The Whitney Gala 2023, the museum’s annual cornerstone fundraiser, was a captivating fusion of art and humanity, honoring the contributions of Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Brooke Garber Neidich, two ardent supporters of the Whitney. Guests were welcomed to the eighth floor for a cocktail hour amidst Harold Cohen’s groundbreaking AARON exhibition, featuring the earliest application of artificial intelligence (AI) in art-making. The celebratory atmosphere reverberated with the mingling of guests adorned in exquisite attire, sipping Palomas, while engaging in spirited conversations inspired by the cutting-edge art that surrounded them.
As the rain subsided, the terrace beckoned guests to soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Hudson. The main lobby was transformed into an artistic masterpiece, with long tables adorned with flickering candlesticks and vibrant white blooms with sunny yellow centers. Artists, curators, and art enthusiasts took their seats as a DJ spun infectious remixes of golden oldies.
Scott Rothkopf, the Alice Pratt Brown Director of the Museum, initiated the evening’s festivities with a jovial remark, “I am delighted to welcome you all to my Bar Mitzvah.” His opening address acknowledged the Whitney’s profound roots, situated on Lenapehoking, the ancestral land of the Lenape people. He further emphasized the Museum’s historic barriers to entry but highlighted the significant strides made towards accessibility.
The Whitney proudly announced the implementation of Spanish translations throughout the building, aligning with its aspiration to become New York City’s first fully bilingual large-scale museum. The launch of its comprehensive free admission program, Free Friday Nights and Free Second Sundays, aims to attract a diverse and younger audience of art aficionados. This initiative ensures that individuals from all backgrounds and socioeconomic circumstances can engage with art.
Guests reveled in their elegant attire as they indulged in a delectable Kaspiano Potato topped with a generous helping of caviar from The Nines. The culinary journey continued with a visually stunning presentation of seared halibut accompanied by a vibrant array of vegetables.
The evening culminated in the heartfelt recognition of the honorees, Brooke Garber Neidich and Henry Louis Gates Jr., for their unwavering commitment to supporting artists and fostering meaningful dialogues at the Whitney. Taking the stage, Gates modestly acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Thelma Golden in shaping an equitable art landscape, particularly in elevating Black art and artists. He emphasized, “Progress has been made, but we know there’s still much work to be done, and more must be done. We are in an ongoing process of fully embracing these art histories of the past in order to shape a new future in art history and in the history of the Whitney.”
In accepting her honor, Neidich drew inspiration from Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney’s words: “The spirit of arts joy reaches us in unexpected ways. It travels on slender threads, but it is within the grasp of all who care enough and want to see and understand.”
The Whitney Gala 2023 was a resounding success, showcasing the museum’s unwavering dedication to art, accessibility, and the ongoing pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable art world. The event was graced by a constellation of renowned guests, including Sasha Bikoff, Ashley Olsen, Emily Ratajkowski, Paul Arnhold, Claire Danes, Fern Tessler, and Lenard Tessler, further amplifying the gala’s impact and significance in the art community.