Vietnamese American Arts and Letters Association

The Vietnamese American Arts and Letters Association (VAALA) is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing and supporting Vietnamese and Southeast Asian artistic expression in Fountain Valley, CA and surrounding communities. Since its founding in 1991, VAALA has established itself as a vital cultural institution, organizing and presenting a diverse range of artistic programs including art exhibitions, book signings, music recitals, theatrical productions, and film festivals. The organization specializes in promoting Vietnamese literature and visual arts while creating platforms for emerging and established artists to share their work with broader audiences.

VAALA's programming calendar features signature annual events such as the Viet Film Fest, a celebrated festival presenting global Vietnamese voices and cinema, and the Children's Moon Festival Art Contest, which engages young artists in the community. The organization also curates rotating art exhibitions exploring themes of cultural significance, such as recent exhibitions examining refugee experiences and artistic recomposition. As a volunteer-driven organization, VAALA collaborates with diverse community partners to develop culturally enriching events that bridge artistic communities and foster meaningful cultural dialogue. Whether through film screenings, literary events, visual art displays, or live performances, VAALA provides comprehensive cultural programming designed to celebrate Vietnamese American heritage and connect audiences with contemporary and traditional artistic expressions.