Adrienne Arsht Center celebrates 20 Years with a star-studded Gala in Miami

'The Paint the Arsht Red' Gala brought together the city’s leading cultural figures and philanthropists for an evening of performances, recognition, and giving.

Miami Celebrates the Adrienne Arsht Center’s 20th Anniversary with a Gala to Remember

MAY 8, 2026 11:56 PM EDTMAY 8, 2026, 11:56 PM EDT

Miami’s social scene gathered in style for the Adrienne Arsht Center’s 20th Anniversary 'Paint the Arsht Red Gala,' bringing together a distinguished mix of cultural leaders, philanthropists, and notable personalities for an evening of celebration and purpose.

Adrienne Arsht Center celebrates 20 Years with a star-studded Gala in Miami — Left to Right: Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Johann Zietsman, President & CEO, AAC; Tharrie Zietsman & Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins

Hosted at the Ziff Ballet Opera House, the gala welcomed more than 1,000 guests for the main program, setting the stage for a memorable night. The celebration continued with an exclusive dinner on the Lynn Wolfson Stage, where more than 300 attendees enjoyed an intimate experience.

Performances That Defined the Night

Gregory Porter delivered a soulful performance that set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

Grammy Award winning artist Gregory Porter captivated the audience with a standout performance.

The evening’s program featured a performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Gregory Porter, along with an original poem by Miami-Dade County’s first poet laureate, Richard Blanco, adding a meaningful and artistic touch to the celebration.

Miami Dade County’s first poet laureate, Richard Blanco, shared an original poem during the evening’s program.

“The success of this fundraising evening is proof that Miami truly believes in the power of young people and the arts,” said Adrienne Arsht Center Foundation Board Chairman Eric G. Johnson.

One of the most talked about moments of the night came with a surprise appearance by Broadway performer Wesley Wray, a Miami native and Arsht alumnus, who performed selections from Buena Vista Social Club The Musical, in which he is currently starring on Broadway.

Broadway performer Wesley Wray returned to the Arsht stage with a special performance from Buena Vista Social Club The Musical.

Honoring Leaders in the Arts

The gala also included the presentation of the Arsht Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations for their contributions to the arts and the broader Miami community. Honorees included Shelly Berg, Rhoda Levitt, and the Green Family Foundation Trust, alongside additional recognitions for leaders shaping the city’s cultural landscape.

A Strong Presence from Miami’s Social Circles

Eric G. Johnson and Holly Johnson served as gala co-chairs alongside Hillit Meidar Alfi and Eyal Alfi, while Adrienne Arsht was honored as honorary chair. The host committee reflected a strong presence from Miami’s philanthropic, business, and social circles.

A Successful Evening for a Meaningful Cause

By the end of the evening, the gala had raised more than $2 million in support of the Arsht Center’s education and community engagement programs, reinforcing its lasting impact across the Miami community.

Adam & Marylynne Schwartz, Snjeza Barrack, Jose Hidalgo, Nina Miguel, Jill Hidalgo, Sebastian Barrack, Dir., AACF, & William-Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala -

Among those in attendance were Eric G. Johnson and Holly Johnson, Hillit Meidar Alfi and Eyal Alfi, Adrienne Arsht, Melissa and D. Nicholas Miceli, Marion and David Rocker, Nichole D. Scott, and Lucille Zanghi and James Dow, among other distinguished figures from Miami’s social and philanthropic circles.

The evening concluded as a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression as one of the season’s most memorable and meaningful events.