We are excited to host Throwback ACC Day through ACC’s social media channels today to virtually gather our global alumni network before the end of 2024, reflecting on the many collaborative and meaningful exchanges in our history. Over ACC’s 60+ years of promoting cultural exchange between the U.S. and Asia, thousands of artists, scholars, and arts professionals emersed in 16 artistic disciplines, and from 26 countries and regions, have expanded their worldview through travel and artistic discovery. Speaking to ACC’s mission of advancing international dialogue and mutual understanding, we look to virtually convene alumni on this day to tell their stories and show how their ACC fellowship experiences impacted them and their work.  

Below are some images and words by ACC alumni who were excited to share memories of their impactful trips, discoveries, and connections made through ACC fellowships. To see more from Throwback ACC Day, click here to review the highlight collection on ACC’s Instagram page. 

 


Royal HARTIGAN (ACC 2008)

Hartigan is a percussionist, pianist, tap dancer, educator, and author who has studied, lived in, and performed the music of Asia, Africa, Europe, West Asia, and the Americas as well as African American blues, gospel, funk, hip-hop, and jazz traditions. 

“The 3 photos below are from my ACC work in the Philippines. Please convey my gratitude to the ACC. I appreciate the support of the ACC for my research and teaching at University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, as it allowed me to deepen and expand my musical composition, performance, knowledge, teaching, and connections to diverse global communities.

in spirit and music,
royal”


Images: by Bo Razon. Royal Hartigan conducts research on the music of the Kalinga people of northern Luzon with Antonella Bernardo and master artists Alex Tumapang and Oliver Gumawang. World Music Museum, UP, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.

 

Judy KIM (ACC 1998)

Kim currently serves as the Asian Cultural Council’s Executive Director. 

From left to right: Chung JunMo (then Chief Curator), SookKyung Lee (then Curator), Judy Kim at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea in 1998. 

 

Allen LAM (ACC 1989, 1994)

Lam is currently the Artistic Director and Choreographer for Muse Motion, and a Chairperson for the Hong Kong Dance Alliance Limited. 

“Today, I’m excited to reflect on two incredibly meaningful experiences that shaped my artistic journey: my first dance scholarship at the American Dance Festival in 1989, then pursuing my research fellowship at SUNY Purchase in 1993, both facilitated by the Asian Cultural Council (ACC).


Image (L): Taken at the workshop with renowned choreographer, Bill T Jones in New York City in summer of 1989
Image (R): by Cheung Ching Ming in 1994. At a rehearsal of “Church of Nations” - a dance by Kevin Jeff, which I performed in New York stage and at the Beijing International Dance Festival with Purchase Dance Corp in 1994.


American Dance Festival, 1989
In the summer of 1989, I had the privilege of attending the American Dance Festival and danced in New York City (NYC). This experience was eye opening to me as a young dance student where I studied with many master's in dance candidates and explored many different dance styles. The festival buzzed with energy as we engaged in classes, rehearsals, late-night discussions, and performances. I remember rehearsing with resident choreographers and collaborating with international choreographers who were also participating in the festival for their showcases. In NYC, I attended numerous workshops and shows with a vibrant tapestry of creativity. The new dimensions in my dance practice I explored with some of the most influential dance mentors were a true highlight of that summer.

Image: Taken at the American Dance Festival 1989 at the Repertory Showcase with resident choreographer, Doug Varone at Duke University, North Carolina

 


SUNY Purchase, 1993
After I danced professionally locally in Hong Kong (HK) and internationally for almost 4 years upon graduation. Fast forward to 1993, and I found myself at SUNY Purchase, immersed in another enriching environment. The program was designed to foster dialogue and artistic exploration. During my time there, I collaborated with talented artists, allowing myself to execute new expressions with some of the most innovative visual creators of the time. These collaborations not only expanded my artistic horizons but also forged lasting friendships that continue to inspire me.

The mentorship I received during this fellowship was transformative. I learned the importance of incorporating various artistic disciplines into my work, which has shaped my approach to dance ever since. The synergy between dance and visual art that I explored with my peers at SUNY Purchase allowed us to create truly unique performances, leaving a lasting impact on my career.

Image: Taken at the performance Fruit Muse Live at the campus of SUNY Purchase in 1994, inspired by the work of Yin Peet


Reflecting on Cultural Exchange
These experiences were more than just training opportunities in my career; they were pivotal moments of cultural exchange that taught me the value of collaboration. They opened my eyes to the beauty of diversity in the arts and how our unique backgrounds can come together to create something truly special. I founded my first dance company, DanceArt HK, with some fellow dance artists in HK as soon as I returned from my fellowship. We produced the company’s very first production, “Circle of Colours” with inviting guest artists, Thomas Warfield and visual artist, Yin Peet whom I met during my time in United States. The production was fully funded by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and staged at the HK Academy for Performing Arts in April 1994. 

As I look back on these moments, I am deeply grateful to the ACC for facilitating such transformative experiences. Meeting influential mentors and collaborating with inspiring dance, music, and visual artists enriched my journey and helped me grow as an artist.”

Image: by Almond Chu, ACC 1993 grantee with visual image by Yin Peet

 

 

Tracie MORRIS (ACC 1997, 2015)

Morris is an interdisciplinary poet and sound artist. During her ACC fellowships, she travelled to Seoul, South Korea and Japan, visiting over 20 cities/towns. 

“During this Dragon Year autumn, I am grateful for the opportunity to recall my wonderful experience as a first-time 1998 ACC Fellow. I traveled to Seoul en route to an extensive trip throughout Japan, studying conventional and experimental haiku poetry. One of my regular companions throughout my 1998 sojourns was the great tanka poet Tatsuhiko ISHII (ACC 1997, 1999). His early, luminous collection, Bathhouse and other Tanka (translated by esteemed Hiroaki Sato) was my introduction to the form. 

It was a great honor to spend time with Tatsu-san (born Dragon Year 1952), whose tanka has focused on Japanese Gay culture. We visited the legendary Gay And Lesbian Community Center (as it was called at the time) in New York City and, later, we went to a great bar in Tokyo. These were environments of profound connection, as if welcoming someone into one’s home. I received two very sweet remembrances at that Tokyo bar that I’ve treasured in my home, since. This is just one of many unforgettable memories that set me on a new course. 

Although I’ve been to Asia/the Pacific several times after this 1998 trip (as well as many other places throughout the world), this first visit was an auspicious introduction of what was to come in the 26 years after. Something shifted in my understanding about poetry and the interconnection of our world’s meaningfulness even as we have different ways of understanding it.  

My 1998 ACC experience studying poetry, Shintoism (as an extension of my studies on nature aspects of haiku), the hybrid cultural elements that constituted modern Japanese society and the beauty of smaller towns, temples, restaurants and people made this trip an unforgettable one for me and opened the door to this part of the world. I am indebted to ACC including its phenomenal staff, and to Mr. Ishii for their kindness and hospitality to a newcomer.” 

Image (R): Tracie Morris at The Poetry Project's New Year's Day Marathons & Symposiums © Melissa Zexter, 1998
Image (L): Tatsuhiko Ishii

 

Nicky PARAISO (ACC 2007)

Paraiso is currently the Programming Director of The Club at La MaMa, as well as Curator at La MaMa Moves! 

“To the right is the publicity photo from my solo performance of HOUSE/BOY written and performed by Nicky Paraiso and directed by Ralph B. Pena. The performance premiered at La MaMa in 2004.

I performed HOUSE/BOY at the Singapore Performance Initiation Festival in November 2007 travelling as an ACC grantee, thanks always to Ralph Samuelson.”

Image: by Jonathan Slaff