The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) honored Hong Kong-based Danish businessman Hans Michael Jebsen, American philanthropist David Rockefeller, Jr., and Japanese contemporary artist and ACC alum Takashi Murakami at its biennial fundraising gala in New York City on May 14, 2024.

Mr. Murakami received the John D. Rockefeller 3rd Award, presented to an ACC alumnus from Asia or the United States who has made a significant contribution to the international understanding, practice, or study of the visual or performing arts of Asia. This award for outstanding professional achievement commemorates the deep and long-standing interest of John D. Rockefeller 3rd in Asian art and culture. Valerie Rockefeller presented the Award that includes a monetary prize of $50,000 towards the advancement of the awardee’s work. During his acceptance speech, Mr. Murakami announced he would generously donate the prize money back to the ACC. ACC Honorary Co-Chair Wendy O’Neill and ACC Chair Josie Cruz Natori introduced gala honorees Mr. Jebsen and Mr. Rockefeller, Jr.

Held at the Rainbow Room, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 65th Floor, in New York City, the festive evening began with cocktails followed by a seated dinner. Evening activities included the presentation of the JDR 3rd Award and honors to Mr. Murakami, Mr. Jebsen, and Mr. Rockefeller, Jr. There were performances by ACC alumni dancer Yin-Ying Lee (2022) and pianist Alex Peh (2019) and a live auction for once-in-a-lifetime lots, including a new painting created by Mr. Murakami. The work fetched $135,000. Dancing followed. All proceeds support the Asian Cultural Council.

In addition to the Asian Cultural Council’s Board Chair Josie Cruz Natori, Co-Vice Chair Susan Rockefeller, Executive Director Judy Kim, the honorees and presenters, and 230 guests attended, including gala co-chairs: Wendy O’Neill and David Rayner, Mercedes Zobel, and gala vice chairs: Abigail Alvarez, Cai Guo-Qiang and Hong Hong Wu, Yama Gaw and Daphne King-Yao, Désirée Jebsen, and Janet Nathanail and William Flanz. Additional guests included Ronnie Chan, Douglas Hsu, Julie Kohn and Dan Swift, Ida Liu, Peter Liu, Charles and Emily Rockefeller, and Shannon Wu and Joseph Kahn.

On Thursday, May 4th, 2023, from 6:30pm-8:00pm at Milbank Chapel, Columbia University (525 W. 120th Street) ACC held a performance and panel discussion on the impact of cultural exchange on individuals and societies. The conversation explored the effect of international dialogue and immersive exchange experiences between the U.S. and Asia for arts professionals and scholars. We also shared information on grant and fellowship opportunities with ACC, and a light reception followed the panel. Read more about our panelists below:

 

Jennifer Koh
2011 ACC alumna Jennifer Koh is a Grammy Award-winning violinist, lecturer, speaker, advocate, and educator. Recognized for commanding performances, delivered with dazzling virtuosity and technical assurance, Koh is a forward-thinking artist dedicated to exploring a broad and eclectic repertoire, while promoting equity and inclusivity in classical music.

 

Li-Chin Li
A Taiwanese sheng soloist, composer, and performer devoted to integrating her traditional instrument into modern international performing arts, Li-Chin Li is currently on her ACC Fellowship in New York. Traditionally trained and educated in Chinese music from Tainan National University of the Arts, Li is known for her ability to apply sheng to various art forms, including different music genres and physical movement, etc.

 

Yan Xiao
Yan Xiao, PhD, is an Adjunct Assistant Professor specializing in arts administration in Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Xiao’s research focuses on arts and cultural policy, cultural exchange, arts administration, arts entrepreneurship, cultural diplomacy and nonprofit organization management. She is also an arts management professional with years of experience in international performing arts. 

 

Judy Kim
Judy Kim (ACC 1998) joined the Asian Cultural Council as Executive Director in July 2021. Judy has led and managed programming and operations activities in the U.S. and globally in arts institutions including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, Brooklyn Museum, American Federation of Arts, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.

The East-West Dialogue lecture series was endowed in 2013 with a million-dollar gift from longtime ACC supporters Shoji and Tsuneko Sadao. This series engages thought leaders from arts and cultural fields in Asia and the West. It was conceived as a public platform for ACC to advance the values of cultural exchange through dynamic discussion and probing inquiry.