Kirby Penafiel

Tuesday Night Project

On the face of it, Tuesday Night Project (TNP) hosts a free open mic event called the 1st & 3rd Tuesday Night Cafe in Little Tokyo, Spring through Fall – but since 1999 the people behind the project and the series have grown into an actual community fiercely devoted to creating venues where art and community connect. It is a community of artists, organizers, activists, professionals, independent business owners, educators and community members of different generations, a myriad of artistic disciplines and all walks of life. TNP maintains a passionate, positive space with a focus on new work from Asian American/Pacific Islander communities and from the Greater Los Angeles area. TNP constantly introduces its audiences to new artists and organizations and the amazing work they do all over the city. While TNP offers modest stipends to some of its technical crew, they have kept the series alive and free to the public with sheer passion and the practice and belief that PEOPLE are each other's greatest resource. As an all-volunteer effort, TNP offers a space that goes well beyond a "showcase" and brings support that strengthens community and art. Expanding with every passing year, Tuesday Night Cafe now streams their events live and has had viewers from all over the world The series has entered its 13th year as one of the longest-running free public arts series in Downtown Los Angeles and is excited to continue to grow and provide a space for the intersection of Art + Community.