Asian American Arts Alliance Gala and Awards

The Asian American Arts Alliance has supported hundreds of artists and arts groups, accelerating their advancement. The organization has responded to changing needs, pushed through uncertain times, and championed our issues. No more Asian Americans having to be lawyers, doctors and accountants. As Asian American artists find their voices, the Alliance helps these voices to be heard. The Gala is our opportunity to gather together and celebrate these achievements.

Since 1983, a4 has been supporting artists from a variety of disciplines and its previous honorees have included actor B.D. Wong, filmmaker Mira Nair, and David Chu, the founder of Nautica.

On November 3rd, we attended the gala where awards were presented to Tisa Chang, the artistic producing director of the Pan Asian Repertory Theater; Mana Hashimoto, a dancer and choreographer; Jeff Ng Staple, founder and creative director, Staple Design and Shen Wei of Shen Wei Dance Arts, who led choreography of the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony.

The Award event, which included drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction, was held to raise funds for the Asian American Arts Alliance, or a4, as it marked its 28th anniversary. Auction items included a guitar signed by Bon Jovi, a copy of a script from the TV show 30 Rock, autographed by the cast and handmade Imperial jacket from Fashion for Freedom.

(From left to right: Choreographer Shen Wei, dancer Mana Hashimoto, designer Jeff Ng, theater director Tisa Chang and playwright David Henry Hwang. Photo credit: Chris Phelps)