A Letter to Every Artist Across Asia

From the Founder, Asia Art Council

I don’t know where you are reading this from — maybe a shared studio in Jakarta, a tiny classroom in Qatar,
your bedroom-turned-art-den in Delhi, or a sidewalk in Manila where you’re sketching between jobs.

But if you’re an artist — or if you love art deeply — this letter is for you.

Because for far too long, we’ve all felt the same thing: We’ve been creating in silos.
So much talent. So many stories. So little support.

No one to back us.
No common ground to connect us.
No council, no body, no system built with us in mind.

That’s why we started the Asia Art Council — not as an institution, but as a movement.
A belief. That every artist, from a wide-eyed student to a master in their twilight years, deserves to be seen, heard,
and held by something bigger.

We’re building this for all of us.

I’ve met painters who can’t afford paints, dancers teaching for pennies, filmmakers editing on cracked screens, and legendary artists whose names are forgotten while their works hang unsigned in living rooms.

It hurts. And it’s not right.

So here’s what we’re doing — step by step, together.

For students and young creators

We’ll help you find your ground.
We’re building Asia Artversity — a digital learning space where you can learn from some of the best art wrold experts across Asia, no matter where you live.
We’ll host student biennales, offer mentorship, and connect you to internships that don’t ask for “experience you couldn’t possibly have.”

For those just entering the art world

We’ve all been there — unsure, hopeful, a little lost.
You’ll have access to grants, exhibitions, portfolio reviews, and residencies across Asia.
We’ll help you get noticed. We’ll help you be ready when you are.

We’ll feature your work on Griffys, our dedicated marketplace — giving you a platform to be discovered, collected, and celebrated alongside galleries and art lovers across Asia.

For mid-career and rising names

You’ve been building something — we want to amplify it.
You’ll be part of cross-border shows, public art commissions, international exchanges, and tech-led experiences.
And if you want to shape the future of art policy in your country? We’ll back you.

For senior and veteran artists

You should never have to chase rent in your 70s.
We’re working with governments and partners to offer healthcare support, legacy archiving, exhibitions that honour your journey, and apprenticeships where you can pass on what only you know.
You’re not forgotten. We’re building this with you in mind.

Working hand in hand with governments

We’re not doing this alone.
We’re knocking on every ministry of culture’s door, city by city, to push for:

• Better funding for artists

• Artist pensions

• Cultural infrastructure in rural towns

• Real policy change that comes from listening to you
  
  

And yes, we’re going global

Not to impress anyone, but so the world hears what Asia has to say — in our voices, in our languages, on our terms.
From Seoul to Sri Lanka, from Qatar to Kyoto, we’re taking this movement everywhere — physically and digitally.

So here’s what We’re asking from you

Share this with someone who’s trying to make it.
Tell us who needs help. Nominate someone to be an ambassador for your  country.
Volunteer. Join us. Push this forward.

The Asia Art Council is not just for the elite.
It’s not just for cities with fancy white walls.
It’s for the forgotten, the emerging, the thriving, the unseen.

It’s for you. And it’s going to take all of us.

With love and fire,
Asif Akbar /Sandy Kamboj
Founder / Co-Founder