The Lao American Writers Summit examines ways writers create work to transform their lives and their world. It is organized as a grass-roots effort with the assistance of many local and national arts and community groups. Confirmed writers include award-winning film-makers, authors and performers such as Catzie Vilayphonh of the spoken word duo Yellow Rage, Saymoukda Vongsay, playwright and author of the chapbook “No Regrets,” actor Ova Saopeng of Refugee Nation, and the acclaimed poets Krysada Panusith Phounsiri, writer Nor Sanavongsay, Ko Chandetka, and the Kinnaly Dance Troupe from Seattle.
This year’s Summit received funding and support from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, the Lao Assistance Center, the Loft Literary Center, Asian American Press, the University of Minnesota Asian American Studies Program, Swan Scythe Press, the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, the national Association of Asian American Studies and many others. For more information email: info@laowriters.org or visit the conference website at www.laowriters.org.
