Celebrating emerging talent and philanthropy, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Temple of Dendur hosted a star-studded YoungArts gala, raising over $1.2 million in support of arts education.
A Night of Talent and Philanthropy at the Met’s Temple of Dendur
As spring arrives in New York, a host of cultural luminaries gather at the Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s iconic ‘Temple of Dendur’ to raise funds for the annual YoungArts gala. This year’s event was a testament to the organization’s mission, with more than $1.2 million raised in support of emerging artists.
A Flawless Evening Under the Direction of Raúl Àvila
The evening’s emcee, actress Katerina McCrimmon, brought her signature charm and charisma to the stage. The design team behind this year’s gala, led by ‘Raúl Àvila’ , created an elegant yet playful atmosphere that perfectly captured the essence of YoungArts. Inspired by photographer ‘Jordan Tiberio’s’ atmospheric images and floral motifs, Àvila’s vision set the tone for a night of celebration.
A Who’s Who of Arts and Philanthropy
The guest list read like a veritable ‘Who’s Who’ from the worlds of arts and philanthropy. Honorary chairs included dancer Misty Copeland, painter and filmmaker Titus Kaphar, and Agnes Gund, who needs no introduction. The gala co-chairs, including Sarah Arison, Thomas Willhelm, Gillian Hearst, Michi Jigarjian, Sandra Tamer, Tony Tamer, welcomed over 250 attendees to what began as an elegant cocktail reception.
The arts have been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years, with early forms of 'art' dating back to ancient civilizations.
From cave paintings to modern installations, the evolution of 'the arts' has been shaped by technological advancements, societal changes, and artistic innovation.
According to a UNESCO report, 90% of the world's most valuable cultural artifacts are at risk due to conflict, climate change, and human neglect.
Talent on Display
Under the direction of ‘Gossip Girl’s’ Zuzanna Szadkowski, past YoungArts winners shared their talents with the audience. Jazz pianist Isaac Harlan performed, while actress Liisi LaFontaine sang. Other notable performers included Sydney Burtis, who brought tap to the stage, and Mikhail Baryshnikov, a legendary choreographer and director.
The National YoungArts Foundation, commonly known as YoungArts, is a non-profit organization that identifies and supports emerging artists in the visual, performing, music, theater, dance, writing, and photography disciplines.
Established in 1984 by Lesley and Jack Smith, 'They saw a need for an arts education program that would provide young people with access to guidance and opportunities.', YoungArts provides young artists with mentorship, education, and career opportunities.
Each year, over 20,000 students submit their work for consideration, with approximately 1,600 selected as finalists to participate in programs at the undergraduate level.
A Star-Studded Crowd
The evening’s attendees were a veritable ‘who’s who’ of museum leadership, philanthropists, and cultural leaders. Notable attendees included MoMA PS1 director Connie Butler, MoMA director Christophe Cherix, MASS MoCA director Kristy Edmunds, The Studio Museum in Harlem director Thelma Golden, CEO of the Aspen Art Museum Nicola Lees, former MoMA director Glenn Lowry, Brooklyn Museum director Anne Pasternak, and many more.
Museums have a long and varied history, dating back to ancient civilizations.
The earliest known museums were temple libraries in ancient Greece, where artifacts and scrolls were stored for public access.
In the 18th century, European aristocrats established private collections that eventually became public institutions.
Today, there are over 50,000 museums worldwide, showcasing a vast array of art, history, science, and cultural exhibits.
A Night to Remember
As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that this year’s YoungArts gala had been a resounding success. With over $1.2 million raised in support of emerging artists, the event continued to uphold the organization’s mission of promoting arts education and providing opportunities for talented young artists to showcase their work.
