Smithsonian Directive News Today

The Smithsonian denies that the festival's contents played a role in its decision. But participants still have questions.

Among the matters cited in a memo obtained by The Washington Post: a panel about book bans, and two events featuring queer, trans, and nonbinary writers.

Over 1,000 artists and writers have signed a letter demanding the "immediate resignation" of Asian Pacific American Center Acting Director Yao-Fen You.

Outrage ensued after the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) announced the abrupt cancellation of its scheduled Asian American Literature Festival with little to no explanation. Key details: Internal emails shared with The Washington Post revealed that acting Smithsonian (APAC) Director Yao-Fen You informed the festival’s founder Lawrence-Minh Bui Davis, who is also a curator at the Smithsonian, on June 28 that any upcoming events should be reviewed under the Smithsonian Dir...

The institution cited “unforeseen circumstances”, leaving angry participants with debt and many unanswered questions

Several organizations were caught off guard by the announcement, including Kaya Press and literary nonprofit Kundiman

The Smithsonian Institution’s Asian Pacific American Center abruptly canceled this year’s Asian American Literature Festival.