Cover The glamorous evening celebrated Asian Cultural Council's 63-year legacy of fostering cultural exchange between the US and Asia, bringing together a distinguished crowd of global artists, philanthropists, and cultural leaders
The glamorous evening celebrated Asian Cultural Council's 63-year legacy of fostering cultural exchange between the US and Asia, bringing together a distinguished crowd of global artists, philanthropists, and cultural leaders
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The 2026 Asian Cultural Council Biennial gala at New York’s iconic Rainbow Room raised over US$1.6 million to support international artistic fellowship and cultural exchange
The Asian Cultural Council (ACC), a distinguished global nonprofit championing cultural exchange between the US and Asia, proudly announced a stunning US$1,631,500 in raised funds at its glamorous 2026 Biennial Gala. The glittering event took place on Wednesday, May 6, at the iconic Rainbow Room in New York City, turning heads and raising spirits.
The evening brought together artists, philanthropists and cultural leaders to honour ACC’s 63-year history of fostering global connections. “The success of this year’s gala demonstrates our community’s strong dedication to cultural exchange,” said Judy Kim, executive director of the Asian Cultural Council.
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Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the New York-based Asian Cultural Council (ACC) Josie Natori delivers a speech
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The gala honoured two individuals whose careers and dedication embody that mission: Michelle Yeoh and Wendy O’Neill. Yeoh has redefined what Asian artists can achieve globally, using her roles as an actor and advocate to promote greater representation, cultural exchange and artistic excellence. She received the 2026 Gala Honoree award in recognition of her work across more than 60 films and her ongoing humanitarian efforts. As a trailblazer in international cinema, she won the 2023 Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. She has also served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme for ten years, focusing on empowering vulnerable communities worldwide.
O’Neill was awarded the 2026 Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller Award in recognition of her contributions to advancing understanding between Asia and the US. Her remarkable support and dedicated service to the ACC include 11 years as Chair of the Board of Trustees. She strongly believed in the power of cross-cultural dialogue to drive change. Her background in East Asian and Chinese history, combined with early experience in China’s trade and investment, has informed her work with organisations such as the China Medical Board, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.
(Sitting down) Stella Chui, Tony Alvarez, Anton Alvarez, Mark Alvarez; (Standing) Jean Zhang , Gail Alvarez, Victor Alvarez, Gia Alvarez, Olena Alvarez, Marni Alvarez
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Proceeds from the gala help sustain ACC’s grant programmes for artists, scholars and arts organisations. Since its founding in 1963, ACC has awarded over US$100 million to support approximately 6,000 fellowship exchanges across 16 disciplines, benefiting grantees from 26 countries and regions.
Other notable guests include Josie Natori, Harold Koda, Joe Boitano, Peter Som, Jeanette Chang, David Monn, Sofia and Patxi Elizalde, Mercedes Zobel, Maja Olivares Co, Ravi Co, Charmaine Lagman, Mica Lagman, Lily O’Boyle, Gail and Tony Alvarez, Isa Lorenzo, Malu and Mon Lindo and Teresa de Sequera Colley.
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