In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, support by New York State Office of General Services and Sino-American Friendship Association, Sino-American Culture and Arts Foundation held the first Asian Cultural Festival at Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY. The series of events kicked off on May 13, 2023, highlighted the rich cultural history and uniqueness of Asian American communities, featuring a Asian culture themed exhibition and diverse cultural performances from multiple Asian American communities in New York. A dynamic lineup of events filled with Asian music and dance, Chinese Opera Face-changing act, engaging activities, a captivating photo exhibition, and free gift giveaways. The photo exhibit showcases a curated selection of photos providing a glimpse into the UNESCO world cultural and natural heritage sites, including China's Huangshan and Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings, Japan's Toshogu Shrine, Malaysia's Batu Caves, and Indonesia's mesmerizing traditional Balinese Dance.

"The Creative Huangshan, Beautyful Huizhou" booth showing the scenery to audiences

Admiring the photo exhibition of Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings

The calligraphy artist engaging with audiences

Traditional Asian dance performance

"We are immensely proud to participate in the 2023 AAPI Celebration, which offers a fantastic platform to showcase the rich tapestry of Asian culture to the entire Albany community. Spanning from ancient to contemporary, local to international, and farm-to-table experiences, we are excited to present a wide range of cultural exhibits and performances. We have also planned engaging performances and activities designed for children and families to actively participate in," said Ms. Li Li, Executive Vice President of the Sino-American Friendship Association and President of the Sino-America Culture and Art Foundation.

Chinese Consul General in New York, Ambassador Huang Ping, Deputy Chinese Consul General Qian Jin and Sino-American Friendship Association President Peter Zhang enjoying the photo exhibition of Huangshan and Dazu

Introducing traditional Asian fine food to the audience

Enjoying the photo exhibition

US Congressman Paul Tonko praised the this first-ever Asian Cultural Festival in the New York State Capital, “It’s great to stand next to the wonderful famous Guest-Greeting Pine and I’ve been told it’s also very lucky,” said the Congressman. “It’s so good to be here to see the performances, to have the young people and people of all ages sharing their culture and their heritage and expressing that from beyond their heritage block.”

Congressman Paul Tonko delivering remarks

Ms. Li Li taking an interview

Paul Tonko and Li Li taking photos together

Ambassador Huang Ping, Perter Zhang and Li Li taking a photo together

Paul Tonko and Li Li taking a group photo with Asian dancers

Shams Tarek, Deputy Commissioner of NYS Office of General Services (3rd from right) participating in the event and taking group photo with the sharing guests