What Can We Do? (WCWD?) is an artist grant program that supports AAPI artists and their community care projects in New York City. It was created in response to the sharp increase in anti-Asian hate and violence during the pandemic which caused many people to experience grief, anxiety, and fear. WCWD? empowers artists and gives them a chance to find their place in the ecosystem of care through their talents and community connections.
This program is presented by Asian American Arts Alliance (A4) and is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Special thanks to Council Members Christopher Marte and Sandra Ung.
A4 has selected its 2024 Awardees. Please find more information about them and their projects by clicking on the button below.
The Bandung 2024-25 Residency, presented by the Asian American Arts Alliance (A4) and The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA), is an opportunity designed to uplift the work of artists, educators, and organizers whose practice is intended to foster solidarity between Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) and Black communities.
The Bandung Residency is made possible through the NYS AAPI Community Fund; the Ford Foundation; the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs with the support of NYC Council Members Crystal Hudson, Christopher Marte, Chi Ossé, and Sandra Ung; the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development; and Apicha Community Health Center.
Learn more about our 2024-25 Residents in our press release here, and by clicking on the button below.
The Van Lier Fellowship program aims to advance the careers and creative practice of Asian American artists living in New York City. This program supports early-career arts practitioners whose work shows outstanding promise in the fields of theater, music, and visual art to further develop their talent and to help establish them in the professional arts community.
With support from the Edward and Sally Van Lier Fund through the New York Community Trust, the fellowships provide a cash stipend, mentorship, and career development services. Created by the will of Sally Van Lier, the Trust carries out Edward and Sally Van Lier’s legacy of arts appreciation by supporting arts groups and training programs to provide education, training, or other support.
This year, the fellowship will be awarded to two NYC-based Asian American theater artists – in the categories of Acting and Directing – who seek to make an impact on the Asian American community to help develop new or existing work.
A4 is pleased to announce our 2024 Van Lier Fellows in Theater: Lianah Sta. Ana (Acting) and Borna Barzin (Directing). Read the press release here.
The Jadin Wong Fellowship recognizes an emerging Asian American dance artist whose work shows strong potential for greater achievement and who hopes to make a significant impact on the Asian American artistic community as a whole. The fellowship provides a cash stipend, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
This award is a tribute to the life and work of renowned Chinese American actress, dancer, and comedienne Jadin Wong (1913–2010), a pioneer and innovator of Asian American performing arts. The award is made possible by the Jadin Wong Educational Fund at the New York Community Trust, established to continue her dream of supporting aspiring artists, musicians, and dancers of Asian descent.
A4 is pleased to announce our 2024 Jadin Wong Fellow, Kanon Sugino, and our Artists of Exceptional Merit, Luna Beller-Tadiar and Nikaio Thomashow. Read the press release here.