Asian American / Asian Research Institute

Music - Steph.fm
2026-04-10 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Perelman Performing Arts Center, 241 Fulton Street, New York, NY, 10007
Normal, Illinois–born, Brooklyn-based Steph Chow is a musician and producer whose sound blends equal parts soulful melody, ethereal soundscapes, and groovy lush instrumentals. With a love of guitar first sparked by Guitar Hero and Wes Montgomery records, she first forayed into recording by making jazz guitar covers and jamming in the basement with her self-led band. In 2026, her song “Antenna Patch,” from her upcoming EP, went viral, reaching 10M+ views.
As a guitarist, Steph has toured internationally with R&B artists such as Fana Hues, Raveena, and bLAck pARty, along with rising talents like Mad Tsai, Hillari, Kels, and Black Hibiscus, playing venues from Radio City Music Hall to Governors Ball. She has been recognized by BBC Sounds, the American Composers Federation, DownBeat, and more.

SoriDari: Across Generations
2026-04-10 19:30 - 21:30 | Korean Cultural Center NY, 122 E 32nd St, New York, NY, 10016
Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM (Doors open at 7:00pm)
Location: Korean Cultural Center New York (122 E 32nd St., New York, NY 10016)

– RSVP and seating are on a first-come, first-served basis.
– Your tickets will be released to the standby line 10 minutes before the show, so we recommend you arrive early to secure your seats.
– Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.

Please note: After three no-shows without notice, you may be subject to restrictions on future reservations.
If you have any questions, please let us know: performingarts@koreanculture.org

International Symposium: Bridging Worlds: The Art and Artistry of Mei Lanfang
2026-04-11 13:00 - 17:30 | China Institute of America, 40 Rector Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY
This international symposium delves into the rich artistic universe of Mei Lanfang, taking the exhibition Dancing Goddess: Mei Lanfang in America as a point of departure. Through a series of focused presentations, speakers will examine the defining elements of Mei’s artistic practice, from the codified symbolism of the orchid hand gestures to the performances of Rainbow Pass across four countries, using case studies in cultural dislocation and aesthetic translation.
Embracing the inherently cross-disciplinary nature of Mei’s practice, the program brings together five scholars from various fields, including art history, theater studies, philosophy, and media theory. Their presentations will collectively illuminate how Mei’s work functioned not only as the pinnacle of Chinese theater but also as a dynamic site of cross-cultural encounter. By bringing these broader inquiries into dialogue, the symposium invites scholars, students, and the public to reflect on the enduring legacy of an oeuvre that continues to defy categorization.

Colors & Comedy: A Holi Comedy Show and Celebration
2026-04-11 14:30 - 17:00 | The Local NY, 13-02 44th Avenue, Queens, NY, 11101, United States
Get ready to laugh in full color!
Thyme & Again Comedy and Himanshu Godara are teaming up to bring you Colors of Comedy – a high-energy celebration of Holi, the legendary Festival of Colors and Love!
Holi is a Hindu spring festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil/ We’re honoring that spirit with comedy, live bollywood music, unforgettable vibes and we can’t forget the organic color. Expect a vibrant night filled with big laughs, great company, and joyful celebration.
Whether you’re celebrating Holi, love live comedy, or just want a fun night out, this is the event you don’t want to miss. At Thyme & Again Comedy, the mission is simple: Celebrate Diversity Through Humor. Grab your tickets now and come celebrate, connect, and laugh out loud with us!

Songkran: Thai Night Market
2026-04-11 18:00 - 22:00 | Welcome to Chinatown Hub, 115 Bowery, New York, NY, 10002, United States
Celebrate Thai New Year 2026 with Thai food, drinks, merch and music at our Songkran Night Market.
Performances by Chan & Eli and Faye Pattatan.
Some vendors you’ll love are: Koht Peht Thai Hot Sauce, ice cream from SkyIce, ThaiNYbites fried bananas, and samples from Group B Beer.
​Bring in the new year with Thai music vibes, snacks and by supporting Thai entrepreneurs and vendors.

