Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts has unveiled a temporary art exhibition in the Governor's office reception area to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The display features works by four Asian American artists living in Massachusetts—Yu Cheng, Tira Khan, Timothy Hyunsoo Lee, and On Kyeong Seong—spanning photography, embroidery, and paintings. The exhibition, organized in partnership with the Mass Cultural Council, runs through May 16 and is part of Healey's broader effort to diversify the art displayed in the State House.
This exhibition matters because it uses the symbolic space of the Governor's office to amplify the visibility of Asian American artists and their contributions to Massachusetts' cultural landscape. By rotating temporary exhibitions tied to heritage months and community themes, Healey is institutionalizing inclusive representation in state government spaces, setting a precedent for how public buildings can reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. The partnership with the Mass Cultural Council also highlights the role of state arts agencies in supporting underrepresented artists.