From its inception, Asia Art Archive has acknowledged its position in the field as more than a static collection of material waiting to be discovered. Through the regular initiation of projects and public programmes by the Research+ Department, AAA endeavours to be proactive in instigating dialogue, critical thinking, and bringing the strengths of the collection to light.

Research+ is made up of a team in Hong Kong and research posts throughout the region, and is supported by an international Academic Advisory Board. As well as initiating projects and programmes that include workshops, casual talks, lectures, publications, online projects and symposia, the Research+ team is integral to the development of the collection through the production of primary source material via in-depth video interviews with key individuals, the documentation of key events and exhibitions, and by locating and preserving rare material while conducting research for projects.

In 2002, AAA established its first research post in Hong Kong, and has since set up research posts in over 10 Asian cities including Taipei (since 2002), Beijing (since 2003), Bangkok (since 2005), Seoul (since 2005), Tokyo (since 2005), Singapore (2005-2006), Yokohama (2007-2008), Manila (since 2007), New Delhi (2007), Mumbai (2008) and Lahore (2007-2009).

Since 2007, AAA organizes an annual meeting with its researchers in Hong Kong for one week. The goal of the meeting is to encourage in-depth discussion on specific areas of focus and to exchange information, as well as to strengthen the connections between the archive’s researchers and the main office in Hong Kong.

To date, AAA hires 3 full-time researchers in Beijing, New Delhi and Manila, as well as 5 part-time researchers in Tokyo, Taipei, Seoul, Bangkok and Hong Kong.