Asian Arts Initiative supports Asian American artists and creatives and fosters connections with local communities through exhibitions, performances, and other programming.

A group of five people stand together posed for a photo and smiling. 

An installation from “AAI’s Eco/Systems: Gather,” an exhibition exploring contemporary climate movements presented by Asian Arts Initiative.  

In a gallery space, works of art are installed on the floor and walls.

A community fridge on the sidewalk of the Asian Arts Initiative space in Philadelphia’s Chinatown North neighborhood.  

A cuboid shape with an angled roof is on sidewalk

Intersectionality is a core tenet and inherent part of what it means to be part of the Asian diaspora.

Providing resources for artists and making space for them to create is part of Ishii’s mission as executive director of AAI.

A dishrack is filled with utensils, including chopsticks, spoons, plates, glasses, and other kitchen tools.

One of Ishii’s responsibilities—and victories—as an artistic and cultural leader in the community, is providing knowledge and visibility into Asian American experiences. 

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Ishii has served as executive director of Asian Arts Initiative since 2018. 

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To Ishii, understanding the Asian diaspora means recognizing and appreciating intersectionality. 

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Community-Informed Arts Programming

Anne Ishii is the executive director of Asian Arts Initiative, a multidisciplinary arts center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

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A Brave Space for Brave Art

Artists as Catalysts

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Beyond Incarceration

A side profile of a Black poet who is wearing glasses and a hat with a feather hat pin.

Civic Engagement

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Evolving Higher Education

A vertical image of an Indigenous person who is sitting on a chair in front of a backdrop.

Expanding Public Knowledge

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Monuments and Memory

A large statue of a confederate general is covered in markings and graffiti. 

Multivocality

Five people stand together in a group photo. They are laughing and smiling.

Power of the Word

Five colorful neon signs hang on the wall with messages that include, "Freedom cannot wait," "Brown owned," and "America is for Dreamers."

Public Places‚ Public Stories

A group of Indigenous Maskoke people stand and sit in the wooden frame of a structure in a woods

Puerto Rico and Its Diaspora

In a vertical image, a black leather vest is adorned with colorful pins across the front of it. Embroidery on the vest reads: "Felícitas "La Prieta" Méndez" 

University Everywhere

Two scholars dressed in all black face the camera.

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Mission

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History

Grantmaking areas

Grantmaking Areas

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People

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Financials

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News

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Events