On April 19, 2026, the H Foundation 10th Anniversary Gala — “The Next Decade | 生生不息” — was successfully held at the Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel. Distinguished guests from the fields of art, academia, collecting, and business gathered for an evening of dialogue, performances, and exchange, marking this significant milestone together.

As a defining moment in the Foundation’s ten-year journey, the gala was not only a celebration of the past, but also a forward-looking cultural statement. As Founder Tina He reflected, “H Foundation began as a family mission, and over time has evolved into a public platform for cultural exchange and connection.” This decade-long commitment was made tangible throughout the evening.

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Silent Auction: Where Encounters Begin

The event formally opened at 3:00 PM, as guests arrived and entered the silent auction in an open and welcoming atmosphere. Works spanning diverse artistic languages were presented in dialogue — from Dunhuang-inspired aesthetics to contemporary painting, from traditional ink practices to classic collections.

Several works by Chang Shana drew particular attention. Guests lingered, discussed, and engaged closely with the pieces — some exchanging quiet observations, others comparing line, composition, and detail. For many attendees living abroad, this was not only an experience of viewing art, but a meaningful cultural encounter. The visual language of Dunhuang, in this moment, became vivid and immediate.

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A Central Conversation: What Does Culture Owe Its Community?

A key component of the evening was the panel discussion titled “What Does Culture Owe Its Community? A Conversation on Art, Institution, and the Next Decade.”

Jason Sun, Brooke Russell Astor Curator of Chinese Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Daryle Williams, Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at UC Riverside, reflected on the role of culture from both museum and academic perspectives.

They emphasized that in a globalized context, culture not only preserves historical memory, but also serves as a vital means through which individuals shape identity and foster a sense of belonging.

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The Gala Evening: Resonances from Dunhuang

As evening fell, the gala dinner opened with a dynamic Korean drum performance. Guests, dressed in cocktail and festive attire, gathered in an atmosphere shaped by light, rhythm, and sound.

Within this setting, the auction unfolded organically, gradually building momentum. A highlight of the evening was Chang Shana’s cloisonné work Peace Dove Plate, presented at auction in Los Angeles for the first time. Created in the 1950s, the piece integrates the decorative language of Dunhuang murals with the refined aesthetics of traditional craftsmanship.

As bidding progressed, the energy in the room intensified. Each raised paddle reflected not only a choice of artwork, but also a recognition and resonance with cultural experience.

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After a Decade: Culture as Connection

Over the past ten years, H Foundation has remained committed to advancing Asian art within an international context — through exhibitions, research, and public programming. These efforts have gradually formed a dynamic cultural network.

From a broader perspective, such community-driven cultural initiatives are becoming an important pathway for cross-cultural exchange between China and the United States. Rather than relying on grand narratives, they build understanding and trust through moments of viewing, dialogue, and encounter.

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As the evening demonstrated, culture does not exist solely within objects — it lives in the connections between people. And it is precisely in these moments that meaningful connections are formed.