WORKSHOP | Harmony in a Cup: Japanese Tea with Yoshitsugu Nagano
2026-04-12 11:00 - 14:30 | Charles B. Wang Center – Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, United States
Experience the refined artistry of Japanese tea with the master tea instructor Yoshitsugu Nagano. This workshop introduces participants to the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility at the heart of tea culture. Through guided demonstrations and hands-on practice, attendees will learn essential techniques for preparing and appreciating high-quality Japanese tea. Whether you are new to Japanese tea traditions or seeking a deeper understanding, this session offers a serene and thoughtful immersion into a timeless cultural practice. Session 1
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Session 2 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM. Limited to 30 people per session.Fee includes all materials. Advance reservation is required.

Songkran: Thai Family & Culture Day
2026-04-12 12:00 - 16:00 | Welcome to Chinatown Hub, 115 Bowery, New York, NY, 10002, United States
Celebrate Thai New Year 2026 with Thai food, culture and traditions at our Songkran Family & Culture Day. Enjoy Thai food and drinks, enjoy the Songkran photo booth, and celebrate the beautiful ritual of Song Nam Phra—rinsing away the old year and welcoming good fortune for the coming year.
​Cooking Class at 1pm: Participate in the Tung Tong “Bag of Gold” Dumpling Class. Led by Allie Chanthorn Reinmann (chef and food writer from 177 Milk Street), you’ll learn how to make this flavorful and simple meat-filled fried dumpling enjoyed for Songkran. Ticket includes ingredients, lesson, and a plate of finished dumplings. Allie will provide a refreshing and popular Thai drink, daeng manao soda. Seats are limited so sign up soon using the button!

Screening - Next Life (with Q&A)
2026-04-13 - 2026-04-15 | Film at Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater, 165 W. 65th Street, New York, NY, 10023
From April 8–19, Film at Lincoln Center and The Museum of Modern Art presents the 55th edition of New Directors/New Films —A yearly festival that champions filmmakers from all over the world with distinctive visions and bold new ideas that push the art form into new terrain. Tenzin Phuntsog’s Next Life follows a Tibetan American family making preparations for the death of its patriarch in a spare and moving meditation on exile and spirituality that draws inspiration from The Tibetan Book of the Dead. Q&A w. Tenzin Phuntsog on April 13 at 8:15pm and April 14 at 6:00pm.
Note: Automatic $10 promo ticket price through event link.

STRANGERS IN THE LAND
2026-04-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Columbia University (Pulitzer Hall), 2950 Broadway, New York, NY, 10027
Strangers in the Land: Exclusion, Belonging, and the Epic Story of the Chinese in America
Join us for a book reading by Michael Luo in conversation with Kat Chow, with welcoming remarks by Qin Gao, Acting Director of the Asian American Initiative.

Author Talk: Strangers in the Land: Exclusion, Belonging, and the Epic Story of the Chinese in America
2026-04-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Columbia University (Pulitzer Hall), 2950 Broadway, New York, NY, 10027
Strangers in the Land: Exclusion, Belonging, and the Epic Story of the Chinese in America
Join us for a book reading by Michael Luo in conversation with Kat Chow, with welcoming remarks by Qin Gao, Acting Director of the Asian American Initiative.
In Strangers in the Land, award-winning journalist Michael Luo tells the story of a people who, beginning in the middle of the nineteenth century, migrated by the tens of thousands to a distant land they called Gum Shan—Gold Mountain. Americans initially welcomed these Chinese arrivals, but, as their numbers grew, horrific episodes of racial terror erupted on the Pacific coast. Federal lawmakers enacted legislation aimed at excluding Chinese laborers from the country, the first time the United States barred a people based on their race. The Chinese became the country’s earliest undocumented immigrants: hounded, counted, suspected, surveilled.
Today there are more than twenty-two million people of Asian descent in the United States and yet the “stranger” label, Luo writes, remains. Drawing on archives from across the country and written with style and sweep, Strangers in the Land is a revelatory and unforgettable American story.
MICHAEL LUO is an executive editor at The New Yorker and writes regularly for the magazine on politics, religion, and Asian American issues. He joined The New Yorker in 2016. Before that, he spent thirteen years at the New York Times, as a metro reporter, national correspondent, and investigative reporter and editor. He is a recipient of a George Polk Award and a Livingston Award for Young Journalists.
KAT CHOW is a journalist, writer and the author of Seeing Ghosts: A Memoir (Grand Central Publishing), named a Notable Book by The New York Times and a finalist for the Connecticut Book Award. She is currently the Newsday/Laventhol Visiting Assistant Professor at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.

