NYAAF debuted with What Will People Think? — a group exhibition featuring emerging AAPI artists exploring perception, identity, visibility, and the weight of expectation. Through diverse mediums, the work reflected the layered tensions of diaspora life and the experience of being seen through multiple lenses by family, community, and society. The exhibition opened with a private reception on May 22, followed by public viewings May 23–25.

For the community programming, NYAAF partnered with AAPI-owned businesses and creatives to produce hands-on workshops and cultural programming across NYC, collaborating with Studio Calmplex, Mojo Studio, Club Solar, Studio Bumi, Call to Gather, Nunchi, among others.