A Community with Heart

Nancy Hiraoka

The East-West Center Arts Program thrives because of a tight circle of donors—the Arts ‘Ohana Giving Society—who believe deeply in the power of the arts to connect people. Their steady generosity has been essential to sustaining our work and expanding who we’re able to reach.

In 2025, philanthropic giving in support of the Arts Program totaled $130,000, helping us continue programs that serve artists, East-West Center students and participants, Hawai‘i’s K-12 students and residents, and our global network of collaborators. This support was strengthened by the Summer 2025 Arts Fundraising Drive, which raised more than $47,000 through the collective efforts of individuals and foundations, including the Kosasa Foundation, Cooke Foundation, Atherton Family Foundation, and the Jackie Chan USA Foundation.

We are especially grateful for the continued support of longtime donor Nancy Hiraoka, whose commitment reflects the heart of this community.

Because of this generosity, the Arts Program remains nimble, creative, and collaborative— bridging cultures and communities through shared artistic practice. For more than 50 years, this spirit of giving has made space for dialogue, learning, and belonging through the arts.

“I think of myself as a philanthropic researcher, always learning about the organizations and causes I support. Giving to the East-West Center Arts Program allows me to honor my family’s legacy while investing in creativity and cross-cultural connection.”

—Nancy Hiraoka