INSIDE CREATIVE TIME’S 2026 GALA AT THE RUSSIAN TEA ROOM
Creative Time’s 2026 Gala brought together artists, collectors, and cultural figures for an evening that underscored the organization’s continued commitment to ambitious public art. Held at the historic Russian Tea Room in New York City, the event welcomed approximately 450 guests and raised over $700,000 in support of future programming.
The evening marked a notable moment for the organization as it enters a new chapter, with the iconic venue—founded in 1927 by members of the Russian Imperial Ballet—providing a fitting backdrop for both reflection and forward momentum. In partnership with Nordstrom, the gala highlighted Creative Time’s evolving role in shaping public discourse through art.
Guests began the night in the Bear Lounge with a cocktail reception that leaned into theatricality and sensory detail. A signature non-alcoholic elixir titled LOVE CONQUERS ALL, created by the evening’s creative director Waris Ahluwalia through his House of Waris Botanicals, set the tone alongside caviar and tequila pairings from Casa Dragones. The space itself featured elaborate decor including a stained glass ceiling, a sculptural aquarium installation, and performers in bear masks who guided attendees toward the dinner upstairs.
Dinner unfolded in the ballroom’s mirrored interior, where opulent table settings—featuring candles, brass accents, and arrangements of deep red florals—created a layered visual environment. Guests were served Russian Tea Room classics including borscht and beef stroganoff, reinforcing the venue’s legacy while anchoring the evening in a shared dining experience.
Creative Time Board Chair Jon Neidich and Executive Director Jean Cooney addressed attendees, acknowledging both the organization’s history and the urgency of its current mission. Cooney noted the significance of this transitional moment, referencing broader societal shifts and the increasing importance of supporting artists’ voices in public space. She also introduced an upcoming collaboration with honoree Guadalupe Maravilla, signaling future large-scale commissions.
The gala honored Michelle Coffey, Molly Gochman, and Guadalupe Maravilla for their contributions to the cultural landscape. Their recognition reflected Creative Time’s longstanding focus on artists and advocates who engage with social, political, and community-driven themes.
Following dinner, the event transitioned into an after-hours gathering co-chaired by Miles Greenberg, Neil Hamamoto, and Ilana Savdie. The atmosphere shifted toward a more experimental tone, with a bear-shaped ice luge, DJs Leigh Lezark and Jean d’Armes, and a late-night dance floor extending the evening’s energy.
Notable attendees included Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Chloë Bass, Brandon Blackwood, Jes Fan, Charles Gaines, Shantell Martin, Kara Walker, Chloe Wise, and many others spanning art, fashion, and creative industries.
As Creative Time looks ahead, the success of the 2026 Gala reinforces its position as a key platform for public art initiatives. With a legacy spanning more than five decades, the organization continues to commission projects that engage audiences across New York City and beyond, emphasizing the role of art in shaping collective experience and civic dialogue.
