The Gardner Center for Asian Art and Ideas is gearing up to go out and about with our programs while the Asian Art Museum is closed for renovation (beginning in spring 2017).

​Offering dynamic public programs at the Asian Art Museum, Gardner Center events explore the vast diversity of Asia and its presence in the world. From history and culture to global health and urban design, we exchange ideas that include dialogue on challenging contemporary issues. We also invite you to experience a range of artistic expression related to Asia.

We are happy to announce that the popular Saturday University Series will still be held on Capitol Hill during Winter 2017 at the Seattle University campus, primarily in the spacious Pigott Hall. This new partnership with Seattle University’s Office of Global Engagement is in addition to our long-term partnerships with the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington and the Elliott Bay Book Company. Look for our other programs such as Asia Talks, Art Globally, and performances to pop up at SAM downtown and elsewhere.

Learn more about the renovation and expansion of the Asian Art Museum.

Attend one of our community outreach gatherings.

CONTACT US

206.442.8480
Email

Office Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday
10 am – 5 pm

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The Gardner Center invites scholars, writers, artists, global development experts, and others engaged with Asia to share their ideas, projects, and experiences. Using a multidisciplinary approach, our inquiry is dedicated to encounters across cultures—within Asia, between Asia and the rest of the world, and within the museum.

Asia Talks range from authors producing great writing from and about Asia, to local women from South Asia discussing family jewelry traditions, to a daylong session on an Asian art form.

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Sound Travels: Performing Arts of Asia

September 29–December 1
Seattle Art Museum

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Hear what history and innovation sound like during this series of lecture-demonstrations. We’ll explore nine evolving creative forms of music, dance, and drama that build on Asian performing arts traditions and find new ways to reach audiences around the world. A talented group of presenters will introduce some unique elements of music and movement each week. You will experience the special sounds of a variety of instruments, learn a few rhythms, and gain a few pointers on looking and listening through their demonstrations.

For three talks, a small ensemble of musicians or dancers will perform a short selection. From Javanese dance to Korean percussion, and South Indian dance to Persian music, you will gain insights to expand your feeling for the world of performing arts.

Auditorium seating is primarily through advance series subscriptions with limited individual lecture tickets sold at the door.

Please note: There will be no talk on November 24.

Held in partnership with the University of Washington’s Jackson School of International Studies, and the Elliott Bay Book Company.

COMING UP​

From classic masterpieces to new popular cinema, Asian films are screened outdoors in the Volunteer Park Amphitheater on Friday nights in the summer, and in the Asian Art Museum auditorium during other seasons.​​​

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​The a​rts provide powerful experiences for​ and insights between people who don’t share a spoken language or similar background. The Gardner Center presents occasional Asia-related performances and visual artists’ demonstrations. From contemporary Korean music to Bollywood dance styles to traditional textile techniques, these are special opportunities to engage with artists in action.

Every year, Tasveer and the Gardner Center co-present Yoni Ki Baat (a South Asian adaptation of The Vagina Monologues), created by an entirely new cast with their original stories.

COMING UP​