational programs and festivals can offer a more profound understanding of the city’s diverse heritage.

In conclusion, the grant from the Nissan Foundation to JANM underscores the importance of promoting cultural understanding and appreciation in today’s society. By supporting programs that celebrate diversity and foster cross-cultural connections, we can build stronger, more inclusive communities. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Los Angeles offers a wealth of cultural experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression.