#1: Welcome to Asian Persuasion!
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our website and our inaugural event, which will take place on October 17th, 2024. This event marks the beginning of our journey to celebrate and amplify the rich diversity of Asian talent in the media, arts, and culture.
Our Story
Asian Persuasion vzw was founded by Joni Sheila and Christopher D’havé, both active as artists within the Belgian music and culture sector. The project grew from both a personal and collective urgency: after years of navigating spaces where we rarely saw people who looked like us, especially on stage or behind the scenes. It became clear that the creative field in Belgium had a representation gap.
The rise in anti-Asian racism during the pandemic made that absence even more visible. It pushed us not only to reflect, but to act.
In 2022, we hosted a small try-out event featuring only Asian music artists. The response was full of joy, energy, and recognition. It confirmed the need for a space where Asian creatives could be seen and celebrated on their own terms.
In the years since, we’ve continued to grow, sometimes through uplifting collaborations, and sometimes through challenging experiences that reminded us why autonomy and community care matter. These lessons deepened our commitment to build something rooted in respect, integrity, and joy.
Our Mission
At Asian Persuasion, our mission is to provide a platform for Asian artists and creatives to showcase their talents and share their stories. We are dedicated to breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and promoting greater representation and visibility of Asian people in all creative fields. By fostering a supportive and inclusive community, we aim to create a more diverse and inclusive society.
How You Can Support Us
Asian Persuasion is currently fully self-funded by the founders. We’re committed to continuing this work but we also need your help to grow.
Your support will help us:
Organize future events
Pay artists fairly
Develop research on representation
Create community days, workshops and more
Whether you’re an artist, a donor, a volunteer, or just curious, we’d love to hear from you.
👉🏾 Support us
Stay Connected
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook or LinkedIn or subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop.
We’re building this together, for the long term.
With love,
Asian Persuasion
