Mission:
絲綢之路文化協會透過真實的文化表演、武術與歷史展示、
漢至明朝各時期的工製作歷史複製盔甲、
漢服展示，以及教育活動，致力於促進跨文化理解，
並保存中國及更廣泛的亞洲活態文化傳統。我們的活動遍及
克里夫蘭、亞城（Asiatown）、大克里夫蘭地區及俄亥俄州東北部。
Silk Road Cultural Collective promotes cross-cultural understanding and preserves Chinese and broader Asian living traditions through authentic cultural performances, martial arts and historical demonstrations, handmade historical replica armor from the Han through Ming dynasties, Hanfu showcases, and educational programming throughout Cleveland, Asiatown, Greater Cleveland, and Northeast Ohio.
Our Core Programs
Asian/Chinese Authentic Historical Armor Heritage Showcase (Public Demonstrations)
History is most meaningful when it can be experienced—not just observed. Our Authentic Historical Armor Heritage Showcase brings Chinese history to life through authentic, wearable replica armor representing the Han through Ming dynasties.
Presented at community events, festivals, libraries, and public venues throughout Northeast Ohio, visitors can see, touch, and even try on armor weighing between 30 and 47 pounds while learning about historical craftsmanship, martial traditions, and everyday life in ancient China.
Our demonstrations also promote cultural literacy by helping audiences distinguish Chinese armor from Japanese samurai armor, highlighting the unique history, design, and traditions of Chinese civilization.
Educational Workshops (Schools & Institutions)
We provide engaging, hands-on educational workshops for K–12 schools, libraries, museums, and community organizations throughout Northeast Ohio.
Designed to complement social studies and cultural education, our programs encourage active participation through authentic artifacts, Hanfu, historical armor, storytelling, and interactive demonstrations. Rather than simply teaching history, we create immersive educational experiences that inspire curiosity, encourage cross-cultural understanding, and make learning memorable.
Our workshops have been presented at institutions including Laurel School, Cleveland Public Library, and Cuyahoga County Public Library.
Community Festivals & Events
We partner with cities, libraries, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to produce cultural festivals and public events that celebrate Chinese and broader Asian heritage.
From Lunar New Year celebrations and Asia Plaza events to neighborhood festivals and civic celebrations, our programs feature live performances, cultural demonstrations, educational exhibits, and interactive experiences that bring communities together while supporting local AAPI-owned businesses and strengthening cultural appreciation throughout Greater Cleveland.
Our Community Impact
Each year, Silk Road Cultural Collective reaches thousands of Northeast Ohio residents through free public programs, educational workshops, cultural festivals, and living history experiences. By making history accessible, interactive, and engaging, we inspire lifelong learning, foster cross-cultural understanding, and celebrate the rich traditions of Chinese and broader Asian cultures.
Bringing Chinese and Asian heritage to life in Cleveland.
Silk Road Cultural Collective is a Cleveland-based nonprofit rooted in the heart of Cleveland’s historic AsiaTown. We bring Chinese and broader Asian history and culture to life through authentic educational experiences. Through live performances, Hanfu, authentic handmade historical replica armors, martial arts, workshops, and cultural demonstrations, we inspire curiosity, foster cross-cultural understanding, and connect communities through the living traditions of Asia.
Vision & Our Story
Our Vision
Our vision is to become a trusted cultural institution in Cleveland and Asiatown, connecting communities through accessible cultural education, authentic historical experiences, community partnerships, and public engagement. We seek to build a lasting collection and expand programming that celebrates the diverse cultures connected by the Silk Road while creating meaningful opportunities for people of all backgrounds to learn, participate, and experience Asian history and culture firsthand.
We are a proud member of One Cleveland.
Why Silk Road Cultural Collective?
We don’t just preserve history—we bring it to life. Through authentic Hanfu, handmade historical armor, live performances, martial arts, storytelling, and hands-on educational experiences, we create memorable opportunities for people of all ages to explore, experience, and appreciate the richness of Chinese and broader Asian heritage.
Our Story
Founded and rooted in Cleveland’s historic AsiaTown, Silk Road Cultural Collective was created to preserve, celebrate, and share Chinese and broader Asian heritage through living history, public education, and community engagement. We bring authentic Han to Ming dynasty armor, Hanfu, martial arts, and historical storytelling into schools, libraries, museums, festivals, and community events, creating immersive educational experiences that make history accessible to audiences of all ages.
Founded by award-winning Cleveland filmmaker, civic leader, and producer Johnny K. Wu (Cleveland Asian Festival, One World Day, etc.), in partnership with Dan Hanson of ClevelandPeople.com and Anne (Ying) Pu, founder and publisher of the Erie Chinese Journal, the collective combines historical research, storytelling, and live interpretation to create meaningful educational and cultural experiences throughout Greater Cleveland.
The 3 founding Directors, Anne Pu, Johnny K. Wu and Dan Hanson
Future Initiatives
As we grow, our focus will remain on serving Greater Cleveland through community-based arts, education, and cross-cultural programming. Future initiatives include expanding our living history collections to interpret additional Asian traditions—including Japanese armor, Korean martial traditions, and Silk Road-inspired culinary and musical experiences—allowing us to showcase the rich diversity of Asian cultures through immersive educational experiences while continuing to strengthen AsiaTown as a vibrant cultural destination for the region.
Get Involved
Volunteer Opportunities
Join us on-site or virtually to support our events, education, outreach, and fundraising efforts. You can also become a Heritage Performer and help bring Chinese and broader Asian cultural history to life for Cleveland communities. Please fill out this form. 
Support Our Mission
Silk Road Cultural Collective is a Cleveland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation supports community programs, cultural education, and public events serving Greater Cleveland.
Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. EIN: 41-3498794.
Partnerships
We partner with schools, museums, civic organizations, and businesses that value Chinese and broader Asian cultural heritage, education, and community engagement in Greater Cleveland. Together, we create programs that bring Chinese history, Asian living traditions, and public learning experiences to local audiences through events, workshops, and shared cultural experiences.
Bring Silk Road Cultural Collective to your school, museum, festival, or community event, or support our work as a donor, sponsor, or community partner.
Funding and Sustainability
Silk Road Cultural Collective is supported through contributed funding, community donations, PayPal contributions, in-kind support including donated armor and cultural materials, and earned income from contracted performances and presentations.
Recent engagements include Fan Expo Cleveland, SouthPark Mall Lunar New Year Celebration, Asia Plaza Lunar New Year Celebration, City of Solon Lunar New Year Celebration, Laurel School Culture Fest, and Cleveland International Hall of Fame. See our Gallery for a fuller list and event photos
Current Supporters and Community Backing
Experience Partner Funders
Program Friend Funders
Digital Funders
Community Supporters
Media Sponsors
