Support AAI with a Donation

Support our efforts in uplifting the diverse Asian American community through the power of art.

Asian Arts Initiative is an important community asset in Philadelphia’s Chinatown North neighborhood. For over three decades, we have continued to: support art-making that amplifies Asian American experiences; cultivate youth leaders through our arts education program; call attention to issues facing local communities of color; and, activate our neighborhood community as partners in imagining new realities for collective social change and empowerment.

Gallery Closed for Installation

1219 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

(215)-557-0455

Gallery admission is always free. Performances and special event admission varies. Reserve tickets

Directions See on Google Maps

Accessibility Guide

Asian Arts Initiative is designed as a mobility accessible facility, with access to all public floors and spaces, and seating accommodations for programmed events. Both non-gendered and individually isolating restrooms are available on each floor, all equipped with changing stations. If contacted in advance, we will make every attempt to fulfill requests for reasonable accommodations such as access to assistive technology devices and materials in alternative formats.

For more information, please contact [email protected].

Please note: Due to most events being attended by the general public, we cannot guarantee accommodations for those with fragrance sensitivities.

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Partnerships

Community is the center of our practice at Asian Arts Initiative.

With programs that are informed by our attendees, neighborhood projects that are imagined with our neighbors, and artist residencies that provide opportunities for artists and audiences to make work together, our community is a vital collaborator in all of our work.

From volunteering with us to renting our space for your events, we define partnerships expansively and you can get involved with us in many ways:

For programming partnerships, artist opportunities and community projects, please complete this form. Our curators will review your proposal and reach out if there are any opportunities to collaborate.
Book a gallery tour, studio visits, or an AAI workshop/lecture ([email protected])
Rent our space for your events and projects or inquire about rental subsidy ([email protected] )
Learn more about internship and volunteer opportunities ([email protected])

Here are some common and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Do I have to be Asian American to exhibit or participate in Asian Arts Initiative?

We define Asian America expansively, not exclusively. Anyone who identifies as a part of the Asian diaspora counts. We also invite anyone working in or within proximity of Asian American communities and our various issues. The Initiative was founded as an interracial coalition of Black and Asian American poets working together to respond to community issues through an arts lens, and we continue to believe in art strategies that center all of our voices.

What kind of art do you exhibit?

As a multi-disciplinary producer, presenter and anchor organization, our definition of art is open and questioning. We support artists in every facet of their work--whether it is to provide space to practice, perform or exhibit art, to sponsor the production of it, or just to let you know what we think of it. We strive to serve the Philadelphia arts community, and courageous work in emerging and emergent stages. We hold open calls for visual and performance art, community based projects, on a thematically seasonal basis.

How do you select artists?

We have a number of different methodologies for public programming, including guest curation, juried open calls, organizational partnerships. We have an annually renewed Community Advisory Board that informs us of the needs and desires of the constituents that matter most: our neighbors.

Who are your constituents?

We serve anyone who believes in the power of art to bring positive material change. Our building is a brave space for people of all extractions and contexts--generational, demographic, emotional, physical.

Who are your supporters?

Some of our greatest supporters are on the Board of Directors, who not only assume responsibility for but represent the spirit and joy of our work. Many of our major projects are also made possible by the generous support of public and private foundations. You will see them acknowledged accordingly, on Exhibition, Event and Project pages.

How do I join in supporting AAI?

You can donate to the Initiative today! If you're interested in supporting us with your time and expertise, please visit our About page for contact information.