PHOTOS: Inside the Public Art Fund’s 2026 Spring Benefit

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PHOTOS: Inside the Public Art Fund’s 2026 Spring Benefit

Rachel Park in an installation by artist Juan Veloz. Deonté Lee/BFA.com

In a busy and buttoned-up calendar, the Public Art Fund’s annual benefit has been giving the art world a chance to let loose. Earlier this month, the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year returned to the Metropolitan Pavilion with its trademark given this year by three artists whose work is deeply integrated into the Public Art Fund’s 2026 program. Genesis Belangerdrawing on his upcoming City Hall Park exhibition, designed the vibe of the evening, extending his signature visual and conceptual language to every corner of the space. A photographer Juan Velozhis work centered the Public Art Fund’s first annual exhibition, “On the Flip Side,” presented a profound image that invited visitors to a nostalgic scene inspired by his grandmother’s living room, a warm yet strong symbol of comfort, protection and generational continuity. Again Kambui Olujimiwho is one of 19 artists releasing permanent commissions at JFK Terminal 6 this year, brought the spirit of travel to the party with a work that saw attendees create custom luggage tags.

After Canard’s dinner, a silent auction kept patrons rowing and collectors vying, with works by Camille Henrot, Eddie Martinez, Karyn Olivier, Gabriel Orozco, Amalia Pica, Hayal Pozanti, Paul Anthony Smith, Hank Willis Thomas and Carmen Winant on offer—every dollar showed New York’s commitment to the public. Then, as usual, there was a party: DJs Matthew Mazur again Dances upstairs, Diageo cocktails in hand too Emily SigallCustom cookies are making the rounds.

This year it was full of artists Charlie Ahearn, Candida Alvarez, Felipe Baeza, Leilah Babirye, Camila Falquez, Moko Fukuyama, Shara Hughes, Janelle Iglesias, Jane Dickson, Eddie Martinez, Karyn Olivier, Hayal Pozanti, Paul Anthony Smith again Hank Willis Thomasand artistic and cultural luminaries Suhaly Bautista Carolina of the American LGBTQ+ Museum, president of the board of Performa Katherine Bishopexecutive director of Creative Time Jean Cooney again Natasha Logan of the Studio Museum of Harlem. It was seen again Anna Blum Karma, Corinna Durland of Kurimanzutto, Anna Fisher David Kordansky, Sundia Nwadizor of White Cube and Mary-Grace Reeder again Beth Stub of Hauser & Wirth.

Completing the evening’s lineup were art collectors Carla Shenactor Deborra-Lee Furness (philanthropic power himself), author Tom Dyjaa photographer Sophie Elgort and philanthropists Nancy again Ziggy Alderman, Desiree Almodovar, Edward Berman, Hannah Rose McNeely, Julie Rudd and a prominent patron of the arts Jennifer Soros. And of course, one cannot just in this digital age forget the many social media lovers out there, who have entered this year. Ariel Adkins, Tatiana Gordon, Kira Lokhmatova, Nimay Ndolo and fun Rosie Peck.