BizBash
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
Topics
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • Industry Buzz
  • BizBash Lists
Resources
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
User Tools
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Get Featured
  • Press Releases
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Subscribe to Magazine
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
  1. Production & Strategy

Institute of Contemporary Art Partners With Gilt City for 'Dance Extravaganza'

Lauren K. Terry
May 8, 2012

Lime, chartreuse, and rose lights illuminated the walls of the Institute of Contemporary Art's Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater on Friday during the museum’s annual dance-party benefit, Party on the Harbor. Attracting 700 guests and raking in $75,000, the event had color-blocked decor inspired by the current exhibition “Figuring Color.”

This year, a new V.I.P. reception preceded the main event, and took place in the theater's third-floor space. In addition to providing a new fund-raising opportunity through higher-priced tickets, the reception was central to the event’s partnership with new sponsor Gilt City.

The partnership developed earlier in the year, when luxury lifestyle Web site Gilt City approached the museum. “Gilt worked with us to pull together a very successful sale … and facilitated multiple in-kind partnerships with other event sponsors and vendors to defer event expenses,” said Ankica Pogorzelski, the museum's special events manager.

Gilt sold both V.I.P. and general-admission tickets on its Web site, marketing the event to a broad consumer base. The site provided discounted tickets—$25 off the $125 general-admission and $200 V.I.P. tickets—and promised subscribers “cut-the-line privileges” as well as a museum admission to be redeemed at a later date. All told, the partnership was responsible for bringing in about $22,000 in ticket revenue and $18,000 in in-kind support.

In-kind sponsors included Harpoon Brewery and Gordon’s Fine Wine & Liquors, which offered drinks at open bars flanking the V.I.P. reception and the general event. Wolfgang Puck Catering provided appetizers such as potato latkes and corn dogs. Chinese food bars, decorated with cherry blossoms in porcelain vases, held glass noodle salad in mini Chinese-takeout boxes, vegetable spring rolls, and shrimp pot stickers. Party by Design assisted with event production, and Be Our Guest outfitted highboy tables in forest-green linens.

The event is billed as a "waterfront dance extravaganza," and high-octane music fueled the vibe. DJ M.O.S ruled the third floor, spinning decade-crossing mash-ups of hits like Billy Joel’s “My Life” and Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get You Out of My Head.” First-floor spin master DJ Kiss provided more contemporary beats, playing Timbaland's “The Way I Are” and The Wanted’s “Glad You Came.”

