Through film, fine arts, music, writing, dance, and much more, New York’s AAPI artists celebrate and represent their communities and cultures, give visibility to their stories, and make significant contributions to New York’s arts and cultural programming.
Founded in 1983, the Asian American Arts Alliance (A4) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and showcasing AAPI art and culture. It creates programs and opportunities, including New York City-based fellowships and national grants.
Nava Dance Theatre, AAPI Dance Festival at APAP|NYC, January 2026. Courtesy Asian American Arts Alliance (A4), photo by Jeff Wang.
Standing for “Art, Humanity, Love,” the AHL Foundation’s mission is to support artists of Korean heritage throughout the United States.
Its founder, Sook Nyu Lee Kim, immigrated to New York in 1969 and opened one of the first Korean-focused art galleries in New York City. After retiring from the gallery, she founded the AHL Foundation.
In honor of Lee’s work and the AHL Foundation’s mission to raise awareness of contemporary Korean art, she received a proclamation from the New York State Senate and the Sejong Presidential Cultural Award from the Republic of Korea (2016).
AHL Foundation founder Sook Nyu Lee Kim, at left. Courtesy of the AHL Foundation Facebook.
Using film as a medium to inspire communities, the annual Pacific Island Film Festival of New York City shares Pacific Islanders’ stories with a broad and diverse audience. In a state known for its commitment to the arts, not only does the festival provide a valuable platform for filmmakers to showcase their cinematic work, but it also serves as a professional talent development and networking opportunity.
Film screening event held at the American Indian Museum in New York City, 2024. Courtesy of the Pacific Island Film Festival, New York City.