PS122’s Spring Gala 2017

Alan Cumming has been described by Time Magazine as one of the most fun people in show business, by the New York Times as a ‘bawdy, countercultural sprite’ and by the Guardian as ‘European, weird, and sexually ambiguous’. He has won over thirty awards for his humanitarianism and social activism, received both the Great Scot and Icon of Scotland awards from his homeland and was made an OBE (Officer of the British Empire) for his contributions to the arts and LBGT equality by the Queen, whose portrait was taken down when his was unveiled at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in 2014! Alan Cumming is many things to many people – renaissance man, style icon, social activist, bon viveur – but to himself he is a story-teller and provocateur for hire. He lives in New York City and Edinburgh with his husband, illustrator Grant Shaffer, and their dogs, Jerry and Lala.

Ben Rodríguez-Cubeñas has been program director for the Rockefeller Brothers Fund’s New York City grantmaking and the Culpepper Arts and Culture program for more than 20 years. He started his career in philanthropy at William Randolph Hearst Foundation. He has worked in the areas of education organizing and policy, immigration affairs, community development, international development, sustainable development, urban planning, and arts and culture. Throughout his long and distinguished career in philanthropy he has been a champion of artists and the arts, and an advocate for equity and justice for Latinos. He continues to play an important leadership role in the New York City’s civic and cultural life as vice chair of the Department of Cultural Affairs’ Cultural Advisory Board and chair of the Citizens Advisory Board for the Cultural Plan for New York City. In addition, he serves as vice chair of the board of Casita Maria in the Bronx, New York, chair of Ballet Hispanico’s Leadership Council, the advisory board of New York Foundation for the Arts Leadership Council, and is a Founding Member of the 2015 Lincoln Center Global Exchange.

The Diamond Horseshoe, one of New York’s most celebrated historic venues, is located at 235 West 46th Street at the Paramount Hotel in New York City. First opened in 1938 by theatrical showman and impresario Billy Rose, the Diamond Horseshoe was known for its lavish dinner theaters, vaudeville-style reviews, and chorus of showgirls known as “Billy Rose’s long-stemmed beauties.” In 2013, the landmark space was restored under the ownership of real-estate investor and patron-of-the-arts Aby Rosen, in partnership with John Meadow’s LDV Hospitality. The 3-story, 5,000 sq. ft. venue is layered in design with avant-garde accents and old world splendor, hosting exclusive private gatherings, live performances and unique nightlife experiences. On the 75th anniversary of the club’s original opening, the Diamond Horseshoe returned to New York City’s entertainment scene in with an extraordinary affair and still continues to be one of the most celebrated and sought-after event spaces. diamondhorseshoe.com

Can’t attend? Please consider a tax-deductible donation!

If you are unable to attend the Gala this year, please consider a tax-deductible donation to help us continue to provide incomparable experiences for audiences and the highest level of support for our artists.

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