How to Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in New York
Artwork by Leise Hook
April 29, 2024, New York — This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), join Asia Society New York and our partners across the city as we celebrate the vibrant and diverse traditions and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).
Since 1979, May has been a dedicated time to celebrate Asian Pacific American heritage, but it wasn't until 1992 that May was officially designated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Selected to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the U.S. in May 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May 1859 that was made possible by thousands of Chinese laborers, APAHM elevates the stories, contributions, and experiences of Asian and Asian American communities.
May 1: Fostering Asian American Mental Health @ Asia Society New York
Join Asia Society New York for an in-depth conversation with the the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, mental health expert and author Dr. Sue Varma, and NBC News' Vicky Nguyen, to kick of APAHM.
Join the China Institute in America for exclusive behind-the-scenes stories from three stellar members of the opera's creative team, in advance of the New York premiere of An American Soldier at the Perelman Performing Arts Center.
May 2 - 18: Catching Silhouettes: An Immersive Oral History Street Performance @ Museum of Chinese in America
Join the Museum of Chinese in America for an oral history project that weaves together the narratives of immigrants, the evolution of the neighborhood, and the indomitable spirit of the community in New York's Chintown. The 70-minute experience commences at Confucius Plaza and culminates at Seward Park, covering half a mile of stories that transformed Chinatown, particularly through the 80s and 90s.
May 4: Curatorial Conversations: Asia Society Museum and Sharjah Biennial 16 @ Asia Society New York
Join Asia Society New York and the Sharjah Art Foundation for a three-part program highlighting the curatorial and discursive frameworks that guide both the forthcoming Sharjah Biennial 16 and the Asia Society Museum, exploring indigeneity in Asia.
May 4: Special Community Screening: The Race Epidemic @ Museum of Chinese in America
Museum of Chinese in America invites you to a special screening of the award-winning documentary, The Race Epidemic. This PBS-distributed film explores racism, xenophobia, hate, and violence that marginalized groups have faced throughout the history of America.
May 7 - 12: Gibney Company’s “Here / Now” @ The Joyce Theatre
Gibney Company returns to The Joyce Theatre to showcase A Measurable Existence by Chinese choreographer Yue Yin, which features an original score by Rutger Zuydervelt and uncovers how our journey of self-discovery begins with an understanding of those around us, observing how our paths parallel, intersect, or collide with others.
May 9: Leo Bar Happy Hour @ Asia Society New York
Celebrate APAHM as you look at art, mingle with friends, and make new connections at Asia Society New York’s monthly Leo Bar Happy Hour!
In honor of APAHM and during a pivotal moment for Asian American representation in the arts, The WNET Group’s ALL ARTS and Exploring Hate initiatives have teamed up with The Serica Initiative to present “Voices Rising,” a panel of celebrated Asian American artists will discuss where we are post-pandemic, how to keep the momentum going, and what’s next for the Asian American artist community, in a live, recorded discussion followed by artistic performances.
May 10 & 11: Dancing the Gods @ Asia Society New York
Join us for Dancing the Gods, a festival of Indian dance in collaboration with World Music Institute. Night One features a Kuchipudi performance by nattuvangam artist Kasi Aysola, joined by Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi artist Archana Raja. Night Two features a solo Bharatanatyam performance by award-winning dancer Rama Vaidyanathan.
May 11: AAPI Children’s Literary Festival @ Asia Society New York
Join Asia Society New York for an afternoon of learning, creativity, and celebrating AAPI heritage with authors of books for children and young adults for APAHM.
May 12: Tan Dun in Concert @ China Institute in America
Join us the China Institute in American for a rare opportunity to hear composer/conductor Tan Dun perform new musical pieces with the Dunhuang Ancient Music Ensemble. Tan Dun will discuss his creative process and inspirations throughout the program.
May 14: Permission to Come Home: Dr. Jenny Wang on Asian Americans and Mental Health @ Asia Society New York
As part of Asia Society New York’s continuing conversation on mental health and APAHM events, join us for a conversation with psychologist and author Dr. Jenny Wang, and That's Total Mom Sense's Kanika Chadda Gupta on prioritizing mental well-being.
May 15: 16th Global Talent Symposium and Awards @ Asia Society New York
Asia Society New York's 16th Annual Global Talent Symposium will feature leading AAPI corporate leaders and others to share perspectives on how companies and individuals can prioritize the business case for diversity, equity, and inclusion in 2024 amid an increasingly polarized and contentious climate.