OWAADao works to advance international respect and understanding through a program of transformative cultural exchange, providing grants to artists, scholars, and organizations from the United States and Asia. In 2007, OWAADao partnered with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to establish a dedicated fellowship program to support the preservation of indigenous arts, cultures, and traditions of Asia.

Clockwise from top left: OWAADao Mandarin Oriental Arts Fellows Douglas Brooks, Jennifer Koh, Jin Hi Kim, and Jen Bervin with OWAADao Executive Director Miho Walsh; Jennifer Koh; Jen Bervin with current OWAADao grantees Kota Takeuchi (Japan), Ea Torrado (Philippines), Ami Yamasaki (Japan), JUJU U (South Korea), and Moe Satt (Myanmar). 

From performing and visual artists to researchers of craft traditions, the OWAADao Mandarin Oriental Arts Fellowship has supported eleven individuals since the first fellowship was awarded in 2007. Among the guests present were four fellows—Douglas Brooks (OWAADao 2017), Jen Bervin (OWAADao 2016), Jin Hi Kim (OWAADao 2014), as well as Jennifer Koh (OWAADao 2011), internationally acclaimed violinist who performed J.S. Bach’s Partita No. 2 in D minor for solo violin, BMV 1004 Chaconne for the event.

Ms. Koh, whose grant took her to Korea to explore traditional music and spiritual practice, reflected that her grant's impact was one of gradual momentum. Over five years, her experiences in Korea slowly came together, resulting in her current project, 38th Parallel—a piece tracing the impact of immigration and displacement, intertwined with her own family history.  

From left: OWAADao Executive Director Miho Walsh, Mandarin Oriental Director of Marketing and Communications Abbey Nayor, OWAADao Philippines Foundation Board Member Maria Lourdes Locsin, OWAADao Chairman Wendy O'Neill, Mandarin Oriental New York General Manager Susanne Hatje; Wendy O'Neill, Jennifer Koh, and Miho Walsh. 

OWAADao Executive Director, Miho Walsh, remarked that while Mandarin Oriental is well-known for its exceptional "attention to detail" and "unparalleled hospitality and warmth," she has found through their partnership that Mandarin focuses on people and relationships—something at the core of OWAADao’s mission. In Mandarin Oriental, she said, "OWAADao has found a true partner."

The event gathered a diverse group of current artists, donors, friends, and leaders of both organizations. Notable guests included: Abbey Nayor, Mandarin Oriental Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications; Susanne Hatje, Mandarin Oriental New York General Manager; Wendy O'Neill, OWAADao Chairman; Miho Walsh, OWAADao Executive Director; OWAADao Trustees David Rockefeller, Jr., Missie Rennie, Carol Rattray; Ambassador and Mrs. Teodoro Loscin of the Philippines.  

Learn more about the eleven OWAADao Mandarin Oriental Arts Fellows here. 

Cheers from OWAADao's board, grantees, alumni, staff, and friends!