Westminster, CA (January 5, 2015) – The Vietnamese American Cultural Alliance (VACA) announced an International Call for Artists to participate in Courage to Rebuild, a site-specific public art sculpture project celebrating more than 40 years of Vietnamese achievements in the United States. Asian Garden Mall (aka Phước-Lộc-Thọ), which is a central gathering space of Little Saigon, has generously donated the location to feature the Courage to Rebuild public art sculpture when it is installed in May 2016.

"As our community approaches the 40th Anniversary of the Vietnamese Immigration to the United States, Courage to Rebuild celebrates the profound contributions made by first generation Vietnamese Americans and subsequent generations," said Alicia Jao, executive director of the Vietnamese American Cultural Alliance. "We are a people of passion, pride, unwavering courage and determination. Courage to Rebuild will be a beacon and gathering place for the community in celebration of our hopes, strengths, and perseverance."

Project Manager Andrea Harris-McGee has become passionately devoted to Courage to Rebuild after she personally interviewed individuals who immigrated to the United States, as well as arts scholars and local historians. "Every generation should have the opportunity to learn from those who came before them when possible," she said. "The strength in this community comes from each generation supporting and inspiring the next to reach their goals with courage and pride. We invite artists to apply for this call who possess a vision to honor all who had the courage to rebuild their lives, as well as the generations who continue to contribute, grow and flourish."

Regional, national, and international artists are invited to submit before February 28, 2015. Five final artists will be selected among submissions and create a full RFP. In May 2015, the selected artist will be announced and receive a $40,000 honorarium and additional funding in support of the creation of this original site-specific work of art and public area.
For more information and for artists to submit their application please visit: www.couragetorebuild.org.

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