Steve Thao’s Vision for Hmong Arts
For Steve Yee Thao, known to many as "Ci," the intersection of art and identity isn't just a career—it’s a lifelong mission. Born in Loojceeb, Laos, and now a resident of Saint Paul for over a decade, Thao has spent years navigating the shifting tides of the nonprofit arts world. As the Executive Director of Center for Hmong Arts and Talent (CHAT), he is working to ensure that the next generation of Hmong creators has a place to call home. Thao’s journey into leadership was fueled by a deep-seated passion for storytelling. Alongside his father, the pioneering film producer Su Thao of ST Universal Studios, Steve helped pioneer the Hmong movie business, an experience that shaped his vision for CHAT when he took the helm in 2016. "I’ve always had a strong interest in filmmaking," Thao says. "I came in to revitalize the filmmaking aspect of CHAT, even though they worked with many aspects of art—youth development, spoken word, and more."
The road has not been without significant hurdles. For years, CHAT operated out of a high-character suite at 995 University Ave East in Saint Paul. It was a space filled with history, but also with challenges—holes in the ceiling and aging infrastructure. When the building owners initiated a remodel, CHAT was asked to vacate with the hope of returning. However, they were never allowed back. Today, that space serves as a dance studio, leaving CHAT without a permanent physical anchor. Beyond the physical space, Thao has faced a shifting landscape in philanthropy. "The biggest obstacle is funding," he explains. "Foundations seem to have had a dramatic shift... if they are not looking to fund youth development, specifically in art, it is harder."
Despite these financial pressures—which at times have left the organization with no salaried staff—Thao remains driven by the "blank canvas" the role provides. For him, the ability to be creative and build programs from the ground up remains the most fulfilling part of the work. Thao is quick to credit those who built the foundation he stands on. He speaks warmly of the "passionate volunteer instructors" and a youth development team that once saw former students return as adult mentors. He also honors the memory of the late Tou Ger Xiong, a staunch supporter of CHAT. "He was a creative who believed in young folks and in the arts," Thao recalls. "He supported us as one of the strongest in many ways." Looking ahead, Thao’s dreams are both structural and digital. His three-to-four-year plan involves securing a sustainable, revenue-generating building—a true cultural center for Hmong artists.
Central to this vision is a social enterprise model: a dedicated platform for Hmong h
By moving toward a self-sustaining model, Thao hopes to turn CHAT from a struggling nonprofit into a permanent engine for Hmong culture—one where artists don't just create for the sake of art but have the resources to build lasting careers.
A Legacy of "Fresh Traditions"
While other Hmong arts organizations have come and gone over the last two decades, CHAT has remained a constant. Much of that staying power is tied to Fresh Traditions, the organization’s signature fashion program that has become synonymous with the CHAT name. Thao continues to push the boundaries of what Hmong art can look like on a global stage. His "crazy ideas" have led to international fashion shows, with upcoming plans for an event in Laos and a dream of bringing Hmong couture to the Mall of America. For Thao, these high-visibility events are essential for connecting the broader community to the Hmong experience. Leading an arts organization often requires a choice between stability and soul. Thao has frequently chosen the latter. While other jobs offered higher pay, they couldn't match the "creative flexibility" he finds at CHAT.
"Through COVID, we’ve seen how art has helped people cope," Thao says. "It is an important spiritual soul of who we are as people." For Steve Yee Thao, the sacrifice is worth it to ensure that the Hmong community continues to have a space where their stories, their fashion, and their spirits can thrive.