Asian American Arts Alliance Appoints Kunal Modi and Stephen Zaima to Board of Directors

USA

Asian American Arts Alliance Appoints Kunal Modi and Stephen Zaima to Board of Directors: The Asian American Arts Alliance (A4), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing opportunities for Asian American artists and cultural organizations, has announced the appointment of two distinguished professionals, Kunal Modi and Stephen Zaima, to its Board of Directors.

The appointments come at a time when A4 continues to expand its impact across the arts and cultural sector, strengthening its mission to promote representation, equity, and professional development for Asian American artists nationwide.

Welcoming the new board members, Lisa Gold, Executive Director of A4, emphasized the value of their diverse experiences and leadership.

“As A4 continues to grow, we are honored to welcome new board members who bring a diversity of expertise and experiences to help us broaden our perspective,” Gold said. “I am delighted to welcome Kunal and Stephen to the A4 team.”

Technology and Innovation Perspective

Modi brings more than 15 years of experience in technology, entrepreneurship, and product development. Currently working at Coinbase, he focuses on tools that help businesses engage with audiences across the Base ecosystem. He joined the company following its acquisition of his startup, Spindl, where he served as Chief Technology Officer.

Throughout his career, Modi has contributed to major consumer technology platforms, including initiatives at Airbnb and Meta Platforms, where he worked on Airbnb Experiences and Facebook Live Video, helping create products that foster global cultural engagement and community participation.

Having recently relocated from California’s Bay Area to New York City, Modi expressed enthusiasm about supporting the city’s vibrant arts ecosystem through his new role at A4.

“Getting to know A4 and its work supporting Asian American artists and cultural producers, I’ve seen how much it matters, and how needed it is,” Modi said. “I’m honored to join the board and looking forward to contributing to that effort.”

Distinguished Artist and Educator

Joining Modi on the board is acclaimed artist and educator Stephen Zaima, whose career spans decades of teaching, scholarship, and artistic practice. Zaima is a Professor Emeritus at Syracuse University and has taught studio art and art criticism across international programs in New York City, Los Angeles, London, Florence, and Berlin.

In addition to his academic work, Zaima served as Associate Dean for Global Programs in Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. He earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from University of California, Davis.

Zaima’s recent artistic projects include VISION & TEXTUALITY, a series that explores fragmented yet hopeful perspectives on contemporary life, and SPELLING IT OUT, which examines historical themes including the experiences of Japanese American internment camps. His 2022 monograph, FEAR NOT, further reflects his engagement with social, cultural, and historical narratives.

“As an Asian American artist and former educator, I believe that A4’s programs and initiatives to empower Asian American artists and cultural institutions are more compelling than ever,” Zaima said. “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to contribute to this essential mission.”

Strengthening Support for Asian American Artists

Founded in 1983, the Asian American Arts Alliance has played a pivotal role in supporting Asian American artists and cultural producers through resource sharing, networking, advocacy, and professional development initiatives.

Based in New York City, A4 serves as a key convener for conversations around race, identity, artistic expression, and cultural representation. The organization is widely recognized as the only national service organization dedicated exclusively to the professional advancement of Asian American artists across all artistic disciplines.

With the addition of Modi’s expertise in technology and innovation and Zaima’s extensive experience in arts education and creative practice, A4 is poised to further strengthen its leadership and expand opportunities for Asian American artists and cultural institutions in the years ahead.