Frost's colorful, patterned lights swirled across the dance floor.
Frost's colorful, patterned lights swirled across the dance floor.
Photo: John Kennard
The event drew 700 guests.
The event drew 700 guests.
Photo: John Kennard
DJ Kiss spun on the first floor.
DJ Kiss spun on the first floor.
Photo: John Kennard
The evening's bright hues were inspired by the vivid works in the museum's current exhibition.
The evening's bright hues were inspired by the vivid works in the museum's current exhibition.
Photo: John Kennard
PBD Events provided the ornate bars.
PBD Events provided the ornate bars.
Photo: John Kennard
Wolfgang Puck Catering serviced the event, prepping everything from corn dogs to Chinese food.
Wolfgang Puck Catering serviced the event, prepping everything from corn dogs to Chinese food.
Photo: John Kennard
Latest in Production & Strategy
This SNL50 mailer included a Marshall speaker—an homage to the decades-spanning musical guests on the show—a bottle of Chandon to toast the milestone, and a limited-edition crewneck.
Strategy
How Over-the-Top Event Invites Can Make a Big Impact
Disney+ hosted a Throwback Experience for fans June 12-15 in Los Angeles.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Disney+ Leaned Into Y2K Vibes for a 'Throwback' Pop-Up Experience in LA
WorldPride D.C. took place May 17-June 8.
Event Production & Fabrication
WorldPride DC: How Event Organizers Created a Safe Space for the LGBTQ+ Community in the Nation's Capital
2025 Industry Innovators Article Image Brands
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 10 Brands That Took Experiential Marketing to a Whole New Level
Related Stories
E217281
Social Events
Institute of Contemporary Art Celebrates 75th Anniversary in Secret Location
E20619sa
Boston
Institute of Contemporary Art's Gala After-Party Becomes Separate Entity, Sells 550 Tickets in Two Weeks
Except for the four breakout sessions, the entire Mashable Connect program took place inside the Contemporary Resort's Fantasia Ballroom. Between presentations, large screens on either side of the stage displayed the #MashCon Twitter feed.
Strategy
Mashable Connect Packs Agenda With Short, Focused Sessions
Tied up with a silky white ribbon, a commemorative program contained a written history of the women's board and a list of past event chairs.
Production & Strategy
Joffrey Ballet's Spring Gala Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Women's Board
More in Production & Strategy
Strategy
How Over-the-Top Event Invites Can Make a Big Impact
In a world where inboxes are full and attention spans are short, an invitation can make or break your event’s perception.
This SNL50 mailer included a Marshall speaker—an homage to the decades-spanning musical guests on the show—a bottle of Chandon to toast the milestone, and a limited-edition crewneck.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Disney+ Leaned Into Y2K Vibes for a 'Throwback' Pop-Up Experience in LA
Millennials, this one's for you. The streamer welcomed thousands of guests during a four-day experience celebrating its beloved '90s and '00s IP.
Disney+ hosted a Throwback Experience for fans June 12-15 in Los Angeles.
Event Production & Fabrication
WorldPride DC: How Event Organizers Created a Safe Space for the LGBTQ+ Community in the Nation's Capital
The massive celebration was a challenge for many reasons, but the global Pride event was still authentically D.C. Hear from organizers at Destination DC and Capital Pride Alliance.
WorldPride D.C. took place May 17-June 8.
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 10 Brands That Took Experiential Marketing to a Whole New Level
These companies broke through the noise with creative activations, events, and experiences that engaged attendees, fans, and consumers.
2025 Industry Innovators Article Image Brands
Opinion & Experts
Top Trending Stories on BizBash: June 2025
Wondering what the rest of the industry is up to? Here, BizBash offers a peek over the fence at what other event profs have been reading this month.
Hennessy returned to Gov Ball with its revamped Hennessy Highline. Festivalgoers stopped by for live mural paintings, DJ sets between performances, custom photo ops, and an interactive claw machine where fans lined up for a shot at exclusive Hennessy premiums, as well as cocktails like the Henny-Rita, Hennessy Berry Mojito, and Hennessy Pineapple. See more: Gov Ball 2025: 25+ Eye-Catching Brand Activations From the NYC Music Festival
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Cannes Lions 2025: 90+ Bold Builds and Big Ideas From the French Festival of Creativity
LinkedIn, Spotify, Canva, Pinterest, Meta, and dozens of other top brands showed up in a big way at the world’s most creative week. Take a look inside their splashy activations.
LinkedIn's Rooftop & Studio
Most Popular
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Sephora
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Disney+ Leaned Into Y2K Vibes for a 'Throwback' Pop-Up Experience in LA
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Cannes Lions 2025: 90+ Bold Builds and Big Ideas From the French Festival of Creativity
Event Design & Decor
Step Right Up: 10 Carnival Decor Ideas That Balance Whimsy and Elegance
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 10 Brands That Took Experiential Marketing to a Whole New Level
Sports
See Inside Sport Beach—The Game-Raising Activation That Had Everyone Talking at Cannes Lions
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Block Party: See How Minecraft Was Transformed Into an IRL Video Game
The popular game has been turned into an interactive in-person experience that just opened in Canada.
Visitors embark on a rescue mission with a team of fellow Minecrafters.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
50 Cool Event Ideas You May Have Missed From Liquid I.V., Martha Stewart, Foot Locker, and More
Here’s a look at some steal-worthy ideas we spotted in June 2025.
The pop-up brought the magazine to life through live hair demonstrations by local stylists, along with immersive moments designed to honor the legacy, creativity, and versatility of Black hair.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside This High-Tech, Multisensory Experience from Don Julio
Part guided tasting, part interactive art experience, the latest activation from the spirits brand immersed guests into the culture of the popular tequila.
During the experience, guests traveled from the red clay fields of Jalisco to the heart of a modern Mexican celebration.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
This Event Turned Home Decor Into a Celebration of Latinas' Life Moments
Walmart and Apartment Therapy teamed up to celebrate the Becky G & Alejandra home collection—while also spotlighting the often-overlooked personal milestones of Latina creators.
The 'Mainstays Mujeres' event, which drew 32 Latina content creators, transformed a private residence in Venice, Calif. on May 30.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Gov Ball 2025: 25+ Eye-Catching Brand Activations From the NYC Music Festival
The annual music festival featured sponsorship firsts and lots of colorful experiences from brands like Kiehl's, 7-Eleven, and Coca-Cola.
It included an iconic cassette tape photo backdrop.
Event Production & Fabrication
5 Tips for Producing Events in Real-World Locations
From FX’s laundromat party to OGX’s branded car wash, here’s how event pros are turning unexpected locations into unforgettable experiences.
On May 20 and 22, FX Networks transformed two working laundromats into full-blown parties to celebrate its new series Adults.
Page 1 of 711
Next Page
BizBash
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  1. Privacy Policy
  2. CCPA: Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  3. Contact Us
  4. Site Map
© 2025 Connect Biz, LLC. All rights reserved.