Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art Launches Inaugural Festival for Centennial
The National Museum of Asian Art at the Smithsonian has kicked off its inaugural festival as part of its year-long centennial celebrations that commenced last November. This two-week event will conclude on May 13, featuring complimentary performances by K-pop artist Eric Nam and Indian-American R&B vocalist Raveena. Sponsored by Bank of America, the festival showcases the debut of Huang Ruo's oratorio 'Angel Island', along with gallery performances by Nalini Prakash and Vijay Palaparty. Attendees can also enjoy a screening of the 1920s silent film 'A Page of Madness' with live music from Coupler, as well as panel discussions focusing on fashion and Korean pop culture. Additionally, interdisciplinary artist Sagar Kamath will display bamboo and banana leaf sculptures during a two-week residency. The festival's theme, 'Journeys', embodies the museum's goal of fostering cross-cultural collaboration.
Key facts
- The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art is celebrating its 100th anniversary with year-long events
- The inaugural two-week festival culminates on 13 May 2024
- Headliners Eric Nam and Raveena perform free concerts on the closing day
- The festival launches a five-year initiative supported by Bank of America during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
- Programming includes Huang Ruo's oratorio 'Angel Island' premiere with Washington Performing Arts
- Sagar Kamath presents environmental sculptures during a two-week residency
- The museum holds one of the world's most important collections of Asian art
- Centennial celebrations began in November 2023
Entities
Artists
- Eric Nam
- Raveena
- Huang Ruo
- Vijay Palaparty
- Nalini Prakash
- R.D. Burman
- Asha Bhosle
- Sagar Kamath
Institutions
- Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
- Warner Records
- Bank of America
- Washington Performing Arts
- Spilling Ink
- Maryland Institute College of Art
- Boston College
Locations
- Seoul
- South Korea
- Atlanta
- United States
- New York
- San Francisco
- Angel Island