The 19th annual David C. Driskell Prize Gala and After Party was charged with anticipation. Dubbed as the “Met Gala of the South,” attendees flocked in numbers to the event, held last Friday at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. The evening celebrated the contributions of Black artists and scholars in shaping contemporary art and Naomi Beckwith, who made history as the Guggenheim’s first Black deputy director and chief curator in 2021, was recently awarded the corresponding 2024 Driskell Prize.
The event kicked off with a red carpet, where over 250 art enthusiasts offered their best poses. Upon entering the grand hall of the museum, guests mingled and were treated to cocktails. Director Randall Suffolk soon took the podium and highlighted the significance of the Driskell Prize, named for David C. Driskell, a pioneer in establishing the study and promotion of Black artistic movements. In recent years, the High Museum of Art has been aiming to continue that legacy of diversification.
Recently, Suffolk explained the key to the institution's success in doing so to CULTURED: "I get asked to speak about our progress over the years, and I say, 'Listen, as obnoxious as it might be, make different decisions. You're always gonna be getting new things—have the commitment to buy the right things. You're always going to be hiring people—be patient, build the staff that you need. You're always gonna do exhibitions—choose differently.'"
As the dinner plates at the gala were cleared, the celebration commenced with the event's first-ever after-party, featuring Grammy-winning DJ Drama and renowned DJ Princess Cut. Spotted on the dance floor was curator Valerie Cassel Oliver; artists Tyler Mitchell, Charly Palmer, and Ebony G. Patterson (2023 Driskell Prize recipient); designer Sergio Hudson, who dressed Beckwith for the event; and television and radio personalities Tanya Sam and Egypt Sherrod.
The rip-roaring event underscores the importance of the Driskell Prize since its founding in 2005 as the first award in the U.S. specifically designed to recognize Black American artists. Proceeds from the night were earmarked for the David C. Driskell African American Art Acquisitions Restricted and Endowment funds, supporting the museum’s commitment to expanding its art collection.
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