2025 End-of-Year Campaign Kicks Off!
Dear Friends of AAI,
I am thrilled and humbled by the privilege to serve as the new Executive Director here at Asian Arts Initiative, a highly esteemed and much beloved institution. I’ve known about AAI for many years in my own work as a longtime curator and supporter of Asian American artists. I have been waiting years for an opportunity like this to make a difference in the AANHPI arts community, a national community.
In mid-September, I started working remotely full-time while still in Los Angeles, where I was born and based, and moved to Philly in late October. In a matter of only a few weeks, I have had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of many wonderful change agents in Philly’s vibrant arts community. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly and so readily. Philly is starting to feel like home already, and I look forward to advancing AAI’s future with you. I see my role as the next chapter in AAI’s legacy of building community through the power of art. Please join me in supporting this continuum! Our End-of-Year Giving campaign starts now.
To propel us closer to our goal of $5,000, I’m pledging a dollar-for-dollar challenge match of $1,000 to AAI for the coming year—that’s only $83.33 per month! I invite everyone reading this message to match me right now. I will match every dollar that you contribute, up to $1,000! Every dollar you contribute makes a difference and advances AAI’s mission.
Starting next Friday, we’ll be sharing a weekly recap series that tells the story of our year through visual metrics and highlights from across our work and a few teasers about what’s to come in the year ahead. This year has been an important year for AAI. We’ve accomplished so much. And 2026 is no different. We can’t wait to share all the amazing art, artists, and experiences with you, and continue building community together.
Your support makes our work possible. Please join us by making a difference in this season of giving!
💜 Sonia Mak