THE FUND'S ACTIVITIES

Since 2020, the APF Cultural Heritage Fund has helped support APF in celebrating and preserving Pakistani American culture through impactful programs. Below are some key initiatives:

2024: A Landmark Year for Cultural Initiatives

Pakistan Heritage Week (August 10-17, 2024)

• Week-long celebration featuring webinars and podcasts on Pakistani culture.
• Opening webinar: "15 Years of APF and the Spirit of Pakistan" explored cultural preservation and community impact.
  Discussion themes:
  • Advances in health technology.
  • The evolution of art and cinema in Pakistan.
  • Exploration of Pakistani American literature.
• Podcast Special: "Savoring Heritage"—a deep dive into Pakistani cuisine and its cultural significance.
  
  

Other Major Cultural & Community Initiatives

Pakistani Student Association (PSA) Competition – Student groups nationwide competed to host cultural events, with a top prize of $1,500.

Pakistani American Knowledge (PAK) Network – Launched in September, offering podcasts and webinars on cultural exchange, leadership, and community empowerment.

National Day of Giving (December 25, 2024)– Volunteers in multiple cities:

Served meals to individuals and and families experiencing homelessness.

Distributed toys to over 500 families.

2020-2023: Laying the Foundation

• Established the Cultural Heritage Fund to support initiatives promoting Pakistani culture and history.
• Hosted artist talks and exhibitions featuring Pakistani and Pakistani American creatives.
• Supported documentary screenings and storytelling projects that highlighted the Pakistani American experience.

Featured Artist & Literary Engagements

• Shahzia Sikander at the Morgan Library & Museum (2021) – APF hosted an exclusive discussion with world-renowned Neo-miniaturist artist Shahzia Sikander, exploring her exhibit "Extraordinary Realities."
• Library Engagement Toolkit (2022) – Encouraged the inclusion of Pakistani and Pakistani American literature in public and school libraries across the U.S., making cultural narratives more accessible to young readers.
• Book Panels & Author Conversations – APF facilitated discussions with Pakistani American authors, focusing on themes of identity, immigration, and cultural heritage.

Music & Performing Arts Initiatives

• Virtual Eid Concert (2021) – Featured a live-streamed performance by The Leo Twins, reaching a wide audience across the U.S. and Pakistan.
• Theater & Film Collaborations (2022-2023) – Supported screenings of Pakistani films and documentaries, including discussions with filmmakers on topics like diasporic storytelling and cross-cultural narratives.
  
  

Community & Youth Cultural Engagement

• Oral History & Storytelling Projects – APF began working with Pakistani American elders and youth to document immigrant stories and intergenerational narratives.
• Heritage & Leadership Workshops – Hosted workshops for young professionals exploring Pakistani history, traditions, and leadership in the arts.
• Cultural Exchange Initiatives – Strengthened Pakistan-U.S. connections through programs that bridged artistic and academic communities.