About Us
The Thai Cultural and Fine Arts Institute (TCFAI) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Thai culture and fine arts. Since 1995, TCFAI has provided various programming in the Chicagoland area to educate and entertain diverse audiences. The TCFAI community is open to youth, teens, adults, and families and welcomes people from all backgrounds.
Every Saturday, TCFAI offers classes for anyone interested in learning more about Thailand and its vibrant culture. There are classes in Thai classical dance, music, and language for every age group and experience level. Classes are taught in Thai and English by volunteers that are passionate about passing on the Thai culture. A main staple of the Thai culture is its delicious regional food and each week, members indulge in a free potluck.
Many of the TCFAI members involved in the fine arts classes have multiple opportunities to perform publicly throughout the year. The group has performed in different venues, events, and festivals throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota, and California. The performing troupe has also had residencies abroad at the Dramatic Arts College in Thailand and in partnership with the Royal Thai Consulate in Trinidad and Tobago. In addition, joint programs with Thailand's top performing arts schools and groups have given our members, once in a lifetime opportunities to learn, interact, and perform with renowned artists and teachers.
At TCFAI, we are committed to more than just promoting and preserving the Thai culture. We build relationships, develop life skills, practice team-building, and create a social network that is filled with laughter, love, storytelling, and great Thai food. Within our community, we encourage all of our members to become involved in what interests them. From organizing the weekly menu to teaching language classes, our institute is 100% run by people who donate their time and effort - we could not do it without our wonderful volunteers. Our community continues to grow and strengthen everyday and we strive to foster a safe and welcoming space for all.
With the growing number of American-born Thais, students from Thailand studying in the Chicagoland area, and overall interest/awareness of Thailand from popular culture, TCFAI has become an important resource in the preservation of Thailand's beautiful arts and culture to the City of Chicago and its surrounding areas and states.
Currently, the institute runs on Saturdays from 9am-4pm and is located within the Buddhist Meditation Center in Willowbrook, IL (20 miles SW of Chicago).