In October 1996, Yuko Nii founded the non-profit WAH Center (Williamsburg Art & Historical Center) based upon her “Bridge Concept.” That concept envisions a multifaceted, multicultural art center whose mission is to coalesce the diverse artistic community, and create a bridge between local, national and international artists, emerging and established artists, and artists of all disciplines. She also wanted to preserve the WAH Center’s building, a French Second Empire masterpiece, and make it a functional part of the cultural community of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Thus through the international language of art we come to understand each other to create a more peaceful and integrated world. The WAH Center is truly a force for peace and understanding and it’s concept is incorporated in its acronym: “WAH” in Japanese means “peace, harmony or unity.”

The WAH Center distinguishes itself among local art organizations as a creative laboratory for innovation in the visual arts. Accordingly, WAH Center makes great works by living artists of diverse groups (local, national and international) accessible to diverse audiences by using a variety of innovative approaches to the fine art & performing art using science and technology and uses the interpretation of art to express opinions about environmental and social concerns. We also want to present shows that reveal our historical context, for humans of today are a product of their past.