News

Malachi Lily: Channeling a better world

Blog
3.24.2021
Read about Unity at the Initiative participating artist, Malachi Lily, here interviewed by Suzi Nash for Philadelphia Gay News.
Artist Malachi Lily stands facing the camera, head tilted back as they gaze up and to the left, hands raised slightly with palms facing the audience. They are wearing a deeply colored sweater with religious imagery stitched into it lined by the words "Want to be a slut." Malachi also wears a denim bucket hat, their hair spilling out from underneath.

Resources: Against Anti-Asian Violence

3.18.2021
The increasing number of violence toward Asians in America is alarming, but sadly, not surprising. Asian Arts Initiative will continue to fight and stand up against race and gender based hate crimes and serve as a space to listen and amplify the voices of our communities. The following list of...
against anti-asian violence

Asian Arts initiative premieres 'Unity at the Initiative', showcasing art by queer and trans artists of color

AAI in the News
3.16.2021
Watch the news segment from 6ABC about AAI's spring exhibition, "Unity at the Initiative," and its components such as the 1223 Skate Park and Wheatpasting Gallery inspired by the work of artist Jeffrey Cheung.
A painted banner by Jeffrey Cheung foregrounds a room whose white walls are covered with colorful flyers, banners, art paraphernalia. The banner depicts two entangled humanoid forms smiling at each other, with UNITY printed above them.

Artist Khari Johnson-Ricks Celebrates Queer Skate Communities with Center City New Mural

AAI in the News
3.16.2021
Read about the installation of Khari Johnson-Rick's mural at The Attic Youth Center for AAI's spring exhibition, "Unity at the Initiative," in this article by Conrad Benner for Streets Dept.
Artist Khari Johnson-Ricks pastes his mural to the side of The Attic Youth Center brick wall. Khari foregrounds a tall ladder and is weaing a denim chore coat and white facemask. The mural is dynamic and rainbow-colored against the brick.

Skate park installation and printmaking exhibition bring queer and trans artists together

AAI in the News
2.18.2021
Read about AAI's spring exhibition, "Unity at the Initiative," and its components such as the 1223 Skate Park and Wheatpasting Gallery in this article by Peter Crimmins for WHYY.
AAI Executive Director Anne Ishii hold up a wheatpasting poster designed by Moor Mother, which features a black and white collage of astronomical figures and the text: "Black astrologers predict the future"

Issues

Arts in Philadelphia
Community
Fun Activities
Movements for Black Lives
Justice
Arts and Culture
Asian American
COVID-19
Creative Placemaking
Social Practice
QTPOC
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion