The Asia Society has announced that it has received more than $100 million in commitments to fund a major global expansion and new program initiatives in honor of its 50th year.

The expansion includes the construction of new buildings for Asia Society centers in Hong Kong and Houston, as well as additional arts programming and policy forums.  Funds are also earmarked for the establishment of an Asia Society India Center in Mumbai.  Asia Society Texas, located in Houston's museum district, will get a new center.  The new building will include galleries and a 300-seat theater.

A nonprofit educational institution, the Asia Society was established in 1956 by John D. Rockefeller III to strengthen ties between the United States and Asia.  Although programming has included lectures and discussions on trade, finance, and politics, the arts have been central to the mission of the society from the beginning of the institution.