GSAF Events Library

2024 Programs

Creator Forum: Non-Western Practice (3/12/24)

Join us for a wide-ranging conversation with a very special panel of notable Asian American dance, music, and theatre artists pushing the boundaries of non-Western performance and aesthetic practices in the US and international touring field. Interdisciplinary artist, curator, scholar, educator, and GS board member Michael Sakamoto moderates a discussion with performance artist Kristina Wong (Pulitzer Prize Finalist), composer, musician, and UC Berkeley educator Ken Ueno (Rome Prize, Berlin Prize winner), and choreographer-dancer Nadhi Thekkek (artistic director of Nava Dance Theatre, co-chair of Hyphen+Asian). 

How to Fundraise with Yong-Hee Silver (4/23/24)

Looking to expand your donor base of support? Join us to learn some tips from Yong-Hee Silver, Boston Lyric Opera’s Chief Philanthropy Officer. Prior to her position at Boston Lyric Opera, Silver spent 17 years in the development office at the BSO — one of the region’s top three nonprofit arts organizations. While there, Silver managed the orchestra’s giving societies and built relationships with donors who gave major gifts to the organization.

Spotlight On: Edwaard Liang (5/14/24)

Edwaard Liang, the new Artistic Director of Washington Ballet, shares his journey from soloist with New York City Ballet to Broadway to in-demand choreographer. Born in Taipei and raised in Marin County, CA, Edwaard is the first Asian American to lead a major American ballet company. He is also a founding Board member of Gold Standard Arts Foundation.

Community Conversation: American Dance and Performing Asianness (6/11/24)

Michael Sakamoto, moderator, with Donna Uchizono, featured artist

Join us for a guided community conversation around artistic, cultural and professional issues at the intersection of the US-based concert dance field and "Asian" identity. Featuring acclaimed choreographer, performer and educator Donna Uchizono as our special guest to prompt discussion of critical challenges and creative solutions. Who is considered "Asian" or "Asian American" in the dance world and why? What privileges or obstacles do White supremacy, patriarchy and other forms of dominance use to try and frame or control artists of AANHPI descent? What are some responses, strategies or possible solutions for artists to navigate, survive and thrive in today's concert dance profession, and how might such skills be useful for AAPNHPI artists working in other genres or art forms?

Artist-Presenter Relationships: Unpacking Dynamics (7/9/24)

How are relationships between artists and presenters formed, sustained, and deepened? How might these relationships improve? What approaches or models have been successful? Featuring speakers who are both artists and producers, they will share experiences and learnings from leading dance companies, producing independently and at arts institutions, and more. A Q&A will follow the panel discussion. Featuring Brinda Guha, Artist & Producer; Benjamin Akio Kimitch, Producer, Perelman Performing Arts Center; and independent choreographer; and Sarah McCaffery, Gold Standard Arts Foundation Board Member and Programming Manager & Associate Curator, Harlem Stage.

Career Transitions with Christine Chen (8/13/24)

The dancer’s performance span is limited, and the inevitable transition is a big journey - emotionally and otherwise. Christine Chen and host, Bonnie Oda Homsey, discusses Christine’s career from dancer to Executive Director to Senior Consultant with La Piana Consulting firm. They will cover topics like: knowing when and how to start thinking about a transition; preparing for the financial impact of career change; and dealing with changes to your identity and community.

Solidarity and Activism with Nick Phan and Hyeyung Sol Yoon (9/10/24)

Want to make meaningful change but don’t know where to begin? Join Asian Opera Alliance co-founder Nick Phan with Asian Musical Voices of America Founder and Del Sol Quartet Violinist Hyeyung Sol Yoon in conversation with Final Bow For Yellowface co-founder Phil Chan about successful strategies around Asian activism and how they can be applied to making positive change elsewhere in the field.

Spotlight On: Keerati Jinakunwiphat and John Lam (10/8/24)

This session put the spotlight on Keerati Jinakunwiphat and John Lam, two artists forging career paths in different dance forms. The conversation hosted by Bonnie Oda Homsey looks at career challenges, how they are facing career transitions, and balancing career and life demands.