Asia Society facts for kids
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Asia Society's Manhattan headquarters and museum designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and John MY Lee Architects
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| Established | 1956 |
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| Type | 501(c)(3) organization |
| Headquarters | 725 Park Avenue New York City 10021 U.S. |
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President
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Kang Kyung-wha |
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Revenue
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$31 million USD (2019) |
The Asia Society is a non-profit group that teaches people around the world about Asia. It has many centers in the United States and in other countries. These centers are managed by the main office in New York City. The New York office also has a museum. This museum shows a special collection of Asian art. It also has changing exhibits from many countries in Asia and Oceania.
In January 2024, Kyung-wha Kang became the new president and CEO of the Asia Society. She started her role in April 2024.
Contents
History of the Asia Society
The Asia Society was started in 1956 by John D. Rockefeller III. At first, it focused on helping Americans understand Asia better. Over time, the group wanted to become more international. It built new centers in different cities around the world. This helped it connect with more people. The Asia Society also works to build stronger ties between Asians and Americans. This includes working together in business, culture, education, and public policy.
Buildings and Centers
The Asia Society has a main building in New York City. It also has many other centers around the world.
New York Headquarters
The main building of the Asia Society is in Manhattan, New York City. It is a nine-story building made of red granite. It was designed in 1980 by Edward Larrabee Barnes and John M.Y. Lee Architects. The building has a strong look that fits in with other buildings on Park Avenue. It also has a garden and special windows. These features are meant to remind people of Asian cultures.
In 1999, the building was closed for 18 months for updates. New parts were added inside, including a tall atrium and a cafe. This update made the museum's exhibit space twice as big. This allowed the Asia Society to show its entire collection of Asian art.
Global Centers Around the World
Besides its New York headquarters, the Asia Society has centers in many other places. In 2012, two big new buildings opened. One was in Hong Kong and the other in Houston, Texas.
The Hong Kong center opened in February 2012. It is built on the site of an old military area. The Houston building opened in May 2012. It was designed by architect Yoshio Taniguchi.
Other centers in the United States are in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. In Asia, there are centers in Seoul, Manila, Shanghai, and Mumbai. There is also a center in Melbourne, Australia.
Houston Center
The Asia Society Texas Center first opened in 1979. The current building is very modern and cost $50 million to build. It has glass walls and a garden. The building was made with special limestone from Germany.
Asia Society Museum
The Asia Society Museum is located at the New York headquarters. It shows both old and new art. It also hosts film screenings and art shows. The museum has art from over thirty Asian-Pacific countries. This includes statues, carvings, Chinese ceramics, and Japanese art.
The museum's collection of old art came from a gift. It was given by the Asia Society's founder, John D. Rockefeller III, and Blanchette Ferry Hooker Rockefeller. In 2007, the museum started collecting modern Asian art. A big update in 2001 made the museum's galleries much larger. This gave more space for art and educational programs.
The headquarters also has a museum shop and a cafe. The cafe has been listed as one of the best eateries in New York.
Leadership at Asia Society
The Asia Society is led by a president and CEO. It also has a board of co-chairs.
Current Leaders
- President and CEO: Kyung-wha Kang (started April 2024)
- Board Co-Chairs:
* Ronnie Chan * Henrietta H. Fore
Past Presidents
- Phillips Talbot (1970–1982)
- Robert Oxnam (1982–1992)
- Vishakha N. Desai (2004–2012)
- Josette Sheeran (2013–2021)
- Kevin Rudd (2021–2023)
What the Asia Society Does
The Asia Society works in several important areas. These include business, education, and policy.
Business Programs
Each year, the Asia Society holds a big meeting in Asia. This meeting brings together business and policy leaders. They talk about important trends and events that affect Asia and the world. This helps people understand how global changes impact business.
Education Programs
The Asia Society's education team has two main goals. One goal is to help people in the United States learn more about Asia. The other goal is to encourage schools to teach more about other countries and cultures.
International education means knowing about other parts of the world. It also means understanding different cultures and global issues. It helps students learn other languages and work with people from different backgrounds. It also teaches respect for other cultures.
International Studies Schools Network
The Asia Society has a special group of schools called the International Studies Schools Network (ISSN). These are public schools across the U.S. They have programs that help students become "globally competent." This means students learn to understand and work with people from different cultures. There are currently 35 schools in this network. They are in both rural and city areas across the country.
Policy Work
The Asia Society has two groups that focus on policy. The Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) was started in 1956. It is a "think tank." This means it works with leaders and experts in Asia. They study important issues and suggest ideas.
The Center on U.S.-China Relations was created in 2006. Its goal is to help build a better relationship between the United States and China. The Center explores areas where the two countries can work together. It also looks at their different views. This includes topics like culture, business, and the environment.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The Asia Society often works with other groups. In May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asia Society teamed up with two other non-profit groups. They held an online meeting called Standing Against Racism in the Time of COVID. This event featured important speakers like politicians and actors. The Asia Society also works closely with the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.
See Also
In Spanish: Asia Society para niños
- Japan Society (Manhattan)
- The Korea Society
