The Bass Ball and the Keep the Ball Rolling Afterparty

Sylvie Fleury's "Eternity Now"
Sylvie Fleury’s “Eternity Now”

This year will be a unique one for the Bass Museum’s big annual fundraiser—dubbed “The Bass Ball”. The museum is closed for renovations, forcing the gala out of the usual confines of the museum and into a tent on Collins Park.

This year’s event is sponsored by Tod’s and is chaired by Criselda Breene, Diane Lieberman, Soledad Pićon, Tui Pranich and Inés Rivero. They have planned a spectacular event drawing more than 300 of Miami’s top philanthropists, art aficionados and social players. Under the glowing light of Sylvie Fleury’s glowing “Eternity Now” neon installation on the museum’s facade, patrons will enter into a world characterized by a surrealist-glam theme.

Athi-Patra Ruga
Athi-Patra Ruga

A silent auction with artwork by Tracey Emin, Paola Pivi and Daniel Arsham, then dinner and dancing will characterize the main event, which goes on afterwards as the “Keep the Ball Rolling” starting at 9pm. Aside from the art-filled auction, everyone is excited about a the world premier of a work by performance artist Athi-Patra Ruga. Ruga is a South African artist who has set the art world abuzz with works that depict a world where identity is no longer determined by geographical origins or biology. It will be the newest installment of his series, “The Future White Women of Azania.”

Both those at the main event and “Keep the Ball Rolling” attendees will be able to get an eyeful of the performance. The after party is chaired by Alexa Wolman, Malena Assing, Clara Bullrich, Nathan Lieberman, John Lin, and Adriana Vergara. Awards will be given for the best outfits, including Most Outlandish and Most Elegant—so dressing the part in your most creative black tie is a must.

Funds from the gala go to the Bass Museum, which is currently undergoing an interior expansion that will increase programmable space by nearly 50%.  The increased size will enable the Bass to offer more exhibitions and education programs, improve the visitor experience and hopefully foster a whole new generation of patrons.  Expect the work to be complete in December 2016—possibly even in time for Art Basel.

Individual tickets for The Bass Ball are $1,000 while keep The Ball rolling… is $125. For tickets to The Ball email bassball@bassmuseum.org . Tickets to the keep The Ball rolling after party available here.