The United States Asia Culture Academy (UACA) was established in December 2003 by R. Mallory Starr, Jr., Steven P.H. Lee, Ralph E. Winnie, Jr., Xiaoming Zhao, and nine scholars, lawyers, social activists, artists, diplomats, financiers, and librarians from the Washington, D.C. area. 

Our Mission

Our mission is to engage in activities and initiatives that promote and provide Asian language training, cultural exchange programs, scholarly and artistic exhibits, and public relations management. We organize and sponsor academic and cultural events, while also offering strategic consulting services to international businesses, organizations, and individuals involved in business and educational programs across the Asian region. Additionally, we actively contribute to the preservation of Asian heritage by donating valuable cultural artifacts to museums, educational institutions, and organizations dedicated to promoting cross-cultural understanding and safeguarding cultural history.

Key Events

• In 2004, UACA and the Asian Division of the Library of Congress jointly founded the Friends of the Asian Division, with R. Mallory Starr, Jr. serving as the first president.

• On May 16, 2006, UACA, along with the Library of Congress, the U.S. Celebration of Zheng He's Voyages Committee, the International Chinese Cultural Publishing Corporation (IPHCC), the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Chinese American Librarians Association, and the Friends of the Asian Division, jointly organized the "600th Anniversary International Symposium of Zheng He's Voyages."

• In 2006, UACA and the Library of Congress, along with the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, co-hosted a series of archival projects focused on Asian artists (including painters, musicians, photographers, and writers). In 2007, UACA collaborated with the Library of Congress and the American Folklife Center to hold Asian artist concerts and a series of lectures.

• In 2008, UACA, together with the Manhattan School of Music, Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and the International Opera Alliance, co-hosted a concert at the World Bank and Columbia University to commemorate the 100th birthday of French composer Olivier Messiaen (1908-1991). In 2008, UACA underwent organizational restructuring and its board of directors was reorganized.

• In 2008, the UACA Publishing House was established, merging with the International Chinese Cultural Publishing Corporation (IPHCC). In 2009, UACA, the U.S. Naval Academy, the Library of Congress, and Shanghai International Studies University co-hosted the "U.S.-China and Asia-Middle East Issues International Symposium."

• In 2009, UACA and the U.S. Naval Academy, along with the Library of Congress, co-hosted the (Qiu Shuwei - U.S. Naval Academy Band Solo Concert).

• In 2010, UACA began exchanges and cooperation with National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan.

• In 2010, UACA and the Library of Congress, along with the American Folklife Center, co-hosted a series of archival projects focused on Asian artists (including dramatists, painters, musicians, photographers, and lacquer art masters).

• In 2012, UACA and the Library of Congress, along with the World Bank, co-hosted Zhejiang University's donation of books and publications, as well as exchange lectures.

• In 2012, UACA began cooperation and exchanges with National Taiwan Normal University and Chinese Culture University. In 2014, UACA donated books and publications to the Library of Congress.

• In 2018, UACA and Zhejiang University in China jointly established the "China-U.S. Social Governance Innovation Research Center."

• In 2019, UACA initiated exchanges and collaborations with Tokyo University of the Arts, Columbia University, Harvard University, Yale University, National Taiwan University of Arts, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the University of Hawaii, Chiang Mai University in Thailand, the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Cyprus, China Academy of Art, Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and Zhengzhou University.

• In 2020, UACA donated artwork to the San Francisco Public Library and the Los Angeles Public Library.

• In 2023, UACA donated artwork to the Carter Center and the Kissinger Institute on China and the United States at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.