Completing a successful National call for scholarship submissions, Los Angeles based Asian Pacific Islander American Arts and Culture Nonprofit, Pacific Bridge Arts Foundation (PBAF), has awarded their inaugural Musical Arts Scholarship to deserving up and coming arts leaders.  During a ceremony on Monday, Nov 18, PBAF Founder, Councilmember David Ryu (CD4), PBAF Co-chair, Johnnie Giles, and Kevin Nishimura & James Roh of Far East Movement, were on hand to honor local student Natalie Lee and Seattle, Washington based Katyrose Jordan. They will both receive $7,500 scholarships as well as year-long mentorship opportunities with industry professionals and leaders.

“The Pacific Bridge Arts Foundation does incredible work to highlight the creative spirit in the AAPI community and support up-and-coming AAPI artists,” Councilmember Ryu said. “This is about giving back to our AAPI community. These scholarship recipients are incredibly talented musicians with promising futures, and this support from PBAF will help them in their journey to future success.”

Scholarship recipients were chosen based on a number of different factors including personal essay, professional references, and potential of musical arts abilities. The goal for the Scholarship is to help provide a support system for the next generation of Asian Pacific Islander American arts leaders. Candidates were selected by an internal committee of PBAF board members and industry professionals.

The call for scholarship submissions were officially announced during the non-profits annual APIA Heritage Month celebration, IDENTITY LA, an event that celebrated women in the APIA community featuring Tokimonsta, Yuna, and more.  It kicked off in partnership with Billboard Hot 100 and global record selling group Far East Movement.

Far East Movement states “our community lifted us up in every way in an industry that felt so far away to us, so we are so grateful to work with our amazing board at PBA and the city of LA to give guidance and support to the next gen of serious creatives in our community. We hope this is just the spark to something that can help many more in the future”