Workshop: Writing Without Fear
2026-04-13 18:00 - 20:00 | 18 W 21st St suite 900, 18 West 21st Street, #suite 900, New York, NY, 10010, United States
Join Amin Ahmad for a workshop on developing a writing process that allows you to be fearless and productive!
Are you working on a novel, memoir or non-fiction project? Did you start off with great enthusiasm, only to feel the project bog down? Are you overwhelmed by the complexity of the task? Has anxiety crept into your writing day?
To produce good work, writers must be willing to take risks and to produce writing that fails. This process of exploration often creates anxiety, and often results in the dreaded writer’s block. How do we allow spontaneity and improvisation into our work and still create coherence How do we craft a writing process that allows risk, but also creates a safety net?
Borrowing from psychology, we will understand the types of anxiety inherent in the writing process, and how to manage them. We will examine working methods from other creative fields — architects, screenwriters, film editors, and radio story tellers — and steal from them.
The goal of this workshop is to create a writing process that works for you, and that allows you to be fearless and productive.
This 90-minute workshop includes lecture, writing exercises, videos and graphic novel excerpts. Fiction, memoirists, and non-fiction writers welcome.
Please reach out to msaleh@aaww.org for assistance if you are able to join but the registration price is prohibitive.
Amin Ahmad worked as an architect before turning to fiction. He designs his novels using the same skills he learned to design buildings. He is the author of the novels A KILLER IN THE FAMILY, THE LAST TAXI RIDE, and THE CARETAKER. His short story collection, THIS IS NOT YOUR COUNTRY, won the 2020 Chandra Prize. He created the ‘Novel Year’ program at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, MD, taught at Story Studio Chicago, and was the 2017-19 Visiting Artist in Residence at Northwestern University. He now teaches creative writing to undergraduates at Duke University.
COMMUNITY CARE & ACCESSIBILITY
At AAWW, the safety and comfort of our community is our top priority. We invite you to practice intentionality and care in your behavior and language when engaging with our programs and with each other. Violence of any kind, including but not limited to racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, class or casteism, bigotry or bias toward religion or faith, or any action or assault against marginalized identities, is not tolerated. Those who bring harm to our community in person or online are not welcome, and will be asked to exit the space. We are located on the 18 West 21st Street, Suite 900, there is an elevator that will take you directly to our office.

Book Launch | Honey in the Wound by Jiyoung Han
2026-04-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Yu and Me Books, 44 Mulberry St, New York, 10013, United States
A lyrical and suspenseful debut novel about a mysteriously gifted Korean family confronting the brutality of the Japanese empire, Honey in the Wound is an epic tale of survival and the reclamation of power.

