Rooted in stories of place, family, journey, identity and—ultimately—home, the exhibition Hidden heritages. San José’s vietnamese legacy focuses on individual voices and personal narratives. The latest installment in the ongoing Hidden heritages series, it tells the story of a community, collective resilience, and the legacy they will leave to future generations who call this city home.

Presented as part of City Hall Exhibits, a program of the Public Art Program in the San José Office of Cultural Affairs that was established to provide the temporary display of artwork and artifacts in San José City Hall. The purpose of City Hall Exhibits is to enliven public space in City Hall and to celebrate San José’s history and culture, as well as its creative and diverse community, and to engage the public.

Hidden Heritages: San José’s Vietnamese Legacy is a multi-year partnership among the San José Museum of Art, Chopsticks Alley Art, and the City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs that brings Vietnamese artists and community members together to share, amplify, and artistically present stories that reveal the contributions of Vietnamese Americans to San José, one of California’s most diverse cities. The project consisted of a series of creative learning workshops, an exhibition, and an original performance, demonstrating the power of art to build community and deepen cross-cultural understanding.