The WOW Project

The W.O.W. Project is a women, queer, trans, and youth-led community initiative using art and activism to grow our community’s capacities for self-determination and nurture NYC Chinatown’s creative culture in a time of rapid change. 

W.O.W.’s journey began in the heart of Manhattan Chinatown, within the century-old Wing On Wo & Co., Mei Lum founded The W.O.W. Project in 2016, continuing the legacy of her family's porcelain store, a community hub since the 1890s. The W.O.W. Project carries forward this tradition, and stands as a mobilizing force of Asian diasporic youth, socially engaged artists, community organizers and neighbors, responding to the evolving needs of Chinatown in this latest era of uncertainty and displacement. 

Why W.O.W.? Why Now? We are on a mission to nurture the self-determination and leadership of women, queer, and trans Asian diasporic youth. This vision is challenged by current threats – displacement, gentrification, and the increasingly polarizing political climate seeking to divide us and fragment movements. When communities face displacement, mistrust grows, misinformation spreads, and Chinatown shrinks, this self-determination future seems unattainable. Yet, it is precisely in such uncertain moments that we call upon our collective wisdom, gathered through 8 years of cultural organizing work. Though our work is expansive—including residencies, youth programs, public events, and mutual aid—it is all an expression of three core strategies and visions for community: 

Your Support Matters! Celebrate and support these three pillars defining W.O.W.'s ways of working. Your support isn’t just a cheer to Chinatown's rich history and culture; it's a catalyst empowering grassroots collectives like us. Let’s strengthen the connections between local businesses, artists, and residents. Together, we hold change with care, nurture the next generation of leaders, and create art and cultural initiatives to sustain the heart of Chinatown. 

Join the Movement! Your donation and your commitment are a powerful investment in the future we're building together. Let us unlock our imaginations and expand our capacities to dream of—and build towards—better futures. Chip in, share with friends, and let’s make changes together! 

See you in the community! 

With love and gratitude,

All of us at W.O.W.