On Saturday, May 4, 2024, Amref Health Africa hosted their annual ArtBall and neighboring art auction, creating a connection between African culture and philanthropy to celebrate and showcase the talent of the African continent, at INDUSTRIA in Brooklyn, New York. The event was co-chaired by Carmelo Anthony and Spike and Tonya Lewis Lee.
Notable guests included Kehinde Wiley, Lindsey Peoples, Earl Nurse, Storm Ascher, Indira Cesarine, Nadia NascimentoNadja Sayej, Carol Jenkins, Malik Roberts, Wanjiru Mwangi, Tariku Shiferaw and Quiana Parks.
The event was hosted by Sahr Ngaujah and Franklin Sirmans presented world renowned artist Kehinde Wiley with the Rees Visionary Award. Following the acceptance, Wiley announced a $700,000 donation to Amref.
The auction, which is live Sothebys.com until May 6 at 12 p.m. EST, consists of 42 works of Contemporary African, Pan-African and Black Art by emerging and established artists. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Amref’s health work across Africa. The auction was curated by Storm Ascher, Cierra Britton, Alexandra Scotland, Natalie Kates and Nadia Nascimento. Notable auction artists this year include Hank Willis Thomas, Khalif Tahir Thompson, Adama Delphine Fawundu, Alex Anderson, Damien Davis, Genevieve Gaignard, Jamel Robinson, Lewinale Havette, Megan Gabrielle Harris, Crystal Yayra Anthony, Roscoe B Thicke, Trondy. , and Turiya Magadlela.
Before the party began, there was an exclusive dinner and lounge that included a fireside chat between Kehinde Wiley and Marc Lacey, CEO of The New York Times, among other speakers.
Guests ate food from YESBABE and Amazing Graze NY. Beverages were provided by Ten To One, iBest Wines, Mary Taylor Wines, Mishka, Martell, Cantera Negra and Aplos. Partners included Pfizer, Open Society Foundation, General Art Company, Focus NY, The Lay Out and Black Pearl Wealth Management Group. A special step and repeat was created by Matay & Co, using West African fabrics. Guests danced the night away to music by FON Sound System and watched a special live performance by Les Ballet Afrik.
About Amref Health Africa (Amref)
Amref Health Africa (Amref) is dedicated to empowering African communities by providing accessible, sustainable and culturally sensitive healthcare solutions. With a dedicated team of predominantly African staff, we strive to improve the health and well-being of individuals and families across Africa. Through community-based initiatives, we aim to strengthen access to healthcare, promote preventive care and foster ownership of health, ultimately creating a healthier and more resilient Africa for all. Last year we reached over 31 million men, women and children across the continent.