Hana Sun Lee’s Goodbye Message

To my KULARTS Pamilya and Community,

After seven incredible years of learning, building, and growing with KULARTS, I will be transitioning out of my role as Managing Director.

It has been a great privilege to serve KULARTS and our community. As I reflected on my time with KULARTS, I thought about how I wanted to honor this journey. Many of you have been with me every step of the way, while others may not know the path that brought me here.

My journey with KULARTS began organically. Around this time seven years ago, I was introduced to the organization at the Luggage Store Gallery during the month-long exhibition Post Colonial Survival Kit and the annual Art Dialogue in the Pilipinx Diaspora. I was suddenly immersed in project management and welcomed into an incredible community of diasporic artists and engaged with Talaandig culture bearers and master artists.

That month opened something in my heart that I didn't know was missing. I never imagined I would have the opportunity to work within the AAPI arts community. It had always been a dream of mine and KULARTS made that dream possible in ways I never expected.

Less than a year into my time with KULARTS, the pandemic hit and the world shut down. Amid the grief, injustice, tragedy, and isolation, we still found ways to stay connected with one another and with our community. Through virtual gatherings, performances, and collaborative projects, we remained committed to our mission and to each other.

As the world slowly reopened, we were finally able to gather again. During that time, I had the honor of helping produce Man@ng is Deity and Lakbai Diwa, navigating ever-changing COVID protocols while ensuring our artists, staff, and community could continue creating safely. At the same time, we were laying the groundwork for KULARTS' future by working toward a permanent home in San Francisco.

In 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in my first TribuTur alongside 22 artists and cultural practitioners from across the country. Then by the end of 2024, we reached a milestone with our longtime partner, API Cultural Center purchasing a building that will serve as a permanent home for the community and future generations of diasporic artists.

I could go on and on about the experiences, milestones, and relationships that have shaped my journey with KULARTS, but those stories are probably better shared over a few dinners.

What I can say now is that I am deeply grateful. Thank you KULARTS, for entrusting me with this opportunity and for deepening my commitment to the arts.

I want to extend my deepest appreciation to this incredible team. Thank you to Manai Alleluia, whose leadership and dedication to carrying forward this legacy organization have been a constant source of inspiration. Thank you to Herna for your mentorship and for the role you have played in my professional growth. And thank you to Johan for your partnership, friendship, and support through the last couple years, I can’t wait to see all the amazing work you accomplish. It has truly been an honor to work alongside each of you.

To the many artists, organizers, culture bearers, partners, and community leaders I've had the privilege of working with THANK YOU. You have challenged me, inspired me, and reminded me why this work matters. I look forward to continuing to build with you in new ways.

The relationships I've built over these past seven years are what I will cherish most. Thank you all for your trust, your generosity, and your support throughout my time at KULARTS.

While I am stepping down from my role as Managing Director, this is not goodbye. I plan to remain connected and continue supporting KULARTS and our community in meaningful ways.

I'll see you all again very soon.

Love and in community,
Hana Sun Lee