The Indiana Association of Chinese Americans (IACA) is a state-registered not-for-profit organization established in 1973. IACA is not affiliated with any religious or political organization. IACA has always been eager and open to invite other organizations and people from non-Chinese backgrounds to join in sharing these celebrations of our cultural heritage.
We are the first organization promoting awareness and appreciation of the Chinese culture in the greater Indianapolis region.
The mission of the Indiana Association of Chinese Americans (IACA) is:
• To foster constructive citizenship on the part of Chinese Americans in the State of Indiana and the nation
• To cultivate the understanding and the appreciation of both American and Chinese cultural heritages
• To enrich Indiana society with Chinese American contributions
• To improve the overall well-being of Chinese Americans in Indiana
In the early 1970s, a group of Chinese Americans in the Indianapolis area met once a month for lunch to share their everyday experiences and provide support to each other. As this regular luncheon continued to grow in popularity, it became evident that there was a need for a cultural organization to provide greater structure to facilitate regular activities.
In November 1973, the founding members established the Indianapolis Association of Chinese Americans, Inc. (IACA) as a registered not-for-profit in the state of Indiana. The group was later renamed in 1999 as the Indiana Association of Chinese Americans, Inc., to broaden membership to include people from across the state.
IACA is managed by volunteers, whose efforts are coordinated and led by an all-volunteer Governing Council.
IACA takes pride in the large number of partnerships that we have forged with local and statewide community, civic, educational, and arts organizations. We value and enjoy working together with others in fulfilling our common civic missions. Some of the organizations that we currently collaborate with are listed below.
Asian American Alliance
Asian Art Society
Indianapolis Museum of Art/Newfields
Butler University
Carmel Public Library
CarmelFest
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
City of Carmel Mooncake Festival
Columbus Chinese Association
Diversity Council of Indianapolis Public Schools
Eiteljorg Museum
Indiana Asian American Times
Indiana Historical Society
Indianapolis Chinese Community Center Inc.
Indianapolis Chinese Orchestra
Indianapolis Chinese Performing Arts, Inc.
IPL 500 Festival Parade
IUPUI Asian Pacific American Faculty and Staff Council
IUPUI Asian Student Union
IUPUI World Languages and Culture
International Marketplace Coalition
Ling’s Oriental Martial Arts
Mount Vernon High School
Nationalities Council of Indiana
Park Tudor School
Pine Tree Elementary School
Taiwanese-American Association of Indianapolis
TURN Festival
University of Indianapolis
Westfield Washington Public Library