This and That: Things To Do in NYC (November 2023)
In the city that never sleeps, the people have to be doing something. Between the New York Marathon and Thanksgiving, there’s plenty of opportunity to get out for a good cause. Here are a few events worth your time this November.
This and That: Things To Do in NYC (November 2023)
Creative Time Gala 2022. Photo: Creative Time
Projectart 2023 Gala
A recent projectart event. Image: projectart
What Is It: With nearly 4 million U.S. children not receiving any art instruction at school, the projectart gala is an important fundraising opportunity for an organization whose network of national art programs is working to close the arts education gap. The exhibition and event is designed to crystallize the value of providing a free art curriculum in a neutral and safe environment. It’s about getting art to children where they are– in their neighborhoods and communities– regardless of income, religion, or race. The organization is growing fast with the program debuting in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio this fall.
Why Go: Art lovers will get a rare opportunity to explore childhood works by some of today’s most celebrated artists including Jen Stark, Daniel Ashram, KAWS, Amy Globus, Darryl Westly, and more. With an enthusiastic and involved host committee including editor Gutes Guterman and artist Landon Metz (whose work we mentioned here) it’s sure to be a choice crowd.
What’s Involved: Cocktails, an art exhibition, and performance by WET followed by an afterparty hosted by production maven Trevor McFedries.
November 2, 2023 at 6:30PM at Greenpoint Loft. Information and tickets here.
Creative Time Gala 2023
Creative Time Gala 2022. Photo: Creative Time
What Is It: Odds are you’ve seen a work commissioned by Creative Time at least once, whether it’s been the monumental Julian Laverdiere and Paul Myoda work Tribute in Light or the engaging charm of the influential Art on the Beach commissions in the early years, now found on Pinterest boards and art history textbooks the world over. Since 1974, Creative Time’s commitment to public art has spawned countless creative works of all types, proving that public art doesn’t have to be limited in scope or medium.
Why Go: Creative Time’s 2023 Gala will honor the distinguished artist and community organizer Rick Lowe (co-founder of the innovative Project Row Houses initiative), the public secret society New Red Order, and Creative Time’s Board Chair Jon Neidich. It happens to be the organization’s most important fundraiser of the year, so every dollar counts and goes toward advancing public art.
What’s Involved: Cocktails, dinner, and awards, followed by a blowout afterparty which features a tongue-in-cheek dress code of “No Effort, No Entry”.
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 7PM at Skylight at Essex Crossing. Information and tickets here.
Winter Stories Untold, hosted by Austria
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser. Image: Dietmar Denger
What Is It: Austria is hosting a rare pop-up experience in NYC that allows visitors to explore 130-years of skiing history in Austria and its influence on skiing in the United States, from culture, technique, gear, and more. You’ll be able to explore the way ski resorts in Austria are adapting for a sustainable future, including those in posh Kitzbühel, comfortable Region Seefeld, challenging St. Anton, and scenic Zell am See-Kaprun. Finally, guests can experience a virtual balloon ride over Austria's stunning Alpine landscapes.
Why Go: We’ve long been fans of Austria, even offering up five picks for a European ski holiday (all in Austria). Austria’s rich local culture and stunning scenery might not be as well known to Americans who have been more persuaded by France or Switzerland. Especially after our fantastic trip to Stubaier Gletscher last year, we believe Austria is worth getting to know, from the hospitality to the world-class skiing.
What’s Involved: An immersive pop-up experience plus an opportunity to win a 5-day ski adventure to Zell am See-Kaprun and a pair of HEAD skis with made-in-Austria Tyrolia bindings.
Thursday, November 9- Sunday, November 12, 2023, 11am-5pm, at Project Farm House. Information here.
Central Park Conservancy Gala
Susan Magrino, Kevin Sharkey, Martha Stewart at the 2021 Central Park Conservancy Gala. Image: Joe Schildhorn/BFA.com
What Is It: While its annual hat luncheon might be the more well known event, the Central Park Conservancy’s Gala remains a highlight of the social season. The great protectors (and enthusiasts) of New York City’s Central Park join together for an evening of celebration and support for the sustainability of the famed outdoor space. Past attendees include Mayor Eric Adams, Sue Donoghue, Martha Stewart, and basically the entire extended Fendi family.
Why Go: In the interest of preservation and maintenance of the park, The Conservancy is known to throw a good party. This year’s theme is “A Night in the Emerald City”, which is sure to be a delightful and scenic escapade held at the park’s Rumsey Playfield.
What’s Involved: Cocktails, dinner, and dancing. If you’re a Young Associate, you can join for a special late seating with dessert and dancing.
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 7PM at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Information and tickets here.
French Heritage Society Gala Dinner Dance
A 2021 French Heritage Society Cabaret Evening Honoring Bonnie Comley & Stewart Lane. Image: Patrick McMullan/PMC
What Is It: Toasting the work of the French Heritage Society, the dinner celebrates the commitments of the organization across its three primary pillars: the preservation of culturally and historically significant French architecture in France and the U.S., education centered upon architecture and history, and French and American friendship through cultural exchange programs and travel. Over the years, the non-profit has awarded nearly $15 million in grants, supported 550 students in cultural exchange, and has distributed The Richard Morris Hunt Prize in partnership with The Architects Foundation since 1990.
Why Go: The French Heritage Society Gala tends to draw a younger philanthropic set with their own sets of rules and customs, making it an ideal opportunity to meet new friends. The evening will celebrate AD100 member architect Gil Schafer III, author of The Great American House and A Place to Call Home. Finally, the event is co-chaired by the indelible Jean Shafiroff– reason enough to make the commitment.
What’s Involved: Cocktails, dinner, and dancing with a Black Tie dress code. If you’re under 45 years old, special table and ticket pricing is available.
Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 7PM at the University Club of New York City. Information and tickets here.
The UNICEF Gala
Guests including Téa Leoni at the 2022 UNICEF Gala. Image: UNICEF Gala
What is it: Now a staple in the social calendar, UNICEF Gala is the national celebration of the efforts that UNICEF makes for children around the world. For over eight decades, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has built an unprecedented global support system for the world’s children. UNICEF relentlessly works day in and day out to deliver the essentials that give every child an equitable chance in life: health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.
Why go: Honorary chairs Téa Leoni and Tim Daly have been longtime supporters of UNICEF’s global efforts. The UNICEF Gala is regarded as the kickoff of the holiday season. Past attendees have included Demi Lovato, Aria Mia Loberti, Flaviana Matata, and designer Christian Siriano.
What’s involved: Cocktails, program, and dinner.
Tuesday, November 28th, 2023 at 6:00PM. Information and tickets here.
Other Things Around the World
United States: LACMA will host its annual Art+Film Gala on Saturday, November 4th, 2023 [Editor’s Note: hosting a philanthropic event Friday-Sunday is unheard of out east]. United Kingdom: Save The Rhino dinner and auction will take place at Apothecaries’ Hall in London on Thursday, November 9, 2023. United Arab Emirates: The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix returns to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit November 24th through the 26th. Solomon Islands: The 2023 Pacific Games will kick off on Sunday November 19, 2023 in Honiara. The games take place every four years.
