See Inside the Public Art Fund Party

The 2023 Public Art Fund Party—a spring benefit celebrating the organization’s rich history and raising funds to present dynamic contemporary artworks to the public for free. The festive evening included cocktails, artist activations, a silent auction, 400-person seated dinner by BITE, a toast to artists from the organization’s 2022–2023 season, desserts, and an After Party. The event raised more than $1.1 million to support Public Art Fund’s mission.

Guests participated in two new, interactive and site-responsive projects by artists Yvette Mayorga and Typoe. Embellished in a signature frosted pink style and designed with an edible twist, Mayorga’s project included festive cakes and personalized cake plate take-aways. Typoe's installation combined his vibrant aesthetic with text-based banners and participatory prompts from beloved children’s storybooks, encouraging camaraderie and connection among guests.

Guests also enjoyed a DJ set from Aidan Noell of Nation of Language, a mezcal tasting bar by Yola, and a whimsical, tropical meringue pavlova and experimental cotton candy stems created by Bad Taste by Jen Monroe. The energetic gathering was lush with overgrown foliage designed by Putnam & Putnam, transporting guests into a fantasy greenhouse.

Public Art Fund leadership shared the vital role of public art in New York City and beyond, including recent projects at LaGuardia Airport, Moynihan Train Hall, and Brooklyn Bridge Park. “The heart and soul of what we do at Public Art Fund is provide artists with opportunities to be bold. Their work transforms our city and makes New York a global leader,” said Elizabeth Fearon Pepperman, Public Art Fund Board Chair.

Check out photos from the event below.

The 400-person seated dinner was prepared by BITE. Photo courtesy Liz Ligon

One of the evening's VIP guests, Paul Rudd (third from right) sits down to dinner. Photo courtesy BFA/Brendon Cook

Menu elements echoed the event’s theme with fantastical and botanical elements. Main dishes included grilled mahi-mahi and chili-and-citrus roast pork served with sweet peas and sticky rice, honey-sesame sweet potatoes, and garlic greens. (Pictured: A first course with chili roast pineapple, dragon fruit, jicama, and mango.) Photo courtesy Liz Ligon

An entryway with lush foliage welcomed guests. Photo courtesy BFA/Brendon Cook

The gathering featured overgrown foliage and tabletop arrangements with pops of color, designed by Putnam & Putnam, to help transport guests to a “fantasy greenhouse,” the theme of the night. Photo courtesy BFA/Brendon Cook

Multidisciplinary artist Yvette Mayorga created an environment in her signature frosted pink style, where guests could interact with enormous cakes embellished with flowers and other elements. Photo courtesy BFA/Brendon Cook

Multidisciplinary artist Yvette Mayorga shown with her enormous cakes. Photo courtesy Liz Ligon

Multidisciplinary artist Yvette Mayorga also designed keepsake plates that guests could take home by selecting a flower from the installation and a corresponding plate. Photo courtesy Liz Ligon

Cotton candy was spun on floral stems(from Bad Taste by Jen Monroe) for an added touch of whimsy. Photo courtesy BFA/Brendon Cook

Bad Taste by Jen Monroe created a tropical pavlova that featured passion fruit, dragon fruit, and bright berries to serve as a performative dessert piece. Photo courtesy BFA/Brendon Cook