Description
The collection is comprised of organizational records and materials documenting events sponsored by the Vietnamese American
Arts and Letters Association (VAALA). Items include those from the Fresh off the Boat (F.O.B.) art exhibit that presented
works by 40 visual and performing artists and artistic groups of all mediums. Materials from the Vietnamese International
Film Festival (VIFF) are also contained in the collection, such as programs, photographs, and descriptions of films being
shown at the festival. The film festival is the first in the nation and worldwide to exhibit works by the Vietnamese diaspora,
Vietnamese living outside of their homeland, and has been held at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University
of California, Irvine beginning in 2003.
Background
The Vietnamese American Arts and Letters Association (VAALA), a community-based non-profit organization based in Orange County,
California, was founded in 1991 by a group of Vietnamese American journalists, artists, and friends. VAALA's mission is to
promote Vietnamese values in art, create opportunities for artists to interact with their audience, and facilitate communication
among different ethnic groups through various forms of art. VAALA has organized numerous cultural events that include lectures,
exhibits, book fairs, and concerts by world-class Vietnamese scholars and artists. These events help bring the arts and culture
to the community.
Extent
1.2 Linear Feet
(6 boxes, 5 videocassettes, 2 OS folder) and 0.9 linear feet of unprocessed material.
Restrictions
Property rights reside with the University of California. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and
their heirs. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Southeast Asian Archive Librarian.
Availability
Processed components of the collection are open for research. Unprocessed additions may contain restricted materials. Please
contact the Department of Special Collections and Archives in advance to request access.