The Asia Society was founded in 1956 by John D. Rockefeller 3rd to foster understanding between Asians and Americans.



Initially established to promote greater knowledge of Asia in the U.S., the Society today is a global institution that fulfills its educational mandate through programs encompassing arts, culture, politics and business throughout the diverse countries of Asia. As economies and cultures have become more interconnected, the Society’s programs have expanded to address Asian American issues, the effects of globalization, and pressing social concerns in Asia such as human rights, women’s issues, the environment and HIV/AIDS.