If you’ve been to the Main Library branch in the last month, you may have seen a new installation at the Welcome Center entitled “Asian in Ohio.” This is the latest physical embodiment of a Midstory narrative following their groundbreaking “Climate Change” exhibit that was also housed in the Main Library branch.
The vision of “Asian in Ohio” is clear according to Ruth Chang. “I want people to walk away not seeing these stories as Asian American, but as American and Ohioan.”
Midstory began their storytelling presence in Toledo in 2018, founded by Ruth Chang, Samuel Chang, Alex Lim and Logan Sander. They identify as an educational media organization, that aims to inform, interpret and inspire in and for the Midwest.
Funded in part by the Foundation’s Equity & Access Initiative and with space generously donated by the Toledo Public Library and Welcome TLC, Midstory wanted to bring awareness to Asian people living in Ohio after seeing a rise in Asian hate soon after the pandemic hit. To meet this need, “Asian in Ohio” was born.
A common theme in Midstory’s narratives are new and novel approaches to transport participants into a story. Out of 30+ interviews, four Ohioans are highlighted at the main part of the installation, the interview audio beginning the minute the listener lifts the telephone. “When you pick up the receiver it feels like a conversation between the storyteller and the listener,” Logan Sander explains.
Walking around the receiver station, Midstory displays the prevalence of Ohioans with Asian ancestry. “Although comprising only 12% of the national Asian population, the Midwestern states are seeing some of the fastest population growth rates of Asian American populations. In Ohio, furthermore, we saw a rise of 124% in our Asian population from 2000-2021.”
In shining a light on this rise in Asian populations moving to the Midwest, Midstory starts a conversation around what it means to share an identity as an American, Midwestern, and an Ohioan. “Many more stories – right in our midst — await us.”
“Asian in Ohio” will be at the Main Library until the end of the year, but you can access the digital version here.