SAVE THE NEW DATE!

We’re moving – our Gala returns in person this May (instead of in March)! Join us as we celebrate the creativity and resilience of artists who persevere and better our lives through the arts. In this unforgettable evening of music and dance, we will be inspired by the contributions of creators from every part of the District. It will be a glorious launching point for a bright future!

The evening features performances by a variety of artists—highlighting the diversity of Washington Performing Arts’ presenting season, Mars Arts D.C. programs, and education and gospel music programs—and will include cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner, and dancing…and a few surprises!

 

Sponsorship opportunities begin at $10,000 with a range of benefits
Individual tickets are $750 and $1,500 per person, Young Patron tickets are $250 per person

This year's VIP reception is generously hosted by our Gala Co-Chair Her Excellency Shaikha Aisha bint Jaber AlKhalifa and His Excellency Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid AlKhalifa, Bahrain Ambassador to the United States and non-resident Ambassador to Canada. The reception will be held on Thursday, May 5 from 6:30pm to 8pm on the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

All proceeds raised at the Annual Gala and Auction will support Washington Performing Arts’ arts education initiatives for young people, adults, and families including programs in partnership with D.C. Public Schools and our Men, Women, and Children of the Gospel Choirs.

View Sponsorship Levels for special recognition and tables

SPONSORSHIPS

Purchase individual tickets at the Amplify, Ignite, or Spark level

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS

Donate to the Silent Auction

BID OR DONATE

Questions? Contact Natalie Groom at gala@washingtonperformingarts.org or (202) 533-1887.

DISTRICT OF CREATIVITY: ARTS AND COMMUNITY AMPLIFIED LEADERSHIP

Special thanks to the members of our Board of Directors, Junior Board, and Women’s Committee
who are leading this effort in support of our arts education and gospel music programs!

Gala Co-Chairs
H.E. Shaikha Aisha Jaber AlKhalifa
Y. Grace Lin and Y. Morris Chen
Kathryn and Will Korengold
Joseph May and Brian Pesin
Cheryl McQueen

 Auction Chair
Elaine Rose

Honorees
Artists: Sweet Honey in the Rock
Educators: D.C. Public Schools Arts Team
Icon: Therrell Smith

Artists

We are delighted to announce a fabulous line-up of D.C.-born and based artists connected to our theme of District of Creativity! They include Mars Arts D.C. artists painter Khalid Thompson, jazz combo Brad Linde Trio, and DJ Violetta Markelou during cocktails; The String Queens, pianist Avery Gagliano, and steelpannist Josanne Francis on the program itself, alongside our beloved Children of the Gospel Choir led by Michele Fowlin; and for the Afterparty, The Experience Band & Show. We have a very special evening planned—and we hope that you will join us! Learn more about our artists below.

Cocktails
Khalid Thompson, painter
Brad Linde, saxophone
Violetta Markelou, DJ

Dinner Program
The String Queens
Avery Gagliano, piano
Josanne Francis, steelpan
Children of the Gospel Choir, led by Michele Fowlin

After Party
The Experience Band & Show