YoungArts Week

The National YoungArts Foundation hosted its 32nd annual YoungArts Week in Miami. This signature YoungArts program provided 152 of the nation’s most outstanding, young talents in the visual, literary and performing arts with life-changing experiences, including master classes, workshops, inter-disciplinary activities, and the opportunity to perform and exhibit their work.

The week kicked off with a master class and luncheon at the new YoungArts Campus with Plácido Domingo and concluded with An Affair of the Arts Performance and Gala. This culminating event raised in excess of $1 million in support of YoungArts’ programs in Miami, New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. and celebrated this year’s National YoungArts Winners as well as honored the 2013 gala awardees – director and choreographer Debbie Allen (Leadership Award), violinist Joshua Bell (Arison Award), and actor and YoungArts alumnus Adrian Grenier (Alumni Award).

The gala performance took place in Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts followed by dinner at The Historic Alfred I. DuPont Building across the street. The evening’s décor was inspired by the iconic Bacardi buildings that make up the new YoungArts campus.

Live performances by YoungArts alumni set the stage for relaxing conversation during dinner. Guests later enjoyed dessert and dancing on Flagler Street to music played by DJ Irie.

This year’s event was led by Honorary Chairs Plácido Domingo and Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gala Chairs Marile and Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq. and Presenting Sponsor SunTrust. The Host Sponsor was The Historic Alfred I. DuPont Building courtesy of the Tilia Family of Companies, and Gala Sponsors included Bacardi, MIAMI Magazine, Miami Arts and Entertainment Council, The James Royal Palm, Miami Herald, Braman, Seabourn, and the Miami Heat.

Next year, Facundo and Elizabeth Bacardi will chair the 2014 YoungArts Gala, which will be held at the National YoungArts Foundation headquarters on Biscayne Boulevard, formerly the Bacardi Campus.