New York Officials Celebrate Shen Yun's 20 Years of Dedication

State and county leaders praise the performing arts company's mission to revive traditional Chinese culture.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Officials in New York state, including state assembly members, a state senator, and county executives, have issued proclamations and letters welcoming the return of Shen Yun Performing Arts to Lincoln Center. The officials recognized Shen Yun's 20-year mission to revive and share China's traditional culture with the world, often in the face of tremendous odds.

Why it matters

Shen Yun's performances have been banned in China, where the communist government has largely destroyed traditional Chinese culture. The officials' recognition of Shen Yun's artistic and cultural achievements highlights the importance of preserving and sharing this heritage, especially in the face of political oppression.

The details

The officials, including New York State Assembly members Karl A. Brabenec and Paula Kay, New York State Senator James Skoufis, Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, and Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler, praised Shen Yun's dedication, discipline, and cultural excellence. They noted that the 'artistic freedom of the West' has enabled Shen Yun to bring ancient Chinese traditions to life on stage, making it an 'international phenomenon'.

  • Shen Yun Performing Arts was founded in 2006.
  • Shen Yun will perform at Lincoln Center from March 25 to April 12, 2026.
  • This season marks Shen Yun's 20th anniversary.

The players

Shen Yun Performing Arts

A nonprofit organization based in New York that seeks to revive and share China's traditional culture with the world.

Karl A. Brabenec

New York State Assemblymember who recognized Shen Yun's efforts to 'not only entertain, but also to broadly educate, enrich, and inspire beyond cultural boundaries'.

Paula Kay

New York State Assemblymember who sent a proclamation praising Shen Yun's mission to 'revive five millennia of civilization' and 'breathe new life into traditional Chinese culture'.

James Skoufis

New York State Senator who sent a letter recognizing the 'talented team' behind Shen Yun's 20-year success.

Steven M. Neuhaus

Orange County Executive who sent a proclamation commending Shen Yun's 'extraordinary dedication, discipline, and cultural excellence'.

David M. Hoovler

Orange County District Attorney who praised Shen Yun's 'unwavering dedication and artistic triumph' over the past 20 years.

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What they’re saying

“Shen Yun Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization based in New York, and it's a show made in the USA that cannot be seen in China today where traditional culture has been largely destroyed under communist rule.”

— Karl A. Brabenec, New York State Assemblymember (ntd.com)

“Shen Yun Performing Arts seeks to revive five millennia of civilization, to breathe new life into traditional Chinese culture, to provide an experience of sublime beauty.”

— Paula Kay, New York State Assemblymember (ntd.com)

“This season Shen Yun celebrates its 20th anniversary, making two decades of unwavering dedication and artistic triumph often in the face of tremendous odds.”

— David M. Hoovler, Orange County District Attorney (ntd.com)

“Through your tireless efforts, you serve as catalysts to exposing our communities to centuries of art and wisdom that they may not regularly experience.”

— James Skoufis, New York State Senator (ntd.com)

“Shen Yun artists demonstrate extraordinary dedication, discipline, and cultural excellence.”

— Steven M. Neuhaus, Orange County Executive (ntd.com)

What’s next

Shen Yun Performing Arts will return to Lincoln Center in New York City from March 25 to April 12, 2026, marking the company's 20th anniversary season.

The takeaway

Shen Yun's mission to revive and share China's traditional culture has been recognized and praised by officials across New York state, highlighting the importance of preserving this heritage in the face of political oppression. The company's artistic achievements and dedication over the past 20 years have made it an international phenomenon.