The "home" of Kansas City's Filipino community, the Filipino Cultural Center (FCC) is a 3,600 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

Based on the emerging needs of the community, the Filipino Association has outgrown its current space. The Phase II Expansion Project, spearheaded by the FCCF, will increase the size of the FCC by 50%. Preliminary concepts were introduced in 2009, and major strides are expected for the project as it moves forward in 2010 and beyond. The expansion will include:

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

Follow our progress as the Phase II Expansion Project comes to life.