Six creative parties blend glamour, fun and philanthropy to benefit Miami’s institutions year-round.
As a growing gala mecca, Miami offers a glittering calendar of black-tie evenings for museum patrons and fans to support local institutions. Capitalizing on the contemporary art and museum world’s penchant to see and be seen, institutions invite artists and collectors to bask in each other’s company while refreshing gala traditions to suit Miami’s social and civic styles. These six museum and foundation fundraisers are a golden ticket.
The setting for the Bass Ball entry cocktail. PHOTO BY WORLD RED EYE, COURTESY OF THE BASS
YoungArtsMiami Gala
Each January, the YoungArts campus transforms into a cacophony of cocktails, dinner and dancing. Both fashionable and performance-fueled, this brimming fête recognizes participants of National YoungArts Week and its creative alums. Led by organization Chair Sarah Arison, the Miami Gala merges donors and fresh talent—an unbeatable combination setting a festive bar for fundraiser season. youngarts.org
The 2024 Bass Ball with a speech by museum Chair George Lindemann. PHOTOS: PHOTO BY WORLD RED EYE, COURTESY OF THE BASS
The Bass Ball
The black-tie Bass Ball begins with cocktails below Sylvie Fleurie’s “Eternity Now” neon artwork. The museum is transformed by elongated tables that seat event chairs, members and young patrons for a speech-sprinkled dinner that ends with dessert, dancing and live performances. thebass.org
Alisa Pitchenik Charles and Locust Projects executive director Lorie Mertes at the 2024 Spring Fling COURTESY OF LOCUST PROJECTS
Pérez Art Museum Miami’sArt and Soul
To benefit PAMM’s Fund for Black Art and celebrate Black creative excellence, Art and Soul is a pre-Valentine’s Day sought-after dinner ticket for contemporary art aficionados—with a preview of the fund’s latest art acquisition. pamm.org
Locust Projects’ Spring Fling
April resprung the spirited Spring Fling, a themed party and auction showcasing top contemporary art, many from exhibition alums of the celebrated nonprofit. Ensuring an equitable partnership, Locust shared auction income with artists invited to attend the “fling” alongside collectors who appreciate the mission and charm of foundation fundraisers. Transforming Locust’s Little River location, guests gabbed and gambled during this year’s Casino de Monte Carlo-themed soiree. locustprojects.org
Rosie Gordon-Wallace, Danielle Garno, Clive Chang, Derrick Adams, Jean Shin Sarah Arison at YoungArts Miami Gala. PHOTO BY BFA, COURTESY OF YOUNGARTS
Bakehouse Art Complex’s Annual Fundraiser
This fledgling annual fundraiser has made its mark as an artist-orientated gala boasting delectable dishes by chef Dewey Losasso. Held at the Bakehouse Art Complex in early November, guests explore artists’ studios and exhibitions before honoring a key donor of the Studio Subsidy Fund at a sit-down dinner plus dessert and dancing. bacfl.org
The Vizcaya Ball
Vizcaya Museum and Garden’s long-standing Ball has grown a reputation as a black-tie bacchanal. This themed November spectacular transports guests from arrival through the historic gardens featuring musical performances into the 1914 historic house for cocktails before sitting for dinner, speeches and dancing. vizcaya.org
Photography by: Photo Courtesy: The Bass, Locust Projects, YoungArts
