The Gold Art Prize has awarded $125,000 in unrestricted grants to five prominent artists from the Asian diaspora, reaffirming its commitment to fostering creative futures. The award ceremony took place on November 13, 2025, at the ama lounge in San Francisco, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and culinary excellence.
The prize, sponsored by the Kahng Foundation, granted $25,000 to each recipient: Kenneth Tam, Morehshin Allahyari, Jacqueline Kiyomi Gork, Stella Zhong, and Dan Lie. This biennial award, founded in 2021, aims to uplift artists from the Asian diaspora through financial support, mentorship, and increased visibility within the artistic community.
The event attracted a diverse group of attendees, including previous awardees, committee members, patrons, and art enthusiasts. Notable figures such as Soyoung Lee, director of the Asian Art Museum, and curators Victoria Sung and Margot Norton from the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive were present to celebrate the honorees.
Prize co-founders Kelly Huang and Bing Chen expressed their pride in the award’s mission, emphasizing the importance of supporting Asian diaspora artists in today’s cultural landscape. Huang stated, “I’m proud that the Gold Art Prize has, since 2021, championed artists from the Asian diaspora, and its mission feels more vital than ever today.”
Celebrating Art and Community
The evening featured a blend of artistic celebration and community engagement. Guests enjoyed a selection of dishes from Chef Brad Kilgore, including steak yakitori and his renowned caviar egg, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. DJ Eug of Public Release/Feeling provided entertainment, leading guests into a spirited second half of the evening.
The awardees were chosen from a pool of ten finalists, selected by a nominating committee composed of five influential Asian Pacific curators. This commitment to quality and diversity highlights the prize’s dedication to fostering talent within the arts.
In addition to the financial support, awardees will benefit from inclusion in the Gold House Futures initiative. This program connects next-generation creatives, entrepreneurs, and social impact leaders with mentorship opportunities designed to elevate their careers.
A comprehensive catalogue dedicated to the 2025 Gold Art Prize is set to be published in spring 2026, featuring essays and interviews with the artists, further promoting their work and contributions to contemporary art.
The Gold Art Prize continues to play a significant role in creating spaces where both established and emerging artists can network, collaborate, and amplify their influence in the art world. As the prize grows, it remains committed to its foundational goal of supporting artists and enriching the cultural landscape.
