Asian Arts New York AAPI Arts Festival
Presented by Asian Arts New York
Asian Arts New York (AANY) presents a region-wide celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. The festival features art exhibitions, themed performances, and cultural programs across New York’s Capital Region.
Asian Arts New York's programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Festival Program
May
Featured Exhibition & Events
1. “Thread” Art Exhibition & Themed Events
In partnership with Asian Arts New York (AANY) and AAPI Heritage Month 518, Albany Center Gallery (ACG) presents threads: weaving an intricate banner, an exhibition in celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Co-curated by Andrew Kwok, Jennie Tang, and Ed Ticson. The exhibition is free and open to the public; Tuesday - Saturday, Noon - 5 p.m.
Exhibiting artists: Toby Barnes, Ottavia Huang, Azuré Kauikeolani Iversen-Keahi, Chong Kang, Gabrielle Lau, polarisu, Mengde Shi, RUBY SILVIOUS, Siwei Song, Kim Tateo, Yeachin Tsai, Baju Wijono, and Hongnian Zhang
Duration: May 1 – June 13
Location: Albany Center Gallery
"Thread" Art Exhibition Featured events:
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May 1, 5-8 PM Opening Reception: Threads: Asian Dances in Motion
(Performance time: 6:30pm)
Presented by Asian Arts New York, this vibrant performance celebrates the diversity and energy by Interweaving Mongolian, Korean, Tai Chi and Indian dance traditions. Light refreshments will be provided, free and open to the public. -
May 22, 6-8pm Threads: What Blooms in Moonlight
Join us for an immersive evening of Improvisational Music, Dance, and live art. The evening begins with a live painting and sound performance exploring themes of ephemerality and impermanence—an invitation to slow down and be present. It continues with a guided yet open dance experience rooted in awareness, expression, and connection to one’s inner nature, leaving participants both relaxed and energized. Light refreshments will be provided, free and open to the public.
Live Painting, Music & Sound Performance by Kim and Brendan Tateo
Ecstatic Dance led by Nicole Romanelli of Moving Peace -
June 13, 12-3pm Young Generation & Heritage Art
This event includes an artist-guided workshop, a panel discussion, and a performance by Asian Arts New York’s featured young heritage artists.
Lunch will be provided, registration will open soon
All events listed above will be held at Albany Center Gallery, 48 N Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207.
2. AANY AAPI Art Festival Additional Events
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May 3, 2-3pm – Sunday Concert: Echoes Across Time - A Musical Journey Through East Asia
In collaboration with: Guilderland Public Library
Accomplished musicians from the Asian Arts New York Music Ensemble present a vibrant program featuring traditional melodies from across East Asia, alongside new works including modern concertos. Blending time-honored traditions with contemporary expression, the performance highlights the richness, diversity, and evolving nature of Asian music.
Registration: https://guilderland.librarycalendar.com/event/concert-wasia-arts-ny-43662 -
May 24, 1 – 3pm Tea with Art
In collaboration with: THINGS! GLOBAL EXPERIENCES Art Gallery & Gift Boutique
Location: Stonewell Plaza, 1969 New Scotland Road, Suite 10, Slingerlands, NY
Join us for a gentle gathering where art and tea meet in a shared moment of reflection. Surrounded by the VOICES exhibition, this intimate afternoon invites you to slow down, to look more closely, and to experience art not only visually, but through presence and feeling. A traditional Chinese tea ceremony will be presented by Wei Qin, President and Founder of Asian Arts New York, offering a moment of beauty, mindfulness, and cultural depth within the gallery setting. An Afternoon of Tea, Art, and Quiet Conversation. Light refreshments will be served. -
May 27, 6-7:30pm–The Art of Chinese Brush Painting
In collaboration with: Troy Public Library
Join Asian Arts New York featured artist Anping Liu for an engaging introduction to the art of traditional Chinese brush painting. This workshop will explore the history and philosophy of Chinese painting, along with key elements such as composition, brushwork, and common subjects. Anping will demonstrate the use of brush, ink, and color on rice paper to create expressive and elegant works.Participants will spend most of the session practicing foundational techniques under guided instruction and will have the opportunity to create one or two of their own paintings to take home. This workshop is suitable for beginners and anyone interested in exploring a timeless artistic tradition. Registration: https://troyny.librarycalendar.com/event/chinese-painting-915 -
May 30 – TroyAsia
In collaboration with: AAPI Heritage Month 518
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month 518 as downtown Troy meets an outdoor Asian food festival at the TroyAsia Night Market. Stringed lights, paper lanterns, K-pop vibes, Asian performances and street food for purchase made available by local vendors. Family-friendly, open to all. No RSVP or registration required. Location will be announced soon.
