Riksha Magazine invites the public to Riksha Returns, a multidisciplinary evening of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) art, performance, and community storytelling on May 16, 2026, at the Rizal Center in Chicago. Presented in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the event brings together artists, writers, and performers for a dynamic night of creative expression and cultural connection.
First launched in 1993, Riksha began as a literary and cultural platform—including a print magazine and live performances—amplifying AANHPI voices in Chicago. In 2017, Riksha evolved into an online magazine, continuing its mission to showcase these voices. After a period of quiet in recent years, Riksha returns—reimagined as a live gathering and evolving archive. This event marks both a reunion and a revival.
The evening begins at 6:30 PM with a visual art reception featuring over twenty artists—many previously published in Riksha, alongside new contributors. Guests are invited to connect with artists and experience their contemporary work. At 7:30 PM, performances take center stage, featuring Circa Pintig, Stir Friday Night, Banyan Asian American Writers Collective, a film by Nothing Without a Company, and others. The evening continues through 11:00 PM.
Riksha Returns explores movement—how stories travel, gather, and take form. Like the riksha itself, the event serves as a vehicle for voices, carrying personal histories, creative expression, and shared memory into a common space.
Throughout the night, guests may participate in a Storytelling Booth. Attendees are invited to record a short story, poem, reflection, or song. These recordings will become part of the Riksha Living Archive and may be curated into future publications and releases.
Light bites will be served (dairy-, nut-, and shellfish-free). The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, bringing together artists, writers, and community members to share work and reconnect.
Riksha Returns is both a return and a beginning—a gathering of voices, past and present, in motion.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged, and donations are accepted.
Accessibility: While the building does not have an elevator, a chair lift is available to access the upper floor. Staff will be on hand to assist with navigation and use of the lift.
We extend our gratitude to the Rizal Center and the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago (FACGC) Board for providing a “home away from home” for our artist community.
Event Details
What: Riksha Returns: A Celebration of Art, Story, and Community
When: May 16, 2026
Schedule:
6:30 PM – Art Opening
7:30 PM – Performances
11:00 PM – Close
Where: Rizal Center, 1332 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL
Featuring:
Visual Art • Spoken Word • Live Music • Storytelling Booth
Art Exhibit:
Runs from May 4 through June 5 by appointment or during Rizal Center public events.
Registration:
Riksha Returns: A Celebration of AANHPI Art, Music & Community
About Riksha Magazine
Founded in 1993, Riksha Magazine is a Chicago-based literary and cultural platform rooted in Asian American storytelling. Known for amplifying both emerging and established voices, Riksha returns with a renewed focus on live performance, community storytelling, and the creation of a living archive.
Performers Scheduled
Circa Pintig
Stir Friday Night
Banyan Asian American Writers Collective
A film by Nothing Without a Company
Sona Umbra
Lani Montreal
Dwight Okita
Chika Sekiguchi
Vinh Hoang
Sharmili Majmudar
Patty Cooper
Artists Scheduled to be Exhibited
Reevah Agarwaal
Jose Aggari
Kioto Aoki
Youngsun Choi
Cesar Conde
Kunio Hagio
Kaitlyn Hwang
Greg Jue
Cherin Kim
Laura Kina
Tulika Ladsariya
Ivan Lee
Larry Lee
Li Lin Lee
Lisa Macri
Geraldine Martinez-Benz
Cori Nakamura Lin
Linh Nguyễn
Sarah Nishiura
Bueno Silva
Eulalio Fabie de Silva
Danielle Tanimura
Giau Minh Tran
Press Contact
Larry Leopoldo / Riksha
larryleopoldo@gmail.com
312-956-7731
Website: www.riksha.com
Instagram: @rikshamagazine
Facebook: Riksha Magazine