Inside Public Art Fund’s Annual Silent Auction, Dinner, and After Party

Featuring art activations by Genesis Belager (who provided creative direction for the whole immersive event), Juan Veloz, and Kambui Olujimi; a silent auction that included works by lauded contemporary artists like Hank Willis Thomas; a multi-course seated dinner by Canard; and an after party led by DJs Matthew Mazur and Dances, Public Art Fund’s largest annual gathering was both substantive and spectacular. The organization—which programs ambitious free art installations across all five New York City boroughs—will utilize proceeds from the event for its 2026 season, which includes exhibitions from Woody De Othello, Gabriel Orozco, Camille Henrot, as well as the “Between Tides” group exhibition artists at Rockaway Beach. A sweet touch to the after party: custom cookies by Emily Sigall of Emily’s Cookie Art.