The "home" of Kansas City's Filipino community, the Filipino Cultural Center (FCC) is a 5,400 SF multi-purpose facility. It is the place for dance and choir rehearsals, as well as a venue for cultural presentations, exhibits, educational workshops, and social activities. Inaugurated in 2000, the building represents the dream of many of the community's pioneers.

History

That dream was first conceived in 1975. The Sinag-Tala Performing Arts Troupe, founded 3 years earlier, needed rehearsal space – and the Filipino Association needed a base for its meetings and other activities. In 1978 the Filipino Association acquired its first property, now known as the Philippine House, a renovated lawn mower repair building that was converted into a one-room multi-purpose space. Then in 1994 with the establishment of the Filipino Cultural Center Foundation (FCCF), the 1.5 acre lot adjacent to the Philippine House was acquired. Planning for a new, permanent building began in 1996. The first phase of the FCC was completed 4 years later.

Expansion

In 2011 the Filipino Association completed the first major expansion of the Filipino Cultural Center to accommodate growing community needs and increasing activity. Dubbed the "Phase II Expansion Project," preliminary concepts were introduced in 2009, and construction broke ground near the end of 2010 (view a progress blog). The addition grows the Filipino Cultural Center by 50% from the original 3,600 SF, and includes:

• Permanent exhibit space for cultural artifacts.
• Filipiniana library and conference room.
• Dedicated storage space.
• Private office(s).
• Larger vestibule and entry.

A dedicated capital campaign continues to fund the project costs. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution today. Donate now!