The Whitney Celebrates the Arts at Its Annual Gala and Studio Party

On the evening of April 9, the Whitney Museum made a Tuesday night as fun as possible by hosting its annual Gala and Studio Party, a part-fundraising, part-festivities event held on various floors of its Meatpacking District space. Sponsored by Michael Kors and Audi, the event attracted favorites from various creative spheres to celebrate the year's achievements and honor Michael Bloomberg's lifelong support of the arts.

During the gala portion, the Whitney had a lot to celebrate from the past year, including its in-depth tribute to Andy Warhol, From A to B and Back Again, and the upcoming 2019 Biennial. Of course, all of this excitement has been taking place at its picturesque High Line location, and the museum (and New York) have Bloomberg to thank for this. In just one example of the hundreds of cultural organizations he has championed, the former mayor helped fund construction of the Whitney's now-four-year downtown home during his time at City Hall. But in addition to honoring past achievements, the museum was looking towards the future, raising $5.2 million through the event.

With the Whitney being the center of culture it is, it also threw a memorable, star-studded party. Bloomberg's daughters fittingly co-chaired the festivities, which attracted creative industries' brightest lights for a night as inspiring as it was fun. The massive guest list included artists Mickalene Thomas and Cindy Sherman, fashion designers Stacey Bendet and Wes Gordon, models Alton Mason and Karen Elson, and several entertainment stars including Frank Ocean, Neil Patrick Harris and husband David Burtka, and Ellie Goulding. Soo Joo Park and Zuri Marley provided entertainment as the elite crowd danced, drank, and checked out interactive photo booths by Kors and Audi.

The night was a wonderful mix of philanthropy and partying as well as established talents and rising stars. With its blend of well-respected art exhibitions and lively cultural events exemplified in one evening, the Whitney seems sure to remain a vibrant crowd-pleaser for years to come.