Job Opportunity: Researcher/Writer
News Article: English / Vietnamese
Interview: Vietnamese
Press Releases:

• Vietnamese American Exhibit to Open in 2006 [1/14/05]
• The Vietnamese American History & Heritage Project in 2006 (English / Vietnamese) [1/25/05]

PHASE ONE:  November - December 2004 (completed)
PHASE TWO:  February - June 2005

The Asian Pacific American Program at the Smithsonian Institution is seeking $60,000 in seed money by December 31, 2004 to plan and fundraise for the Vietnamese American exhibit.  The funds will be used to: 1) identify and catalog items to be displayed at the exhibit; 2) create a design for the exhibit; 3) write proposals and cultivate prospective funders; and 4) prepare the exhibit for showing at the Smithsonian. The seed money will be used primarily to hire a part-time Vietnamese American consultant who can help in research and coordination, to commission a designer to conceptualize the exhibit and to expand the Asian Pacific American Program's fundraising efforts.

It will take approximately another $50,000-$60,000 to have the exhibit created and installed at the Smithsonian. Another $40,000-$50,000 will be needed to travel the exhibit to a dozen venues around the country for 3 years. So, the estimated total cost of the exhibit is between $150,000-$175,000. It will take approximately 12-18 months to collect the items, create an exhibit and install the exhibit.

We anticipate that once the funds for the planning grant is secure, we can immediately start the project by hiring a knowledgeable Vietnamese American on contract to identify items for the exhibit, and work with Franklin Odo, Director of the Asian Pacific American Program at the Smithsonian Institution, in laying the groundwork internally at the Smithsonian for an exhibit in 2006. The seed money will also reserve museum space at the Smithsonian.

Why give to this effort?

• This will be the first Vietnamese American exhibit at the Smithsonian
• The exhibit will honor the history of survival, sacrifice, and triumph of the Vietnamese people against overwhelming odds.
• The Smithsonian is the largest museum complex in the world - it has the reputation, capacity and distribution channels to reach as many people as possible with this exhibit.
• The APA Program can create public programs, curriculum, and other events which can be combined with the exhibit to maximize impact on the public.
• This effort will be the legacy left behind by the 30th Anniversary of Vietnamese immigration.

How can you help to make this exhibit possible? Become a sponsor of the exhibit by giving generously to APA Program.  The Smithsonian is a 501(c)(3) organization. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Contributions are welcome from individuals, corporations, foundations, trusts and nonprofit organizations.

Levels of Giving

• Diamond: $50,000
• Jade: $25,000
• Pearl: $15,000
• Ruby: $10,000
• Coral: $5,000

Donors will be acknowledged by level of giving in the exhibit credit panel, news releases, exhibit announcements, Smithsonian APA Program website (www.apa.si.edu), etc. Sponsorship can be done by making a donation or a pledge and can be paid in installments. Donors have the option of donating anonymously, under their own name or in the name of another such as a family member, an organization, etc.

Donations paid by December 31, 2004 will be listed under the FOUNDER'S CIRCLE. To be eligible for the Founder's Circle, a minimum donation of $2,500.00 is required.