The Arts Arena Inaugural Benefit Gala
Andre Malraux declared, “Culture is the sum of all forms of art, of love and of thought which, in the course or centuries, have enabled man to be less enslaved”. The Arts Arena celebrated the Inaugural Benefit Gala PARADE: Vive les Artistes at the Plaza Hotel on the evening of October 26th.
The Arts Arena provides free performances, film screenings, exhibitions, lectures and conversations with world class artists in visual arts, performing arts and film. The non profit has produced 270 cultural events for the public in Paris, London and France.
Founded eleven years ago in Paris by la Grande dame Margery Arent Safir passionate about making the arts accessible to everyone. Professor of Comparative Literature and English at The American University of Paris and noted author, editor and contributor she spearheaded the initiative and brought together the major players in the arts community. The black tie gala honored five legendary artists and visionaries from the international arts scene who have contributed to the Arts Arena mission.
One of the greatest ballet dancers of all time, Mikhail Baryshnikov is legendary for his principal dancer ballet career at Kirov Ballet, New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theater as artistic director of The American Ballet Theatre, co- founder and choreographer of White Oak Dance Project, an acclaimed theater and film actor and Artistic Director of Baryshnikov Arts Center.
The Arena Arts Talks presented the legendary ballet dancer with director Robert Wilson and Academy Award nominated actor Wilhelm Dafoe discussing their creative process led by Margery in Paris at the Columbia Global Center in November 2013.
The world’s foremost experimental theatre director Robert Wilson’s multidisciplinary productions have been honored by a Pulitzer Prize nomination, two Premio Ubu awards, the Golden Lion of the Venice Biennale and an Olivier Award. Robert is a member of the Arts Arena Advisory Council. Academy Award winning filmmaker of over 40 independent films and founding partner of Merchant Ivory Productions, James Ivory most recently won an Oscar for Best Adapted screenplay,”Call Me by Your Name”. James is on the Arena Arts Advisory Council.
Renaissance woman Dena Kaye is president of the Danny Kaye and Silva Fine Kaye Foundation noted for her personal approach to philanthropy to cultural institutions, museums and arts programming. Dena is on the Board of Arts Arena Advisory Council. One of the most influential art curators in the world Robert Storr serves as Senior Curator in the Department of Painting and Sculpture at MoMA is also a artist, lecturer and critic. Robert is on the Board of Trustees of the Arts Arena.
Beautiful Gala chair Lehn Albert Goetz warmly welcomed luminaries, supporters, entertainers, presenters and their guests into the Terrace Room for the cocktail reception. Savory French canapés were passed on silver trays of steak tartare, smoked trout, garlic snails in brioche , cheese Gougeres, smoked salmon on crème fresh with black bread and mini croque monsieur topped with a sunny side quail egg. Everyone settled into the Versailles inspired dining room for an elegant seated dinner and presentation. The menu began with the starter of caviar in egg cream followed by the mixed green salad with a tarragon dressing and the main course chateaubriand, creamy mashed potatoes and bundles of tender green beans tied with scallions. The presentation was very much a family affair of artists and visionaries connected through work and mutual respect. Longtime friend and New York City Commissioner for Media and Entertainment Julie Menin introduced Margery Arent Safir, Founder and Artistic Director of The Arts Arena to the cosmopolitan crowd.
Robert Wilson accepted his honor from celebrated dancer, choreographer, actress and founder of her own dance company Lucinda Childs. Robert took a dramatic pause that stilled the room and shared a personal story of battling racism on behalf a young black child who would become his adopted son and inspire his artistic work. Robert is founder of The Watermill Center.
World acclaimed choreographer, dancer and founder of the Mark Morris Dance Company, Mark Morris presented the honor to co-founder of the White Oak Dance Project, Mikhail Baryshnikov. Mikhail Baryshnikov in turn presented honors to old friend and generous benefactor to his Baryshnikov Arts Center, Dena Kaye.
Actor, producer director Sam Waterston presented honors to James Ivory who directed him in feature films, “The Proprietor”, “Savages” and “Le Divorce”. Robert Storr received his honor from arts leader, modern and contemporary art collector, arts education and social justice advocate and philanthropist Agnes Gund. They have a long history as she is President Emerita of MoMa and chair of MoMA PS 1.
Piano virtuoso Nicolay Khozyainov performed the Erik Satie composition “Parade”. Nicolas accompanied countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo on his performance of an aria.
Charming Christie’s auctioneer led an energetic live bidding for 4 luxurious lots scooped up by lucky competitive bidders. The first lot was for a week stay in Dubai on the famous Palm Frond at a villa of a major international art collector on the beach overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The second lot was for a week stay in Brittany at a 5 bedroom chateau with scenic views of the island of Brehat near sailing, kayaking and golf. The third lot was for a week stay in Russian River Wine country for 4 guests at the Pinot Noir House of the Thomas George Estates Winery which includes Wine Safari, dinner at a Rivers End Café, Valette, Costeaux, and 2 Michelin star Single Head and wine and oyster fest at Tamales Bay. A private piano recital and personal composition by Nicolay Khozyainov including 2 VIP tickets to Met Opera, Lincoln Center, LA Opera, and Paris Opera was so popular two lots were created immediately naturallement.
Vanilla crème brûlée with fresh berries or an irresistible tower of assorted petit fours followed by tasses of hot coffee was served for dessert. Chairman Board of Trustees Vin Cipolla made closing remarks during dessert and coffee. The evening continued with table side hugs, conversation on future collaborations and praise for Margery’s ongoing success. The magical affair ensured The Arts Arena triumphant in offering arts open to all.
