Asia House, founded in 1996, is a non-profit, non-political Pan-Asian organisation in the UK. It was founded by a small group led by Sir Peter Wakefield [1] who still serves as Lifetime President. The current CEO is Charlotte Pinder.
Since 2005 Asia House has been housed in an 18th century listed building in London's historic Marylebone.
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The publicly stated mission of Asia House is to "prepare the people of the UK for the "Century of Asia". The organisation seeks to achieve this by promoting a greater understanding of the distinctive and varied cultures, arts, religions and commercial opportunities presented by the growing vibrant economies of Asia.[2]
Asia House conducts a number of events annually including lectures, exhibitions, seminars, debates and performances. It also stages a literary festival, and a film festival featuring submissions from over 30 countries. Exhibits housed at Asia House change several times throughout the year.[3]
The Asia House Public Programme features lectures and performances, annual events such as the Asia House Festival of Asian Literature[4] , the "Asia House Festival of Asian Film"[5], the "Connecting Contemporary Cultures" series [6]and a broad program of talks, debates and discussions.
The Asia House Corporate Program, includes lectures, seminars and major conferences, and works with Asian heads of mission in the UK, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK Trade & Investment and UK corporations.
Examples of its activities are the "Ambassadors/High Commissioners program" through which Asia House provides a forum for regular economic and political updates from British and foreign diplomats through informal breakfasts and luncheons, the "Visiting Dignitaries program", offering a platform for Asian leaders and other high-level ministers to deliver their latest economic and political messages[7] , and a "CEO round table" program, which provides a forum for debate and policy review at a senior level by hosting round-table discussions with speakers including UK government ministers and other international figures.
Asia House's headquarters at 63 New Cavendish Street, London is a Grade II* listed building, originally planned by Robert and James Adam on the Duke of Portland’s Marylebone Estate in the 1770s. By 1775, however, the Adams’ attention had turned to the creation of Portland Place, and neo-classical architect John Johnson took over the site, erecting the townhouse that has since been redeveloped as Asia House. The rooms retain many of their original features – including bookcases designed by Sir John Soane and plaster cornicing – while other parts of the building have been modernised to create café and gallery spaces.
In 2005, Asia House received the Charity Finance Award for Arts, Culture & Heritage. [8]
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