Trey Trahan: Bridging Cultures, Building Community
2026-04-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street, New York, NY, 10017, United States
New Orleans-based architecture firm Trahan Architects is known for their rooted approach to architecture—expressing the unique cultural, historical and ecological characteristics of the places they build. During frequent visits to Japan, Founder & CEO Trey Trahan, FAIA, has developed a passion and deep reverence for Japanese art and culture. Throughout his visits, he’s also discovered the numerous parallels between the shared ecologies of his native state of Louisiana and Japan that have permeated his firm’s approach to architecture. He and his firm have been celebrated for their depth of research, dedication to craft, sensitivity to the landscape and innovative material applications—all heavily influenced by Japanese traditions.
When he was invited to interview for the design of the U.S.A. Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, it was a dream come true. Having amassed a large collection of Japanese artifacts and artwork and developed many personal friendships over the years, his enthusiasm and connections won his firm the commission. Throughout the Expo’s six-month tenure, the U.S.A. Pavilion was consistently one of the most popular—drawing average crowds of 10,000 people per day and welcoming the world to experience the wonders of the United States of America through the narrative aesthetic lens of its host country.
Tonight, Trey will guide us through how his relationship with Japanese sensibilities—embracing chance, focusing on materiality and exercising a quiet restraint—helped guide his firm’s design for the U.S.A. Pavilion and continues to resonate in their work.

The Politics of Movement: When Dance Speaks Out
2026-04-14 - 2026-04-15 | The 14th Street Y, 344 E 14th St, New York, NY, 10003
The Politics of Movement: When Dance Speaks Out is a two night performance exploring protest, resistance, identity and social justice through the visceral language of dance. Featuring works from: Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble, Dances We Dance in collaboration with Catherine Gallant (Dances by Isadora), Anabella Lenzu/DanceDrama, H.T. Chen & Dancers, Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company, Monét Movement Productions: The Collective, Arthur Avilés Typical Theater, Creative Outlet, The Ghost of P.T. Barnum as master of ceremonies by Ara Fitzgerald.

The First Right: Self-Determination and the Transformation of International Order, 1941–2000
2026-04-14 16:30 - 18:00 | NYU Wagner School of Public Service, 105 East 17th Street, New York, NY, 10003
Join NYSEAN for a book talk by Bradley R. Simpson, Professor of History and Asian Studies at the University of Connecticut and Founder/Director of the Indonesia and East Timor Documentation Project at the National Security Archive.
The idea of self-determination is one of the most significant in modern international politics. For more than a century diplomats, lawyers, scholars, activists, and ordinary people in every part of the globe have wrestled with its meaning and implications for decolonization, human rights, sovereignty, and international order. The First Right argues that there was no one self-determination, but a century-long contest between contending visions of sovereignty and rights that were as varied and changing as the nature of sovereignty itself. Self-determination’s meaning has often emerged not just from the United Nations but from the claims of movements and peoples on the margins of international society. Powerful states, he shows, persistently rejected expansive self-determination claims, arguing that these threatened great power conflict, the dissolution of international order, or the unravelling of the world economy.

Curator Tour - LEGENDS: Athleticism in Asian/American Art
2026-04-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Queens College – Godwin-Ternbach Museum, 65-30 Kissena Blvd - 405 Klapper Hall, Flushing, NY, 11365
Exhibition curator Jayne Cole Southard will lead visitors through the exhibition, sharing insights into its inspiration, featured artists, and the dynamic intersection of art and sport.
The museum is located in Queens College, Klapper Hall 405. The tour is free and open to students and the public. Registration is highly encouraged. To register, please email gtmuseum@qc.cuny.edu.

Finding Joy Through Food: A Book Talk & Tasting with Yan Geling and Chiang Ching
2026-04-14 18:00 - 19:30 | China Institute, 40 Rector Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY, 10006
Join us for an intimate and unforgettable evening with internationally acclaimed novelist and screenwriter Yan Geling and celebrated dancer, actress, and author Chiang Ching as they explore the deep connections between food, memory, resilience, and creativity.

Committee of 100 Conversations – Anla Cheng
2026-04-14 18:00 - 20:00
We are pleased to invite you to attend our 12th Committee of 100 Conversations – “Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes” event that will feature Anla Cheng, Chair, Founder, and CEO of Serica Initiative and Committee of 100 Member
Anla Cheng is a pioneering Chinese American woman in investment banking and cross-border private investing and a relentless founder and leader of organizations focused on empowering the success and recognition of Asian Americans. These activities include summits, award events, webcasts, PBS broadcasts, and the funding of programs to promote the creation of education materials around the history of Asian Americans in the U.S.

