Institutional Support

JANM presents multiple temporary exhibitions each year that explore issues within the Japanese American and broader community; foster cultural connections among visitors of all backgrounds; and/or share contemporary work by emerging and established artists. JANM has presented over 100 exhibitions onsite and traveled 24 exhibitions to over 30 locations.

The cornerstone of our educational outreach, JANM’s School Visits Program provides guided tours to school groups from throughout Los Angeles County, benefiting over 15,000 K-12 students annually. With shrinking school budgets and overall declines in school field trips, it is important for JANM to continue offering the School Visits Program to ensure that museum experiences are accessible to traditionally underserved students. Over 70% of the students participating in the School Visits Program attend Title I schools, and JANM provides schools which serve low-income students with transportation stipends, free admission, and pre/post-visit materials. 

Serving as a key fundraising event in support of the JANM’s programs and mission, the annual Gala & Auction helps commemorate the Japanese American community and its supports by bringing people together to celebrate our shared history and to look toward the future. The Gala Dinner has long been the Japanese American community’s most prominent event and attracts over 1,000 attendees each year.

This dynamic series offers programming that celebrates cultural traditions; complements the museum’s changing exhibitions; fosters new connections among visitors of all backgrounds; and presents events of interest to all age groups.

Types of programs include: book talks, film screenings, lectures, conferences, festivals, concerts, gallery tours, performances, and partnership programs. The structure of these densely programmed events fosters direct participation in culturally meaningful, accessible activities intended to engage new patrons, offer repeat visitors new experiences, and create opportunities for intergenerational engagement and exploration at JANM.