Chicago API (Asian, Pacific Islander) Artists United (CAAU) was formed by a collective of Asian, Asian-American, Pacific Islander artists and art workers in Chicago. We aim to mobilize our networks and practices to create a safe and equitable society for all communities. 

CAAU is a proud sibling organization of Chicago Art for Black Futures.

We have come together at this moment in time in 2021, to address anti-Asian sentiment in the United States, both recent and historical — including harassment, discrimination, physical attacks, incarceration and murders. Every single one of us, our families, and our friends have been deeply affected. 

We have organized Art Advancing Justice, a virtual fundraiser with 137 works of art and books from 79 contributors available from April 28th through May 22nd, 2021, to support Asian Americans Advancing Justice|Chicago. CAAU is in direct partnership with Asian Americans Advancing Justice|Chicago for this benefit, and is maintaining an ongoing relationship of solidarity beyond this charitable event.  

Asian Americans Advancing Justice|Chicago has been working since 1992, to advance civil and human rights for Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all. They have been providing many services to our immediate communities, including free bystander intervention training, advocacy programs, and civic engagement. Notably, AAAJ nationally, has also been tracking incidents of violence against Asian, Asian-American and Pacific Islander people and communities through the website: Stand Against Hatred. 

We hope you will support our collective resistance against racism and hate, by donating to our cause to receive artwork. Our initial fundraising goal was $5,000, but due to an incredible response and show of heart-warming solidarity from our allies of all ethnicities within Chicago art communities, we have raised that goal to $15,000. 

Thank you Chicago, we are feeling the love! Let’s make an impact! 

Asian Americans Advancing Justice|Chicago has provided a unique donation page to directly support the organization, to elevate #ArtAdvancingJustice. This is for those that would like to make an additional donation to Asian Americans Advancing Justice|Chicago, in an effort to advance justice even further.

Please note that receiving art for #ArtAdvancingJustice is featured through Chicago API Artists United on caau.net, exclusively.

CAAU will work with the participating artists, writers and advocates to arrange art handling, sales, and shipping through FedEx. At the close of each donation for art work, CAAU will receive 15% to cover art handling costs, either provided to the artist or retained by CAAU, depending on the unique agreement of shipping, handling and delivery of artwork between CAAU and the artist. The remaining 85% will go directly to Asian Americans Advancing Justice|Chicago. 

Chicago API Artists United and Asian Americans Advancing Justice|Chicago shares a spirit and vision of fighting against oppression in all forms, extending beyond Asian, Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities: our perspective is fixed on an entangled liberation of all marginalized communities. We vow to continue to stand in solidarity with communities beyond our own in an actively engaged manner and attitude. The fight for equity and justice must not waver.