Chai Chat: Spring Edition!
2026-04-15 12:15 - 13:30 | Queens College Powdermaker Hall, Queens College Powdermaker Hall, Gate 3 Entrance Rd,, Flushing, NY, 11367, United States
Join us on Wednesday, April 15, during free hour (12:15-1:30pm) in the QCAP Community Space (Powdermaker Hall 251) for our final cozy Chai Chat of the semester: Spring Edition!
Come be in community with Queens College peers and friends (bring your friends, too) and engage in some arts & crafts, light conversations, all while sipping some chai!
No need to RSVP.

AAPI New York: Stories From Staten Island
2026-04-15 17:00 - 20:00 | Staten Island UFT Center, 1200 South Avenue, Staten Island, NY
New York City teachers, community members, and youth are invited for an interactive day of storytelling, community building, and curriculum development on the localized history of Staten Island’s Asian American community.

More Than One Child (Screening & Discussion)
2026-04-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Calandra Italian American Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, 17th Floor, New York, NY, 10036
Join us for a powerful evening of film and conversation on the human consequences of China’s One-Child Policy with filmmaker Vinit Parmar.

Screening - Invisible No More
2026-04-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Fashion Institute of Technology – Bob Fisch Presentation Hall, 227 West 27th Street - Brown Building N-108, New York, NY, 10001
Screening of the documentary “Invisible No More,”co-produced by Larry Tung & Mehrunnisa Wani.
Asian Americans are no longer just an emerging force in New York City politics—they are making decisive gains at every level of government. The rise in Asian American representation is unmistakable, with their growing political strength on full display, particularly in Brooklyn’s newly designated Asian opportunity district. Established in 2023 through the once-a-decade redistricting process, the district reflects the rapid growth and increasing influence of the Asian American community. City Councilmembers Linda Lee, Sandra Ung, and Susan Zhuang, alongside State Senator John Liu and former State Senator Iwen Chu, share their paths to public service—how they broke barriers, claimed seats at the table, and now amplify the voices of their communities.

The Living Library: An Evening of Indian Classical Music & Dance
2026-04-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL), 455 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10016
An evening born from the idea that the great works of literature were never meant to stay static on the shelves, the Living Library brings classic works of Indian literature onto the stage at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library to kick off the 2026 World Literature and Arts Festival. Join us as we reimagine stories and verses through a dialogue between two of India’s profound classical dance traditions.
Kathak dancer Neeharika Tummala brings the story driven art of Kathak to NYPL, with her performance capturing fast footwork balanced by subtle, conversational nuances that define the North Indian tradition, turning literary metaphors into rhythmic reality. Author Nandana Dev Sen will recite her poetry as Neeharika translates them to dance. In a contrasting performance, Bharatanatyam dancer Sloka Iyengar presents the grounded, sculptural power of her dance form which is rooted in South Indian tradition. With its sharp geometry and emotional expressions, Iyengar’s interpretation will translate the spiritual depth of the literature into a visual language.

Visions/Panawin Spring 2026 Against Oblivion: Philippine Shorts from Cinemalaya and Sundance
2026-04-15 18:30 - 20:30 | NYU Espacio de Culturas, 53 Washington Square S, New York, NY, 10012, United States
Sulo: The Philippine Studies Initiative at NYU, New York Southeast Asia Network, and Espacio de Culturas at NYU present the Panawin Philippine film series for the Spring 2026 semester: Against Oblivion: Philippine Shorts from Cinemalaya and Sundance
Venue: NYU Espacio de Culturas | 53 Washington Square S, NYC 10012
Date and time: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 6:30 PM
For more information visit: https://wp.nyu.edu/spsi/against-oblivion/

Light of the Setting Sun - A Documentary Film Screening
2026-04-15 20:00 - 21:45 | Dodge Hall, 2960 Broadway, Room 511, New York, NY, 10027
Light of the Setting Sun (2024) is a patient inquiry and unfolding of filmmaker Vicky Du’s family’s history.

