New York; May 13, 2025 — Asia Society last night celebrated four visionary leaders shaping the global future of Asian arts and culture—at the 2025 Asia Arts Game Changer Awards: composer Huang Ruo, curator and scholar Alexandra Monroe, artist and filmmaker Shirin Neshat, and artist Yang Fudong.

Following a reception in the Garden Court, guests were welcomed to a seated dinner opened by Asia Society Global Trustee Emily Rafferty and Asia Society President Emerita Vishakha Desai, who noted “the arts open our hearts and challenge our minds” and spoke of the importance of celebrating the arts in today’s times. “Asia Society was my professional home for over 22 years,” where “building understanding and cultivating compassion” was a key objective. “That’s what the arts do at their very best,” she said.

Asia Society Global Trustee Betsy Cohen introduced honoree Huang Ruo, noting his long history with the organization. Guests were treated to selections from his latest opera, The Monkey King, and Bound, his opera about a Vietnamese immigrant family, beautifully performed by Soprano Fang Tao Jiang and pianist Stephen Buck.

Stating the importance of institutional support, Huang said in his acceptance of the award: “As artists, we need all kinds of support; without it our works only exist on paper. Asia Society has been my artist home for so many years, like so many Asian American artists who came to the U.S. and also found [a home] in this beautiful building….I started writing operas because there were so few Asian Americans writing them. I wanted to write those stories.” Presenting the award to him was Shanta Thake, chief artistic director at Lincoln Center, who called him aspirational and inspirational, and his work, “expansive in the best way” encompassing multiple geographies and cultures.

Following an introduction by Asia Society Global Trustee Lulu Wang, the audience watched a video acceptance speech by Yang Fudong who thanked Asia Society and Marion Goodman Gallery for their support. Accepting the award on his behalf was the gallery’s partner Junette Teng.

The evening also included a tribute to the late Cynthia Polsky, who was an Asia Society Honorary Life Trustee and longtime friend and supporter of the organization. Asia Society Trustee Denise Saul spoke warmly of her commitment to arts and other programming, recognized family members Lee, Nick, and Eve Polsky, who were all in attendance.

The importance of multiculturalism was also noted by Shirin Neshat, who was introduced by her longtime friend and editor of the Brooklyn Rail Phong Bui. Neshat also spoke of her long history with Asia Society going back to 2003 when then curator Melissa Chiu invited her to show her video work Tooba, followed by an invitation to co-curate the acclaimed 2008 exhibition Ardeshir Mohasses: Art and Satire in Iran. “I’ve been here as an artist, a curator, and a filmmaker and I feel like family. I admire this institution for pushing boundaries far beyond what we understand as Asia, paying attention to countries in the Middle East and Arab countries.” She added: “I’m a strong believer that we need more institutions to provide a platform for those who are underrepresented, to be inclusive” and to give voice to diverse constituencies. “I thank Asia Society for being willing and able to do that.”

A lively auction during dinner was led by Sotheby’s Phyllis Kao, and featured lots by Asian and Asian American artists who have participated in Asia Society programs and exhibitions. 

The critical role of the arts was underscored by Alexandra Monroe, in accepting her award from Vishakha Desai. “The arts are essential to the understanding of a region’s politics history and society, including our own,” she said. She spoke of John D. Rockefeller 3rd’s vision for both Asia Society and the Japan Society, where she served as head of the gallery for several years. She praised the holistic approach of these organizations and the importance of presenting the kinds of art programming they share. “Art teaches us how to think. Without the power of a platform, art has no way to touch the people….in these precarious times, it is imperative that we support these institutions.”

Asia Society President and CEO Kyung-wha Kang concluded the program, thanking the guests and inviting them to join the Asia Arts After Party. Some 250 additional guests, hosted by Asia Society’s Young Patrons, celebrated into the night enjoying immersive experiences including an open bar and live DJ set with Vivian Wang, a photobooth, live sketch station, henna station, tarot readings, and a Korean-fusion food truck on Park Avenue.