John Legend Chosen As Art Of Elysium Visionary

Photo Credit: Getty Images for Stella Artois

The Art of Elysium has chosen John Legend as their 2018 Visionary for their next HEAVEN gala. The event is a one-night artistic installation curated by a different visionary each year.

The gala is Art of Elysium‘s largest annual fundraiser. Art of Elysium, which recently celebrated 20 years, brings actors, artists and musicians to hospitalized youth, special needs education students, homeless shelters or elderly homes. They work across programs including visual arts, fashion and design, music and movement, and theater and film.

Shameless actress Shanola Hampton will receive the organization’s “Spirit of Elysium” Award, which recognizes an extraordinary volunteer each year.

“To honor John as a husband, father and artist is incredibly humbling. The light and love that John is creating through his VISION is needed in our world now, more than ever. John represents the ideals of The Art of Elysium,” said the non-profit’s founder Jennifer Howell.

“Using his art as a catalyst for change, John illuminates truth, joy and the love for humanity. Celebrating the generosity and creative dedication of one of my dearest friends, Shanola Hampton, as the Spirit of Elysium during John’s HEAVEN, is nothing short of kismet,” she continued.

Legend was deeply inspired by last year’s gala, with a HEAVEN installation designed by Stevie Wonder. “Heaven is love, light and laughter,” says Legend. “I want to create an experience that celebrates love and justice, truth and light, and the joy that connects us all.”

Other past visionaries have included Vivienne Westwood and Andreas Kronthaler, Marina Abramović, Linda Perry, Colleen Atwood, Cameron Silver, Mark Mothersbaugh, Shepard Fairey and Jim Sheridan.

Past honorees of the Spirt of Elysium award include Camila Belle, Finola Hughes and Russell Young, Amber Heard, Ali Larter and Hayes MacArthur, David Arquette, Elijah Wood, James Franco, Kirsten Dunst and Eva Mendes.

The 2018 Gala takes place January 6, the day before the Golden Globes.