ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HOSTED ITS 16TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HOSTED ITS 16TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

Miami, FL – April 18, 2022 – The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County (@arshtcenter) hosted its 16th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, April 9, 2022. The Arsht Center’s marquee philanthropic event united more than 250 community leaders in support of the Center’s mission-driven arts education and community engagement programs and the relaunch of its internship program. Adrienne Arsht made an endowment gift of $10 million and challenged guests in attendance to join her in supporting the Arsht Center. Inspired by her challenge, Eric G. Johnson announced a $1 million gift on behalf of Baldwin Richardson Foods, underscoring the importance of corporate and individual giving. Ms. Arsht matched the Baldwin Richardson Foods gift on the spot with another $1 million. Coupled with $1 million from the Gala’s individual and corporate supporters, a total of $13 million was raised in one evening.

In addition to supporting the Arsht Center’s overall mission, Ms. Arsht’s endowment gifts transform the Center’s internship program into a fully paid program, creating greater and more equal access to hands-on professional experience in arts management and administration.

“With my gift, and the generosity of Eric G. Johnson and other supporters, we have ensured that future generations of arts administrators keep the arts in our lives and, at the same time, create pathways for greater diversity, access and inclusivity,” said Adrienne Arsht.

Hosted on the grand Lynn Wolfson Stage located inside the Dorothea Green Theater at the Ziff Ballet Opera House, the Arsht Center Gala celebrated the business of show business, showcasing the universal power of the performing arts to uplift and inspire. The evening was themed to evoke the creative exuberance and joie de vivre of the Roaring Twenties via a speakeasy, Prohibition-style immersive experience featuring an intimate supper club dinner on stage and a live big band performance by Miami’s own Jencarlos Canela (@jencarlosmusic) and directed by Chad Bernstein (@cbmusic), which got everyone on the dance floor. Dessert and dancing followed, with DJ Shacia Payne Marley (@shaciapayne) hitting the decks to close out the evening’s celebration.

The unwavering support of the Arsht Center’s philanthropic circle has made it possible for the Center to continue its mission-driven work of providing free programs and initiatives that connect all members of our community to the arts. Proceeds from the 16th Anniversary Gala will ensure programs such as AileyCamp Miami, Rock Odyssey, Kitty Hawk and the newly launched I am Me continue to serve the community in 2022 and far beyond.

“The arts education, community engagement and internship opportunities that we provide on our campus and throughout our community ARE the future. The Arsht Center’s family of supporters give us the tools to continue this important, transformative work. Together, we are defining the next generation of great artists and creative thinkers,” said Johann Zietsman, president and CEO of the Arsht Center.

The Gala’s Honorary Chair was Adrienne Arsht. Gala Chairs were Tony and Conchi Argiz, Richard Milstein and Eric Hankin.

The Arsht Center’s 16th Anniversary Gala included Duke Ellington Sponsors – Adrienne Arsht, Benjamin Leon III, Lucille Zanghi & James Dow – and Josephine Baker Sponsors – Trish & Dan Bell and Cheryl & Y. David Scharf. The evening was also generously supported by Bacardí, Gérard Bertrand, Vranken Pommery, Le Basque, Café Bustelo, Constellation Culinary Group, Everlast Productions, New Miami Props, Publix Super Markets Charities, Seraph Design and The Miami Herald. A full list of individual and corporate supporters can be found at arshtcenter.org/gala_2022.