A Music Dialogue: Bamboo Meets Brass on the Silk Road Presented by Asian Arts New York
Presented by Asian Arts New York
Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: The Egg — Swyer Theatre, Empire State Plaza
This one-of-a-kind concert is a true musical dialogue between East and West. Along the historic Silk Road, Chinese music blended with Central Asian and Middle Eastern elements—including Persian, Arab, and Indian influences—forming new genres and introducing improvisation as a powerful mode of musical dialogue. Even Country music lovers will also be delighted to hear timeless classics through live improvisation with Eastern folk musicians.
Master Asian musicians from diverse traditions—including bamboo flute artist Yimin Miao, pipa musician Zhou Yi, guqin musician Wenrui Shi, sitar artist Veena Chandra, tabla musician Devesh Chandra—and local musicians including Renjie Song on Xiao, Xiaoan Dong on Di, Jiangnan Liu on Pipa—join Western musicians: Elvina Liu on violin, Daisy JungTzu Lin and Hayarpi Dayian on piano, Thomas Torrisi on guitar, Willow Melton on darbuka drum, Scott Hopkins on banjo, Sara Milonovich on fiddle, in an exciting cross-cultural exchange.
Asian Arts New York's Program's are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Enquiries: ed@asianartsny.org
2026 Lunar New Year Events
Presented by Asian Arts New York
Asian Arts New York is partnering with libraries, schools, and community organizations across the region to bring Lunar New Year programming directly into communities. Schools, libraries, corporations, and offices are invited to request program proposals by contacting ed@asianartsny.org.
In 2026, audiences are invited to experience The Essence of Lunar New Year — a celebration filled with cultural richness, traditional craftsmanship, and authentic music and dance representing diverse regions of Asia. These programs highlight heritage while embracing creativity, unity, and renewal.
Asian Arts New York’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Public Events
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Colonie Library — Color of Spring: The Essence of Lunar New Year
January 17, 2026 -
Office of General Services Lunar New Year Celebration
February 18, 2026 -
Troy Public Library — Color of Spring: The Essence of Lunar New Year
February 28, 2026
School Assemblies and Educational Programs:
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North Albany Middle School — Introduction to Lunar New Year
January 19, 2026 -
Guilderland Middle School — Introduction to Lunar New Year
February 11, 2026 -
Schenectady High School (Big Picture Learning Schenectady) — Introduction to Lunar New Year
February 13, 2026 -
Albany JCC Lunar New Year Camp
February 17, 2026 -
Menands School (K–8) — Introduction to Lunar New Year
February 23, 2026 -
Eagle Point Elementary — Introduction to Lunar New Year
February 25, 2026
The Art of Asia – Tradition Meets Today
Asian Arts New York – First Fundraising Event
The Art of Asia – Tradition Meets Today
Asian Arts New York – First Fundraising Event
Location: Armory Studios NY (125 Washington Ave, Schenectady 12305)
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025 5–8pm
Featured Artists
Meet the talented visual artists, musicians, dancers, and Tai Chi performers who bring this multicultural celebration to life.
Visual Artists:
Hongnian Zhang, Anping Liu, Jianling Yue, Kim Tateo, Mengde Shi, Richard Wang,
Xiaoping Liu, Jianling Yue, Zhuying Li, Toyomi Sobue, Kaarina McKenzie, Lois Woodley
Musicians:
Veena Chandra, Devesh Chandra, Xiaoan Dong, Jiangnan Liu, Renjie Song, Wenrui Shi
Dancers / Peking Opera Performers:
Amy Zeng, Kayla Xu, Milim Parker, Angelica Cooney, Alexander Cooney, Terrence Xu
Tai Chi:
Sandra Balint
Event recap
Delicious food, authentic performances, and a vibrant community came together for “The Art Asia: Tradition Meets Today,” our very first fundraising event. We are deeply grateful to our food donors, performers, artists, and all the friends, families, community leaders, school and library leaders and elected officials who made the evening unforgettable.
