CAATA’s 20th Anniversary

Celebrating 20 Years of Legacy. Resistance. Evolution

As the Consortium of Asian American Theaters and Artists (CAATA) marks its 20th anniversary in 2026, we reflect on the power of community, the strength of our shared history, and the transformative possibilities of theater. Founded in 2006 with a mission to advance Asian American theater through a national network of artists and organizations, CAATA has grown into a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable cultural community for artists who identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI), Southwest Asian, North African (SWANA), Middle Eastern North African (MENA), and mixed-race diasporas. Today, we continue to serve as a vital network where culture, identity, and justice converge.

Our 20th anniversary is a time to honor where we have been, celebrate where we are, and imagine what we can achieve together. It is a moment for reflection, joy, resistance, and evolution; celebrating the resilience of our community while looking boldly toward the future.

Honoring Our Legacy: Where We’ve Been

CAATA began as a gathering space for AANHPI, SWANA, MENA, and Mixed Race artists to share stories, build solidarity, and create a platform in an industry where our voices were often marginalized. From national convenings and advocacy to ConFest—the National Asian American Theater Conference and Festival—CAATA has amplified voices long overlooked and shaped the AANHPI, SWANA, MENA, and Mixed Race theater movement.

Over the past 20 years, we have fostered spaces for dialogue about representation, equity, and theater as activism. Our legacy of resistance has remained a guiding force, proving that through storytelling and collective action, artists can challenge, disrupt, and transform society.

Activating the Present: Our Work Today

This milestone year celebrates the brilliance of our present-day members, artists, organizers, and activists, who carry forward CAATA’s legacy with courage, vision, and resilience. Our anniversary programming includes virtual roundtables, regional gatherings, and community conversations, highlighting the ways our members continue to redefine the possibilities of theater.

Intergenerational connection is central to our work. Bringing together college students, working professionals, and elders fosters belonging, mentorship, and mutual support. CAATA is more than an organization; it is a living, breathing community that nurtures artists and sustains the creative ecosystem for generations to come.

Looking to the Future: Building a Sustainable Ecosystem for Artists

As we celebrate 20 years, we are also preparing for the future. CAATA is committed to building sustainable ecosystems where artists can create, grow, and thrive. One critical initiative is our national healthcare benefits program, providing members with access to health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as supplemental coverage for critical illness and accidents. This program reflects our commitment to supporting the well-being of artists beyond their work.

Through ongoing community engagement—including virtual panels, forums, and regional gatherings—we continue to foster collaboration, connection, and creative growth. Together, we strengthen our collective power and push forward in the work of justice, equity, and representation, ensuring that CAATA remains a vital, responsive, and vibrant home for artists for decades to come.

Join Us: Supporting CAATA’s Future

As we celebrate this historic moment, we invite you to join us in supporting CAATA’s future. We are aiming to raise $20,000 to support our continued work and ensure that CAATA remains a lifeline for artists in the years to come.

📣 Join the movement by sharing or donating to our fundraising campaign: Donate to CAATA’s 20th Anniversary Campaign

Thank you to our partners, local hosts, and sponsors!