MAC Ball 2023 Built a Palace at Arsenal and Raised $1.4M
In the heart of Montreal’s Griffintown, the Arsenal Contemporary Art complex transformed into a realm of chic, craze, and enchanting mystery on September 30. The MAC Ball, an annual benefit gala, granted exclusive access to its ephemeral private club – PALACE – to 700 guests, offering an impressive night, during which close to $1.4 million was raised in support of the Montreal Contemporary Art Museum.
The theme, PALACE, was not merely a name but an aesthetic, a vibe, and an experience, meticulously crafted under the artistic direction of the illustrious Dick Walsh. Guests, enveloped in an atmosphere where reality blurred and the impossible was realized, were welcomed into a space that, for one night only, was theirs to explore and revel in.
The menu, curated by Armando Arruda of RE Le Traiteur, was a gastronomic adventure in itself, featuring a surprising main course that melded lobster, foie gras, and a beef burger into a culinary chef-d’œuvre. The food, like the event itself, was a blend of the unexpected yet harmoniously delightful, a tangible representation of the evening’s essence.
The air of the after-ball party was charged with an electric energy, courtesy of DJ Frigid, as revelers, adorned in their chic or eccentric evening attire, danced, mingled, and lost themselves in a world where art and madness beautifully collided.
PALACE was a haven where the boundaries between art and observer faded away. Guests, amongst them known personalities, artists, and business professionals, were not mere spectators but active participants in an evening where the extraordinary shined bright like a midnight sun.
The visual identity, conceived by Baillat Studio, and the space, designed by Walsh Lab Design, were both a canvas and a masterpiece, a space where every glance offered a new perspective, a fresh surprise, and an unexplored mystery.
The evening was not only a celebration but also a crucial fundraiser, with a silent auction featuring works from internationally acclaimed artists like Françoise Sullivan, Marc Séguin, and Caroline Monnet. The lots were exclusive, the bidding fierce, and the generosity abundant, all converging for a good cause.
The honorary presidency, assured by Éric Bujold (Banque Nationale du Canada) and Jade Raymond (Haven Studios), alongside a passionately engaged organizing committee, ensured the event was nothing short of spectacular. Anne Lebel, MAC Foundation Executive Director, warmly thanked donors and partners, recognizing the collective effort and communal dedication that raised a remarkable sum to support and celebrate contemporary art.
The MAC Ball 2023, reflecting Montreal’s vibrant arts and culture, illuminated the city’s spirit of creativity and community. The night’s vibrant energy will resonate in attendees’ memories and fuel the MAC’s future exhibitions and educational initiatives, perpetuating the city’s lively artistic heartbeat.
Here is what you need to know about the MAC Ball
One of the season’s most highly anticipated events, the MAC Ball (Bal du MAC) is an annual benefit gala – with a glamorous red carpet, friendly opening cocktail, exquisite banquet and fun after-ball party – that allows the MAC Foundation (Fondation du MAC) to raise a substantial amount of funds in support of the mission of the Montreal Contemporary Art Museum (Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal).
Facebook: @FondationduMAC | @macmontreal
Instagram: @fondationdumacmontreal | @macmontreal
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