Asian American Arts Alliance Selected As Fiscal Sponsor for National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission

WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives from Asian American Arts Alliance (A4) attended the ceremonial swearing-in of the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. Asian American Arts Alliance was named as the official fiscal sponsor for the commission to administrate all donations for the Museum’s Commission. Lisa Gold, executive director, and Reena Jana, board president, were present to witness the first formal event gathering congressionally appointed members at the Library of Congress, formally launching its mandated mission to assess the feasibility of establishing the first national museum dedicated to preserving Asian Pacific American history and culture.

“It is an honor to be part of this process,” says Lisa Gold. “The realization of this museum reflects a pivotal moment in Asian American history. In line with A4’s decades-long mission, the museum will increase representation and understanding of Asian American cultural contributions to this country.”

Established by Public Law 117-140 (H.R. 3525) on June 13, 2022, the bipartisan Commission is charged with delivering a report to the President and Congress that will lay the foundation for the possible creation of a national museum.

Over the coming months, the Commission will engage the Asian Pacific American community nationwide, consulting with leading experts and institutions, and assessing key considerations–including site locations in our nation’s capital, costs, and operations of the future museum.

“Today’s ceremony marks an important step in our effort to fulfill the vision laid out by Congress and develop a thoughtful, community-informed roadmap for a potential museum,” said Commission Chair Dr. Jay Xu. “We are honored to serve on this Commission and look forward to engaging with experts and community members across the country to examine how to bring to life a national institution that truly reflects the richness of the Asian Pacific American experience.”

“For generations, countless Asian Pacific Americans have helped shape this country,” said Commission Chair Chiling Tong. “This Commission represents a powerful opportunity to ensure their contributions are preserved, celebrated, and shared with future generations.”

The bipartisan Commission includes eight members appointed by the Speaker and Minority Leader of the US House of Representatives and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the US Senate. The Commissioners, who were selected for their leadership in public service, museum development, and community engagement, include:

• Dr. Jay Xu (California), Chair – Director Emeritus, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
• Chiling Tong (Maryland), Chair – President and CEO, National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship
• Joanne Kwong (New York), Vice Chair – President, Pearl River Mart
• Tina Wei Smith (Kentucky), Vice Chair – Former Executive Director, White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
• Dennis Cheng (New York) – Former Deputy Political Director, The White House
• The Honorable Rodney Davis (Illinois) – Former U.S. Representative (IL-13)
• Kevin D. Kim (New York) – Former Commissioner, New York City Department of Small Business Services
• The Honorable Michelle Steel (California) – Former U.S. Representative (CA-45)

The Commission also announced that Krystal Ka‘ai Hetherington will serve as its Executive Director. Ka‘ai Hetherington brings a wealth of experience to the Commission, having previously served as Executive Director of both the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

Through listening sessions and convenings, the Commission will invite broad participation from the Asian Pacific American community to explore how a museum could best serve the nation. Commissioners will also consult with community leaders and experts, regional museums, academic institutions, historical societies, and cultural organizations to develop recommendations on establishing, funding, and maintaining a museum in the nation’s capital. The Commission’s work will conclude with the delivery of a final report to the President, Congress, and the American people outlining a plan for a future museum.

Members of the public will be able to track updates from the Commission through its new website (nationalapamuseum.org) and on social media at @apamuseum.

About the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture
Established by the 117th Congress, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture is charged with delivering to the President and Congress a comprehensive plan of action that will lay the groundwork for Congressional authorization of a museum in Washington, D.C. dedicated to honoring the achievements, progress, and lasting impact of Asian Pacific Americans. To learn more about the Commission’s work, visit nationalapamuseum.org or contact commission@nationalapamuseum.org.

About Asian American Arts Alliance (A4)
Asian American Arts Alliance is a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring greater representation, equity, and opportunities for Asian American artists and cultural organizations through resource sharing, promotion, and community building. Since 1983, A4 has sought to unify, promote, and represent the artistic and cultural producers of one of New York City’s fastest-growing populations. A4 is a diverse alliance of artists, organizations, and arts supporters who believe that working together as a pan-ethnic, multidisciplinary community is essential to nurturing the development of artists and arts groups. A4 serves as a thoughtful convener of the Asian American cultural workforce around issues of race, identity, and artmaking and provides a critical voice for this community. It is the only service organization in the country dedicated to the professional development of Asian American artists in all disciplines.

For press enquiries, please contact
Danielle Wu
Communications & Exhibitions Director, A4