Classically Creative Time

A lot happens in New York City during Halloween week. Streets flooded with costumes for the renowned Village Parade create an overall jovial chaos akin to a massive public art project. This year, while such festivities were taking place below, at the top of the Domino Sugar Factory in Brooklyn, Creative Time celebrated 50 years of contribution to New York City’s artistic landscape.

The city’s preeminent public arts organization held its largest-ever annual gala in partnership with Family Style, at the landmark venue which famously played host to Kara Walker's A Subtlety sculpture in 2014. Co-chaired by Creative Time fellow Linda Goode Bryant and board members Lily Johnson White and Kate Young, the evening was both a celebration and a happening, the perfect way to commemorate an organization whose history is a vibrant fusion of life and art. Guests across art, fashion, entertainment and philanthropy arrived at the incredible, domed penthouse for a cocktail hour with drinks. Next, performance artist Alex Tartarsky welcomed attendees with a guided breathwork meditation. Supper was a feast of Cambodian cuisine by chef Chinchakriya Un, followed by cannabis delicacies from Gotham, and, finally, an afterparty upstairs with DJ sets by Papi Juice and surprise karaoke set up by the artist Blue Rose Royalty. The exhilarating, colorful, and reflective night raised funds for the continuation of Creative Time’s public programming, artist support, and cultural conversation.

The evening gave Creative Time the opportunity to reflect and honor a few of the artists who have made its mission possible. Dinner began with remarks from Justine Ludwig, Creative Time’s executive director, and a speech by founder Anita Contini looking back on the organization's storied history. Artists Rashid Johnson and Doug Aitken were honored for their respective collaborations with the organization, artworks which came to fruition 14 years apart, characterizing Creative Time's longtime influence. Architectural duo Liz Diller and Ricardo Scofidio were also honored for their longtime collaboration—the first of their works came across the river at the “Art on the Beach” installation of 1984. 

The anniversary occasion served as a celebration and remembrance of the many creators who have lent their art to Creative Time’s influential work: Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw’s kinetic sculpture was displayed, Jill Magid left guests a customized penny under their plates, and Aitken gave an impromptu auditory performance. The night was classically Creative Time: a swirling performance, an artistic archive, and a look back at New York’s creative history while looking toward its future. 

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