For thousands of years, art has been one of the most effective forms of communication – it knows no language barriers and brings people together in ways that words could never do. This is one of the reasons why people all over the world dedicate their lives to ensuring artwork is not only seen, but experienced. The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco has shown this same dedication.
Like East West Bank, the Asian Art Museum takes great pride in bridging cultures from the East to West. That’s why when the iconic San Francisco landmark approached the Bank about plans to expand its world renowned collection, exhibitions and cultural programs as part of a five-year transformation project, East West Bank provided the largest corporate contribution in the museum’s more than 50-year history to ensure Asian art was accessible for all.
East West Bank’s longstanding partnership with the Asian Art Museum is due to a collective pursuit to bring art to a greater audience and to celebrate ongoing cultural exchange. The East West Bank Art Terrace, opening to the public this month, will be a place where people of all ages can meet up with friends, enjoy refreshments with light concessions, and participate in evening social events –allowing the museum to be not only a site to visit, but also an immersive experience that will enable people to continuously reach further and forge connections through the arts.
The recent surge in anti-Asian violence is a painful reminder of the importance of the work we do at the museum, and the role we can play in confronting hateful stereotypes and prejudices — through exhibitions, programs, and partnerships. The power of the art the museum presents, and the amazing artists we work with, can not only guide us all in imagining a better future but can actually help create it as well.
