Programs

Public Programs

Town Hall

Pitches, Presentations, and Potluck
Town Hall is the Asian American Arts Alliance’s cornerstone gathering for the Asian American creative community. Since 2009, A4 has brought together artists, arts workers, curators, producers, as well as professionals from nonprofits and other sectors, to share ideas, promote creative projects, learn about opportunities, and find collaborators. Town Hall nurtures and catalyzes the creative energy of our vibrant community by providing a regular, safe space for people to come together and be inspired.
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ConversAAtions

Community Discussions
A4’s ConversAAtions series is a platform for Asian American leaders and creators to inspire, inform, and connect members of our community. We discuss topics around issues of identity and the arts to encourage participants to share their thoughts and experiences, challenge us with new ideas, and offer suggestions for creating the reality we want to see. Conversations range from practical advice and sharing lived experiences to exploring creative concepts and ideas.
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Professional Development

Professional Development

Workshops and Roundtable Discussions
A4 offers a range of professional development programs that help create concrete pathways of access between artists, arts administrators, and cultural gatekeepers. Our workshops focus on diverse disciplines and provide opportunities for technical assistance, practical learning, and critical feedback from both experts and peers. Our roundtable series brings together established creative professionals with aspiring professionals to answer questions, provide advice, and create networking and mentoring opportunities in both artistic practice and arts administration.
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Fellowships & Awards
The Bandung Residency

The Bandung 2024-25 Residency, presented by the Asian American Arts Alliance (A4) and The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA), is an opportunity designed to uplift the work of artists, educators, and organizers whose practice is intended to foster solidarity between Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) and Black communities.

The Bandung Residency is made possible through the NYS AAPI Community Fund; the Ford Foundation; the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs with the support of NYC Council Members Crystal Hudson, Christopher Marte, Chi Ossé, and Sandra Ung; the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development; and Apicha Community Health Center.

Learn more about our 2024-25 Residents in our press release here, and by clicking on the button below.

Van Lier Fellowship
For Theater Artists

The Van Lier Fellowship program aims to advance the careers and creative practice of Asian American artists living in New York City. This program supports early-career arts practitioners whose work shows outstanding promise in the fields of theater, music, and visual art to further develop their talent and to help establish them in the professional arts community.

With support from the Edward and Sally Van Lier Fund through the New York Community Trust, the fellowships provide a cash stipend, mentorship, and career development services. Created by the will of Sally Van Lier, the Trust carries out Edward and Sally Van Lier’s legacy of arts appreciation by supporting arts groups and training programs to provide education, training, or other support.

This year, the fellowship will be awarded to two NYC-based Asian American theater artists – in the categories of Acting and Directing – who seek to make an impact on the Asian American community to help develop new or existing work.

A4 is pleased to announce our 2024 Van Lier Fellows in Theater: Lianah Sta. Ana (Acting) and Borna Barzin (Directing). Read the press release here.

Jadin Wong Fellowship
For Dance Artists

The Jadin Wong Fellowship recognizes an emerging Asian American dance artist whose work shows strong potential for greater achievement and who hopes to make a significant impact on the Asian American artistic community as a whole. The fellowship provides a cash stipend, mentorship, and career development opportunities.

This award is a tribute to the life and work of renowned Chinese American actress, dancer, and comedienne Jadin Wong (1913–2010), a pioneer and innovator of Asian American performing arts. The award is made possible by the Jadin Wong Educational Fund at the New York Community Trust, established to continue her dream of supporting aspiring artists, musicians, and dancers of Asian descent.

A4 is pleased to announce our 2024 Jadin Wong Fellow, Kanon Sugino, and our Artists of Exceptional Merit, Luna Beller-Tadiar and Nikaio Thomashow. Read the press release here.

Upcoming Event

12/15/24
7 – 8PM
Mirage No Wana
What Can We Do?

What Can We Do? (WCWD?) is an artist grant program that supports artists and their creative projects showing care to the AAPI community in NYC. The program was created in response to the sharp increase in anti-Asian hate and violence during the pandemic which caused many people to experience grief, anxiety, and fear. WCWD? empowers artists, giving them a chance to find their place in the ecosystem of care through their talents and community connections.

This program is presented by Asian American Arts Alliance (A4) and is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Special thanks to Council Members Christopher Marte and Sandra Ung.

Wai Look Award

Established in 2011, the Wai Look Award for Outstanding Service to the Arts is is given periodically to an Asian American who is making a significant contribution to the arts by demonstrating a commitment to outstanding service, advocacy, and/or leadership.

The award is a tribute to the life and work of Wai Look, who served on the Asian American Arts Alliance board of directors from 1999 until her death in December 2010. She spent most of her career in the arts, as an administrator and in artist services, and devoted herself to helping others. Ms. Look also strongly believed in the importance of volunteering, which was reflected in her personal, as well as professional life.