American Romanian Cultural Society

The American Romanian Cultural Society (ARCS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cultural understanding and creative expression through film, art, and education programs serving Seattle, WA and the broader West Coast community. ARCS specializes in Romanian heritage education and contemporary cultural initiatives that bridge Eastern European communities across the United States. The organization's signature offering is the annual Romanian Film Festival in Seattle, now in its 12th edition and hosted each November at SIFF Cinema Uptown, showcasing authentic Romanian and Moldovan cinema to regional audiences. Beyond film programming, ARCS provides comprehensive educational courses for both adults and children, including Beginning Romanian language instruction, Romanian history seminars, and cultural heritage classes designed to deepen understanding of Romanian traditions and identity. The organization also supports innovative art and educational projects that celebrate Romanian cultural contributions while fostering cross-cultural dialogue. By combining accessible programming with substantive educational content, ARCS creates multiple entry points for Seattle-area residents to engage with Romanian culture, whether through attending film screenings, enrolling in language courses, or participating in community events. The organization's commitment to arts-based education reflects a belief in culture's transformative power to overcome barriers, inspire creativity, and build meaningful connections between diverse communities on the West Coast.