Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures

Celebrating the artistic cultures, past and present, of Asia, the Islamic World, and the Ancient Middle East.

A visitor peering closely to a panel artwork
Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures

The DIA’s Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures (FAAC) is a group of patrons and friends who are committed to fostering understanding and appreciation of the diverse visual and material cultures of Asia, the Islamic World, and the Ancient Middle East. 

FAAC sponsors a variety of programs celebrating the diversity of Asia, the Islamic World, and the Ancient Middle East, including cultural performances, artist demonstrations, and lectures by leading scholars. FAAC also helps to fund the acquisition of works of art for the DIA's permanent collections. 

FAAC members enjoy special receptions following lectures and other events, visits to museums and other collections, and invitations to travel nationally and internationally on exclusive DIA tours. Come enjoy the company of other like-minded art enthusiasts and get to know the department’s staff. We look forward to welcoming you as a member at our next event!  

To join FAAC, please contact Azzah Smith (asmith@dia.org)

Members enjoy:

  • Invitations to exhibition openings 
  • Opportunities to participate in special DIA tours 
  • Invitations to lectures and receptions 
  • Invitations to travel to exciting art destinations nationally and internationally on DIA tours 

Members’ contributions support:

  • Cultural performances and other public programs 
  • Guest lectures 
  • Acquisitions of works of art 

The Board of Directors, elected annually, is a dedicated group of members who govern the FAAC’s activities including allocating funds for acquisitions, events and programming, community outreach, and fund-raising events. The officers of the Board head committees that provide an opportunity for all members to become involved with planning FAAC activities. 

To join FAAC, please contact Azzah Smith (asmith@dia.org)

Membership Level Annual Due
Individual $50
Family $100
Contributing $250
Sustaining $500
Benefactor $1,000
Major Benefactor $2,000

 

All members are eligible to join the departmental curator on local trips to other institutions, collections, and workshops.  

Members at the Sustaining level and above receive an annual invitation to a special reception with the curator, including exclusive experiences such as previews of new acquisitions, behind-the-scenes views of works in the collection, and special tours. 

We warmly invite you to become a valued member of the Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures. Please note that in order to join FAAC, you must be a member of the DIA as well. For more information, and to join, please contact Azzah Smith (asmith@dia.org)

Officers

  • Anita Rajpal, President
  • Jumana Cooper, Vice-President
  • Sharon Dow, Treasurer
  • Freda Giblin, Recording Secretary
  • Li Hsieh, Membership Chairperson

Directors

  • Rouba Ali-Fehmi
  • Jill Best
  • Theresa Chang
  • Taoqu Chen
  • Yee-Ho Chia
  • Karen Chopra
  • Asuman Ilkim Erturk
  • Meenu Gulati
  • Mieko Inaba
  • Robert Jacobs
  • Saeed Khan
  • Rhona Lee
  • Rupali Lunani
  • Alicia Masse
  • Ali Moiin
  • Emmy Peck
  • Hema Rachmale
  • David Roden
  • Carol Stepanchuk
  • Bob Tera
  • Vasu Tolia
  • Nurten Ural
  • David Weinberg
  • Fang Zhang

Honorary Member

  • David Morrison

Staff

  • Curator, Katherine Kasdorf
  • Development Liasion, Deborah Odette
  • Admin. Asst., Tarya Stanford

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