General FAQ
You have questions. We have answers.
If by chance our tome below doesn’t address your questions, please email us at apature@kearnystreet.org, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
About the Festival
What’s APAture?
APAture, or festival of Asian and Pacific Islander Arts, is Kearny Street Workshop’s annual multidisciplinary arts festival that presents and promotes art by local up-and-coming artists of Asian and/or Pacific Islander descent. The festival’s name comes from “aperture,” the opening where light hits the camera lens. Like its namesake, APAture focuses the light, specifically on early career artists who represent various art forms. It is when this light is focused that there is exposure: of the talented young artists, and also of the sense of our shared experiences—as members of AAPI communities. We have recently begun to utilize the term AAPI, as opposed to APA, which is used in the festival name to describe Asian and Pacific Islander Arts. Since 1999 seasons, the festival has sparked dialogue around contemporary social issues, especially those that affect Asian and Pacific Islander communities, and inspired collaboration between artists and community members toward social action.
What’s Kearny Street Workshop?
Kearny Street Workshop is non-profit organization dedicated to producing, presenting, and promoting art that empowers Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Since 1972, KSW has offered adult arts education programs and multidisciplinary arts presentations to local community members. Learn more about us at kearnystreet.org.
Who’s jurying and curating APAture?
A group of volunteers and mentees who work alongside the Festival Coordinator will jury, curate, coordinate, and produce APAture each year, which make up a General Planning Committee (GPC). GPC members span a wide range of professions, and some of us are artists ourselves.
When and where is the festival?
APAture 2026 runs from October 17, 2026 to December 12, 2026, at various locations throughout San Francisco.
Volunteering for APAture
How do I volunteer to work the festival?
Please fill out this form, and we’ll get in touch with you soon!
Can I join the General Planning Committee as a volunteer or mentee?
Yes! Different opportunities to assist with APAture are offered throughout the planning season. Volunteer positions on the GPC will come available throughout the planning process and include jurying applications, serving as hosts/MC’s for showcases, and volunteering at individual events. If you’d like to volunteer with the GPC at the 2026 festival, please email us at info@kearnystreet.org. A limited number of paid mentee positions will be available via an application process in early spring of 2026.
Mentee Positions (Stipend, Application Required)
In early Spring 2026, we will offer two mentee positions for individuals who want deeper, hands-on experience in arts administration and festival production. Mentee positions come with a stipend.
Mentees will work closely with the Program and Community Manager, who also serves as the APAture Festival Coordinator. This is an immersive opportunity to learn the inner workings of a major multidisciplinary arts festival while contributing directly to its success.
Mentees will gain experience in:
Festival planning and logistical operations
Artist communications and showcase coordination
Community partner outreach
Marketing and public relations
Event production and on-site management
How Do I Know If the Mentee Position is for Me?
This mentorship is ideal for emerging cultural workers, artists, and organizers interested in arts leadership, community engagement, and behind-the-scenes festival work. Mentees will not only build professional skills, but also play an integral role in shaping APAture 2026 from the inside out. The application period for 2026 mentees has closed.
Making a Donation
I’d like to contribute to the local Asian/Pacific Islander arts community in some other way. How can I make a donation?
We’re glad you asked. Your generosity makes our festival and arts programs possible. You can donate here. Or you mail your donation to:
Kearny Street Workshop
Attn: Mihee Kim, Managing Director
P.O. Box 14545
San Francisco, CA 94114-0545
Checks can be made out to Kearny Street Workshop and please include APAture 2025 in the memo field.