Mission:
絲路文化協會是一家位於克里夫蘭的
501(c)(3) 非營利組織,致力於透過教育、
表演與社區參與,在亞洲城以及整個大
克里夫蘭地區保存並分享中國及更廣泛的
亞洲文化遺產。
Silk Road Cultural Collective is a Cleveland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing Chinese and broader Asian cultural heritage through education, performance, and community engagement in AsiaTown and throughout Greater Cleveland.
Our Core Programs
Asian/Chinese Armor Heritage Showcase (Public Demonstrations)
Rather than keeping history confined to museum cases or textbooks, we bring it directly into the community as a living, interactive experience.
Our team presents meticulously researched, wearable replica armor spanning the Chinese Han through Ming dynasties. These public demonstrations are designed to engage broad audiences through spectacle, storytelling, and participation.
We activate high-traffic community spaces such as Asia Plaza, the Cleveland Asian Festival, and events hosted by the cities of Solon and Strongsville. Visitors can see, touch, and try on armor weighing between 30 and 47 pounds while learning about historical craftsmanship, martial practices, and daily life.
A key component of this program is improving cultural literacy. Many audiences initially mistake Chinese armor for Japanese samurai gear; our demonstrations directly address these misconceptions by highlighting the distinct design, function, and history of Chinese and broader Asian traditions.
Educational Workshops (Schools and Institutions)
We design and deliver structured, hands-on workshops for K–12 schools, libraries, museums, and civic organizations across Northeast Ohio.
These sessions go beyond lecture-based learning by emphasizing active participation and tactile engagement. Programs are tailored to align with social studies curricula and introduce students to Chinese history, art, and cultural traditions through immersive methods.
Our workshops have been presented at institutions such as Laurel School, Cleveland Public Library, and Cuyahoga Public Library. They are designed to foster deeper cultural understanding, support inclusive education, and provide meaningful exposure to Asian and Asian American history.
Community Festivals & Events
We partner with local stakeholders to activate public spaces and celebrate Cleveland’s historic AsiaTown and surrounding communities.
Our work includes coordinating large-scale cultural events such as Lunar New Year celebrations at Asia Plaza, City of Solon, and other cities, as well as anchoring interactive cultural booths at neighborhood festivals (Cleveland Guardians, etc). These efforts increase foot traffic for local AAPI-owned businesses while creating welcoming, high-energy environments that bring diverse audiences together.
Through these events, we strengthen community connections, promote cultural appreciation, and contribute to the vibrancy of Greater Cleveland’s cultural landscape.
Bringing Chinese and Asian heritage to life in Cleveland.
Vision & Our Story
Our Vision
Silk Road Cultural Collective envisions a vibrant, connected Greater Cleveland where Chinese and broader Asian heritage is recognized as a vital part of the region’s civic identity; where AsiaTown is celebrated as a center of cultural innovation; and where cross-cultural education inspires empathy, understanding, and unity across generations
We are a proud member of One Cleveland
Our Story
The Silk Road Cultural Collective was founded to preserve and share Chinese-American and broader Asian cultural heritage in Cleveland through living history, public education, and community-based performance. Rooted in AsiaTown and the city’s Chinese community, our work brings authentic Han to Ming dynasty armor, Hanfu, martial arts interpretation, and historical storytelling into schools, festivals, and neighborhood events so audiences of all ages can experience this heritage in a hands-on way.
Founded by award-winning Cleveland filmmaker, civic leader, and producer Johnny K. Wu, in partnership with Dan Hanson of ClevelandPeople.com and Anne (Ying) Pu, founder and publisher of the Erie Chinese Journal, the collective combines research, storytelling, and live interpretation to create meaningful local cultural experiences.
The 3 founding Directors, Anne Pu, Johnny K. Wu and Dan Hanson
Future Initiatives
As we grow, our focus will always remain on serving Greater Cleveland through community-based arts, education, and cross-cultural programming. Our future initiatives include expanding our living-history collections to interpret additional Asian traditions—including Japanese armor, Korean martial traditions, and Silk Road-inspired culinary and musical experiences—allowing us to tell an even more complete story of Asian heritage.
Get Involved
Volunteer Opportunities
Join us on-site or virtually to support our events, education, outreach, and fundraising efforts. You can also become a Heritage Performer and help bring Chinese and broader Asian cultural history to life for Cleveland communities. Please fill out this form. 
Support Our Mission
Silk Road Cultural Collective is a Cleveland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation supports community programs, cultural education, and public events serving Greater Cleveland.
Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. EIN: 41-3498794.
Partnerships
We partner with schools, museums, civic organizations, and businesses that value Chinese and broader Asian cultural heritage, education, and community engagement in Greater Cleveland. Together, we create programs that bring Chinese history, Asian living traditions, and public learning experiences to local audiences through events, workshops, and shared cultural experiences.
Bring Silk Road Cultural Collective to your school, museum, festival, or community event, or support our work as a donor, sponsor, or community partner.
Funding and Sustainability
Silk Road Cultural Collective is supported through contributed funding, community donations, PayPal contributions, in-kind support including donated armor and cultural materials, and earned income from contracted performances and presentations.
Recent engagements include Fan Expo Cleveland, SouthPark Mall Lunar New Year Celebration, Asia Plaza Lunar New Year Celebration, City of Solon Lunar New Year Celebration, Laurel School Culture Fest, and Cleveland International Hall of Fame. See our Gallery for a fuller list and event photos
Current Supporters and Community Backing
Experience Partner Funders
Program Friend Funders

Digital Funders









































