Asian American Arts Centre

What to know

The Asian American Arts Centre (AAAC) is a nonprofit organization located in the Chinatown neighborhood of Manhattan. Established in 1974, it originally began its journey as the Asian American Dance Theatre. This institution stands as one of the earliest Asian American community organizations in the United States, created specifically to address the distinctive concerns of Asian Americans living in the country. Over the decades, the organization has expanded its scope beyond dance to promote the preservation and creative vitality of cultural growth. Today, the AAAC utilizes a combination of performances, exhibitions, folk art, and public education programs to highlight the historical and aesthetic linkage between Asian American communities and other diverse groups. In 2010, the center officially transitioned its physical location from 26 Bowery to its current home at 111 Norfolk Street. This site houses the AAAC Artist Archive on the ground floor, which is recognized as one of the largest historical archives on Asian American art in existence. Because the archive contains specialized materials, it operates differently than a standard museum. Access to these historical records is granted to the public by appointment, and the materials must be viewed on site at the Norfolk Street location to ensure their preservation.

Visitor tips

• Contact the center via phone or email before visiting to ensure specific archive materials are available.
• Remember that the Artist Archive is open to the public by appointment only.
• Check their Instagram or Facebook pages for current events, as their main website primarily serves as a record of past programs.

Nearby context

Situated at 111 Norfolk Street, the center is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Manhattan's Chinatown, serving as a vital link between the neighborhood's artistic heritage and its modern community identity.