THE GROUNDBREAKER AWARDS 2026: HOUSING WORKS BENEFIT AUCTION AND GALA AT CIPRIANI
The Groundbreaker Awards Gala
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Cipriani 25 Broadway, New York City.
Silent Art Auction is now live on ARTSY through April 15, 2026
Housing Works and Bailey House will host the 2026 edition of The Groundbreaker Awards on April 14 at Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York City, bringing together leaders across art, fashion, philanthropy, and business for an evening supporting healthcare, housing, and lifesaving services for thousands of New Yorkers.
The annual benefit, which has become a key fixture on the city’s philanthropic calendar since its launch in 2013, honors individuals whose work has made a measurable impact across industries and communities. This year’s honorees include Jennifer Foyle, President and Executive Creative Director of AE & Aerie; fashion designer Christian Siriano; and artist and educator Nari Ward.
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception and silent art auction at 6:00 PM, followed by an awards dinner and live auction at 7:00 PM. The silent auction is currently live on Artsy, with bidding open through April 15 at 12:00 PM ET, featuring a curated selection of over 50 works by both emerging and established artists.
Among the participating artists are Derrick Adams, George Condo, Marc Dennis, Inka Essenhigh, Deborah Kass, and Indira Cesarine, whose work is included in this year’s auction. Additional works have been contributed for the live auction by Nari Ward and The Herb Ritts Foundation.
Cesarine presents her neon sculpture “Pandora’s Box (Shh) Blue,” a glass neon work mounted within a transparent mirrored cube. The piece centers on the word “Shh,” exploring its layered associations—from secrecy and seduction to control and imposed silence. Through its reflective structure and glowing text, the work amplifies the tension between visibility and suppression, inviting viewers to reconsider the cultural weight embedded in a single whispered command.
The Groundbreaker Awards Auction continues to serve as a critical fundraising platform, with proceeds supporting Housing Works’ and Bailey House’s healthcare, housing, and advocacy programs. These initiatives provide essential services to vulnerable communities across New York City, reinforcing the event’s ongoing mission to combine cultural engagement with tangible social impact.
With its blend of contemporary art, philanthropy, and community-driven advocacy, the 2026 Groundbreaker Awards highlights the role of creative industries in supporting meaningful change—both within New York and beyond.
