From its local roots in Los Angeles’ Koreatown to a national organization with competitions in 14 regions of the country, Kollaboration has long ago become synonymous with the best in up and coming Asian American talent.
Such superstar talent as Far East Movement and Run River North have shined under the spotlight of Kollaboration and gone on to national and international acclaim.
KCET reports the showcase was launched by Korean American stand up comic Paul Kim in 2000. Back then it was a platform for Kim’s fellow Korean American artists and entertainers.
Within six years, the tent expanded to include the entire Asian American and Pacific Islander community and became a 503C non-profit in 2006. The show is about giving performers an opportunity.
“We’re not here to produce glamorous stars, not here to create Asian superstars,” said Stephen Kim, one of the show’s organizers, and executive director of Kollaboration’s Los Angeles chapter. “Together, people with passion can make a difference.”
This year winners from each region will compete in the national competition Kollaboration Star in Los Angeles in November.
Kollaboration fills a void in the Asian American community which some believe lacks an infrastructure to develop its own talent, unlike other communities of color. You can read more about that on KCET.
You can watch last year’s Kollaboration Star winner & Blue in the clip below.