For non-Columbia affiliates, registration is required to access the Morningside campus. After registering you will receive an email with a QR code that must be presented along with a government-issued ID (your name must match exactly the name registered for the event) at either the 116th Street & Broadway or 116th Street & Amsterdam gates for entry.

The Other Side of Affordability: How NYC Can Boost Incomes, Build Wealth, and Expand Pathways to the Middle Class
2026-04-16 08:00 - 10:45 | 150W17TH, 150 West 17th Street, New York, NY, 10011, United States
Solving New York City’s affordability crisis will require more than just tackling the soaring cost of living. City leaders will also need a plan for the other side of the equation—raising incomes, building wealth, and expanding pathways to the middle class—so that a lot more New Yorkers can afford to live here.
This policy forum will advance concrete ideas, opportunities, and strategies for city and state leaders to address this side of the affordability crisis. Speakers will discuss specific steps that city leaders can take to help more New Yorkers achieve financial security, access well-paying jobs, grow businesses, build assets, save for retirement, and achieve upward mobility.

“Elevating AAPI Voices: Storytelling for Advocacy” Workshop
2026-04-16 12:30 - 14:30
Policy advocacy can be daunting, and the language and data of the policy world can feel removed from your everyday community work. Storytelling is a powerful tool to give voices to our community while putting the humanity back into our public discourse.
AJSOCAL will host this workshop on April 16 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM via Zoom to share storytelling strategies, such as story arcs and asset framing, that can help you craft compelling messages.
The session will be led by Eric C. Wat. He is an award-winning author of four books, including Love Your Asian Body, winner of the 2023 AAAS Outstanding Book in History, and a longtime activist and consultant whose work spans community organizing, research and evaluation, planning, facilitation, and coaching, with ongoing advocacy in trans rights, land rematriation, and immigrant labor.
A previous participant of Eric’s storytelling workshop shared: “We always knew that storytelling was important to provide a realistic picture to policymakers and funders, but there was never an opportunity to really think about how to do it effectively. It was a very resourceful session.”
We encourage you to share this workshop with your network of navigators and advocates. If you are planning on attending, please REGISTER HERE.

Honor Dalit History Month with Equality Labs (Virtual)
2026-04-16 16:00 - 17:00
Join Equality Labs’ Executive Director Thenmozhi Soundararajan and Dr. Rima Vesely-Flad, author of The Fire Inside: The Dharma of James Baldwin and Audre Lorde for a special Dalit History Month conversation on Black and Dalit Liberation. This discussion will highlight luminary thinkers like Audre Lorde and James Baldwin and Dalit leaders like Ambedkar and Shri Guru Ravidas. Select audience members will get copies of Rima’s book!
Upon registration, you will receive an email with the Zoom link.
Cost to attend: Our movement is inclusive by nature, and we warmly welcome participants of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and access needs. As this event is a fundraiser supporting our digital security and community safety efforts, donations are encouraged and deeply appreciated. We offer a sliding scale of $0–$1,000 to ensure accessibility for all.

April 2026 AANHPI Community DNA Forum
2026-04-16 16:00 - 17:00
NCAPA will cover important federal policy updates, including updates on the war in Iran, President’s budget, recent executive orders, and oral arguments on the birthright citizenship case. AAPI Data will share a preview of data from our upcoming By the Numbers guide on labor.

Taiko Takeover: Experience the Energy of Japanese Drumming
2026-04-16 18:30 - 19:30 | Richmondtown Library, 200 Clark Avenue, New York, NY, 10306
Join the New York Public Library and OMNY Taiko at Richmondtown Library for a presentation of Japanese Taiko drumming at the 2026 World Literature and Arts Festival!
