Cover The ACC Year of the Dragon Gala at The Rainbow Room in New York City
The ACC Year of the Dragon Gala at The Rainbow Room in New York City
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The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) held its biennial fundraising gala in New York City last May 14
In the spotlight of this year’s fundraising gala of the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) are Hong Kong-based Danish businessman Hans Michael Jebsen, American philanthropist David Rockefeller, Jr and the esteemed Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, who happened to be a beloved ACC alum.
The ACC Year of the Dragon Gala began with cocktails followed by a formal dinner, which included the presentation of the three awardees. ACC alumni, such as dancer Yin-Ying Lee from batch 2022 and pianist Alex Peh from the 2019 batch, mesmerised the guests with their endearing performances.
Read more: Here are this year’s Filipino grantees of the Asian Cultural Council
Above Maja Olivares Co, Dean Hee, Teresa Rances, His Excellency Nuncio Gabriel Caccia, Wendy O’Neill, Ernest Escaler, Josie Cruz Natori, Antonio Lagdameo, Jaime Ponce de Leon, Malu and Ramon Martin Lindo, Japhet Mari Cabling
Maja Olivares Co, Dean Hee, Teresa Rances, His Excellency Nuncio Gabriel Caccia, Wendy O’Neill, Ernest Escaler, Josie Cruz Natori, Antonio Lagdameo, Jaime Ponce de Leon, Malu and Ramon Martin Lindo, Japhet Mari Cabling
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A live auction was also held, with a new painting by Murakami upping the ante. All proceeds from the evening were given to the ACC as it continues its work in connecting artists, humanities scholars and arts professionals across Asia and the US.
Among the 230 guests who attended, gala co-chair Mercedes Zobel and gala co-vice chair Abigail Alvarez were present and were instrumental in making the resplendent affair a success, which delighted ACC’s Board Chair Josie Cruz Natori. Other esteemed guests included Co-Vice Chair Susan Rockefeller, Executive Director Judy Kim, Gala Co-Vice Chair Cai Guo-Qiang and more.
Read more: Carving your path for the future: Fellowships, grants, scholarships and more
Takashi Murakami
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ACC aims to build global arts communities whose individual and collective work advances international dialogue for mutual understanding and respect. These objectives are achieved through fellowships, grants, achievement awards, public programmes, alumni engagement and other cultural exchange initiatives.
Just recently, ACC announced through its Philippine office this year’s 12 Filipino grantees, recipients of a range of graduate, individual and New York fellowship programmes. They were Maria Patricia Bernas, Aina Remolete, Lou Ella Rose Cabalona, Cindy Martin, Peter John Natividad, Archie Luigi Oclos, Padmapani L Perez, Tamara Yadao, John Alexis Balaguer, Toni Go, Joshua Lim So and Sir Anril Tiatco.
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Credits
Photography: Eugene Gologursky / Getty Images; Michael Kelley
About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
