The Asian Australian Artists Association Inc., was established in 1996 as a multidisciplinary arts organisation by Australian-Chinese film-maker Teck Tan and Chris Pang. The co-founder Chris Pang had previously established the successful Asian Theatre Festival at Belvoir Street and was interested in providing long-term opportunities for emerging Asian Australian performers. The Asian Australian Artists Association (4A) is a non-profit organisation with the aim of promoting a greater understanding of diverse cultures through the arts. 4A has developed a unique approach to addressing Australia's cultural diversity.

In 1997 the Asian Australian Artists Association launched Gallery 4a on Sussex Street in Sydney's Chinatown. Early in 1999 it relocated to larger premises on Liverpool Street with facilities for two galleries.

In October 2000 the Asian Australian Artists Association relocated to the historic Corporation Building, a City of Sydney owned building to establish the Asia-Australia Arts Centre. The current premises on Hay Street in central Chinatown has an innovative program of activities dedicated to the promotion of dialogue between Australia and Asia through local and international exhibitions, public programs, workshops, seminars and community activities. The Asia-Australia Arts Centre is located in a high traffic and high profile area of Chinatown, in a grand, historic building.

The Asia-Australia Arts Centre gratefully acknowledges its Principal Patrons Geoff and Vicki Ainsworth, Daniel and Lyndell Droga and Dr Dick Quan; Patrons Johnson Pilton Walker, Mr Richard Funston; Benefactor Steensen Varming and Dr Gene and Brian Sherman AM and Friends Ari and Lisa Droga, Phillip Haw, David Droga, Richard and Margie Holden, VisAsia, Annika Droga-Susskind and Isabella and Sam Droga. The assistance of the Commonwealth Government through the Australia Council, its funding and advisory body, the NSW Government through Arts NSW and the City of Sydney