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Where does the Asia Society receive its funding from?
The Asia Society is supported by contributions from foundations, corporations, and individuals who believe in the mandate of the Society: to build bridges of understanding between Americans and Asians.
Is the Asia Society a part of the U.S. government, the United Nations, or any other multilateral or state organization?
No, the Asia Society is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization.
How does the Asia Society define Asia and why?
The Asia Society's definition of Asia includes the more than 30 countries broadly defined as the Asia-Pacific region—the area from Japan to Iran, and from Central Asia to New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
This definition of Asia is not an attempt to define what Asia ought to include or represent. It is a construct based on certain geographical, political, economic, and historical assumptions and is as flexible as any other definition might be.
How are the themes and topics of Asia Society programs and exhibitions selected?
Asia Society exhibitions are selected on the basis of originality of theme, quality of the artwork, and scholarship of the curators. The Asia Society does not accept unsolicited exhibition proposals.
Where are the Asia Society local/regional centers?
The Asia Society’s headquarters are located in New York:
725 Park Avenue (at 70th Street)
New York, NY 10021
Tel: 212-288-6400
Fax: 212-517-8315
In the United States, the Asia Society also has Centers in Northern California, Southern California, Texas, and Washington, DC. The Asia Society is represented abroad by its Australia, Hong Kong, India, Korea, and Philippines Centers and the Shanghai Representative.
Do you provide guided tours for exhibitions, and if so, when are they?
We provide daily, guided tours for our exhibitions when the Museum is open to the public. The tour schedule is: Tuesday through Friday at 2:00 pm, also Friday at 6:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Please contact Nancy Blume at 212-327-9237 to schedule a tour outside of these hours. From July 4 through Labor Day there are no Friday tours. During de-installation and installation periods there may not be any tours scheduled.
How do I donate works of art from my collection to the Museum?
Please be aware that the Museum’s collections policy is highly selective. Please send a photograph of your work of art to the Curator of Traditional Asian Art or the Curator of Contemporary Asian and Asian American Art for consideration. Address the envelope:
Asia Society Museum
725 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021-5088
In order for the Museum to consider the work, enclose a letter indicating your intention to offer the work as a gift, along with detailed object information (artist, artist's dates, title, work date, medium, dimensions, provenance, insurance value, and preferred credit line for the gift). The Museum will be in contact with you if interested in the work.
Are strollers, umbrellas, and mobile phones allowed in the Museum?
Strollers are usually permitted in the galleries; however, certain exhibitions may have restrictions. No umbrellas or use of mobile phones are allowed in the galleries.
Does the Museum allow photography or videotaping?
Photography and videotaping are not permitted in the galleries.
What kind of art will I find at the Asia Society Museum?
The Museum exhibits traditional and contemporary Asian and Asian American art. The Asia Society’s Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection includes about 280 objects of exceptional quality from the traditional artistic cultures of Far, South, and Southeast Asia. A selection of objects from this collection is always on view. The two floors of galleries alternate between traditional and contemporary exhibitions. In 2007, Asia Society launched a collecting program concentrated on the acquisition of contemporary Asian and Asian American art, the first U.S. museum to formally establish a collection focused exclusively on the field.
How can I find out about what works of art are in the Museum’s collection?
The Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection is thoroughly documented on the website The Collection in Context. Here you can find detailed object information and "Looking Deeper" essays that feature new scholarship concerning the collection.
Where can I find out about past exhibitions?
Please visit our online Past Exhibitions archive.
What is the procedure for submitting my portfolio for review by the Museum’s curatorial staff?
If you would like to submit work, please send us a cover letter, no more than 20 slides, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. We cannot accept original works of art, nor do we assume responsibility for any original works that are submitted. Please address the envelope to:
Curator of Contemporary Art
Asia Society Museum
725 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021
The Museum is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions. Due to the large number of submissions, it may take up to one year to review your materials. Please do not call the Museum to inquire about the status of your submission. We do not guarantee a response but will be in contact with you if we are interested in your work.
How can I find out the value of a work of art, its provenance, or attribution?
Museum staff cannot answer questions referring to the value, provenance, or attribution of any work of art. Below is a list of reputable organizations that help people with those questions:
The National Association of Dealers in Ancient, Oriental & Primitive Art (NADAOPA)
P.O. Box 6794
Yorkville Finance Station
New York, NY 101-28-8013
Tel: 212-722-1558
Fax: 212-22-1933
http://www.artnet.com/orgs/organizations/nada/index.html
Telepraisal
316 East 3rd Street
New York, NY 10009
Tel: 1-800-645-6002
American Society of Appraisers
P.O. Box 17625
Washington, DC 20041
Tel: 703-742-8471; 1-800-ASA-VALU
Appraisers Association of America
386 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-889-5405
Art Dealers Association of America
575 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Tel: 212-940-8590
Fax: 212-940-6484
Email: [email protected]
Where would I go to have a work of art restored?
The American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works, at 202-452-9545, guides collectors on how to find and choose qualified conservators in their particular area of the country.
Does the Museum have images that I can borrow from or use? What is the fee schedule for obtaining photographs and transparencies for reproduction?
If you are interested in seeking reproduction rights for images of works in the Museum's collection, please fax a request indicating the image and detailing proposed use to 212-517-7246.
Does Asia Society offer grants and fellowships?
Asia Society is not a grant-making organization. A limited number of fellowships opportunities are available—visit our Fellows page for details.
Do I have to be a member to see the exhibitions or attend programs?
The Asia Society is open to the public as are our programs, unless otherwise indicated. The best way to experience the Asia Society is through the benefits of membership including unlimited free admission to the galleries and discounts on programs and in AsiaStore and the Garden Court Café.
How do I become a member?
You can become a member through our website at: http://www.asiasociety.org/support/membership. Here you will also find links for Centers memberships and relevant contact information.
Does Asia Society offer language classes?
No, the Asia Society does not offer language classes.
How can I find out about job openings at Asia Society?
All job openings (including internships and volunteer opportunities) are listed on our website at: http://www.asiasociety.org/about/career-opportunities.
Can I rent space in Asia Society and Museum?
For information on renting space in the New York City Asia Society building, please visit our Space Rental page or inquire further with the Events Department at 212-327-9322.
Please note that Museum space cannot be rented.
Can I list my event on Asia Society's web calendar?
Only Asia Society events are listed on our institutional website.
