The Museum of Us will be hosting an Artist Talk with Kip Fulbeck, who will share the latest update to The Hapa Project. In this continuation of his groundbreaking work, Fulbeck has re-photographed 130 of the original participants from the project’s launch in 2001 and invited them to write new personal statements—offering a powerful reflection on how our self-definitions and perspectives evolve over time.

Fulbeck has exhibited and performed in over 20 countries and throughout the U.S., with features on CNN, MTV, The TODAY Show, The New York Times, Voice of America, and numerous NPR programs. His work continues to push conversations on race, identity, and belonging.

One of the things I’ve often noticed in exhibitions about race and culture is how frequently they feel othering. The artist might be sharing their observations—positive or not—but it often feels like they’re speaking about a group rather than with them. That’s what struck me about The Hapa Project when I first saw it. It was one of the first exhibits I’d encountered that didn’t speak for the subjects—it invited them to speak for themselves. Fulbeck simply asks, “What are you?”—a question many mixed-race individuals know all too well, along with the ever-present label “racially ambiguous.”

The result is a deeply personal and visually striking collection of portraits and handwritten statements. Now, 25 years later, Fulbeck revisits those same individuals, once again giving them the space to define their own identities.

This Artist Talk is a rare opportunity to hear Kip speak about his creative journey and his ongoing exploration of multiracial identity across global communities. Following the talk, guests are invited to attend a meet-and-greet and view the new exhibition hapa.me – 25 Years of The Hapa Project.

In recognition of his work promoting multiracial awareness, Fulbeck received the inaugural Loving Prize at the Mixed Roots Film & Literary Festival and was named a Cultural Pioneer by Harvard University—just a few of many accolades acknowledging his lasting impact.

Event Details 

Date: Thursday, June 26 
Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., Doors open at 5 p.m. 
Location: Museum of Us building and Gill Administration Building 
Price: $10 with active Museum membership, $20 for non-members 

***Admission for non-members will include complimentary annual membership to the Museum for one year!

Registration: Required, seating in the Gill Administration Building is limited.