11
View Slideshow
Harlem Arts Festival marketing director and co-founder Chelsea Goding.
0/0
Harlem Arts Festival executive director and co-founder Neal Ludevig. Photo: Alissa Darsa.
Harlem Arts Festival marketing director and co-founder Chelsea Goding. Photo: Alissa Darsa.
ZEST COLLECTIVE founder and artistic director Gentry Isaiah George (right), and artistic associate Tyler Brown (left). Photo: Alissa Darsa.
A dancer from the ZEST COLLECTIVE performs. Photo: Alissa Darsa.
Dancers from the ZEST COLLECTIVE perform. Photo: Alissa Darsa.
Artworks by Lady Millard featured in the silent auction. Photo: Alissa Darsa.
Artworks by Victor Ramos, aka "Slone," featured in the silent auction. Photo: Alissa Darsa.
Artist Andrew Kaminski stands in front of one of his projections. Photo: Alissa Darsa.
Singer Kennedy (from Kennedy Administration) performs.
DJ Fly Ty. Photo: Alissa Darsa.
Guests enjoyed drinks and music by DJ Fly Ty.

Everyone loves a good cause.

So no surprise the New York arts community turned out for last night’s fundraiser to support the Harlem Arts Festival (HAF).

Every June, in Marcus Garvey Park, HAF celebrates local artists, with the aim of increasing participation and engagement in the arts by the Harlem community. They also want to to continue Harlem’s storied legacy as a music, theater, and art-making hub.

This annual event has gained momentum over the years, attracting a broad audience as well as the support and participation of institutions such as the Apollo Theater, Harlem Stage, Alvin Ailey, and the Studio Museum.

Last night’s event was for young patrons, a membership category reserved exclusively for people 35 years and younger, acknowledging that it isn’t only old people that love and support the arts. Hosted by the Whitebox Art Center, dancers from the ZEST COLLECTIVE, visual artist Andrew Kaminski, and singer Kennedy (from Kennedy Administration) all lent their time and talents to the night’s festivities, which also included a DJ dance party, silent auction, and three-hour open bar.

Loved the open bar!

For a full list of HAF events happening throughout the year, visit their site.