Kakilang is a United Kingdom-based nonprofit arts organisation dedicated to presenting and producing contemporary interdisciplinary art from East and Southeast Asian voices. Founded originally in 2005 as the Chinatown Arts Space, the organisation rebranded to Kakilang in 2022, a term derived from Hokkien meaning "one of us," symbolizing kinship and affinity among the East and Southeast Asian diaspora communities it serves.

Mission and Activities

Kakilang’s mission is to provide a home and platform for artists from East and Southeast Asian backgrounds, showcasing their diverse and nuanced stories to wider audiences in the UK and beyond. The organisation focuses primarily on contemporary performing arts but also embraces a wide range of artistic forms including visual art, music, live art, film, and immersive digital experiences. Kakilang produces original work that tours nationally and offers a space for intersectional and underrepresented voices in the arts.

Notable Projects and Impact

Since 2019, Kakilang has hosted an annual festival featuring over 150 leading East and Southeast Asian artists. The festival and associated productions have included innovative works such as Citizens of Nowhere?, Overheard, Bats and Beats, and Augmented Chinatown 2.0—the latter combining drama, guided tours, and augmented reality, accessible permanently through app platforms.

The organisation also curates regional networking events to connect artists and communities across England, fostering a vibrant and inclusive cultural ecosystem. Their programming often highlights unapologetically queer and electric celebrations of ESEA excellence, featuring live performances and DJ sets that amplify diverse voices.

Funding and Recognition

Kakilang is a registered charity (Charity Number 1183582) and a National Portfolio Organisation funded by Arts Council England. It receives support from funders such as the John Ellerman Foundation, which awarded a significant grant in 2022 to support core organisational costs. Kakilang operates with a small dedicated team and relies on donations and grants to sustain its mission.

Cultural Significance

Reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the East and Southeast Asian diaspora, Kakilang plays a vital role in championing representation in the UK arts landscape. By embracing multiple languages, traditions, and experiences of the ESEA communities, it fosters kinship and affinity through creative expression, serving as a vital cultural bridge within the broader British society.

This article outlines Kakilang’s origins, mission, artistic focus, and community role as a distinctive UK nonprofit arts charity championing East and Southeast Asian cultural expression.

[1] https://lightbulbtrust.org/greenlight-partner/kakilang-%E8%87%AA%E5%B7%B1%E4%BA%BA/ [2] https://www.kakilang.org.uk [3] https://www.kakilang.org.uk/support-us [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5128778/charity-overview [5] https://ellerman.org.uk/case-studies/kakilang-formerly-chinese-arts-now