Special thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul for her heartwarming letter; Assemblywoman Gabriella Romeo for the Letter of Citation. We also thank our partners at Armory Studios NY and Art Night Schenectady, as well as our dedicated team and volunteers, for bringing this special event to life.
Enquiries: ed@asianartsny.org
Journey of Love and Hope — A Peking Opera Musical
Producer: Wei Qin
Director: Linghui Tu
Leading Male (Entrepreneur): Franco Spoto
Leading Female (Katherine): Angelica Cooney
Vendor: Raymond Ma
Musician: Renjie Song, Lian Milanao, Thomas Carlo Bo
Vocalist: Qingxiu Luo
Tibetan Dancers: Amy Zeng, Li Huang, Xuehan Liu, Li Xiang
Experience a sweeping tale of compassion, love, and hope as celebrated director Linghui Tu reimagines the timeless melodies of Peking Opera. Set against the contrasting landscapes of modern America and Tibet, this original and deeply moving production blends English dialogue, Peking Opera–style singing, live music, and Tibetan mantras to create a truly memorable performance — one that celebrates the universal power of courage, generosity, and hope.
Time: Saturday, November 29th, 5:30–7:00 PM
Location: The Arts Center of the Capital Region
This project is made possible in part by The Arts Center of the Capital Region through the Arts Thrive & Grow grant. Arts Thrive & Grow is funded by New York State & the New York State Council on the Arts, with support from Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, and local elected officials, including Senators Jake Ashby and Patricia Fahy and Assemblymembers Scott H. Bendett, John T. McDonald III, Angelo Santabarbara, Phil Steck, and Mary Beth Walsh.
But our journey has only just begun. To bring this inspiring story fully to life — supporting our talented performers, musicians, costume designers, and stage creators — we need to raise an additional $5,500.
Your support, even as small as $10, can make a meaningful difference.
Your contribution will help us:
• Support professional artists and musicians
• Create authentic costumes and stage designs
• Share the beauty and depth of Asian performing arts with audiences across our community
Support the project here:
Donate
Enquiries: ed@asianartsny.org
Asian Arts New York Concert Series
Tuvergen Duo – Journey from Mongolian Steppe to Modern Stage
Date: September 25, 2025
Location: The Arts Center of the Capital Region – Black Box Theatre
Traditional Mongolian music, throat singing, and an interactive workshop experience.
2025 New York State Fair
Date: August 23, 2025
Location: Syracuse, New York
This recap showcases Asian Arts New York artists, led by President Wei Qin, bringing an authentic, high-energy performance to the New York State Fair’s Asian Village.
Tea Ceremony with Singles Outreach
Date: May 23, 2025
Members of Singles Outreach recently enjoyed a rare cultural experience—an authentic Chinese Tea Ceremony presented by an artist from Asian Arts New York. The event offered participants not only the chance to taste carefully prepared teas but also to witness the artistry, mindfulness, and tradition behind this centuries-old practice.
Governor’s Reception
Date: May 30, 2025
Location: Governor’s Mansion, Albany
Asian Arts New York President Wei Qin, along with a group of featured musicians, was honored to perform at Governor Kathy Hochul’s AAPI Reception at the Governor’s Mansion. The evening highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Asian communities across New York, with music and performance that celebrated both tradition and contemporary creativity. Asian Arts New York was proud to represent the Capital Region’s artistic voices at this statewide gathering.
TroyAsia Night Market
Date: May 30, 2025
Location: Downtown Troy
A lively outdoor celebration of Asian arts, food, and culture with community partners.
RISSE Immigration Event
Date: June 1, 2025
Location: Albany
Community gathering featuring music, art demos, and family activities.