Amref Health Africa ArtBall
Empire was honored to produce ArtBall, which raised funds for Amref Health Africa, the largest Africa-based and African-led healthcare organization, at A/D/O in Brooklyn. This year’s ArtBall honored Zanele Muholi, a South African artist and visual activist focused on the LGBTQ+ community.
Upon arrival, guests entered through a curated gallery featuring over 30 artworks by artists from across the African continent that were up for auction. Each piece was available on Artsy prior and during the event, and 100% of the proceeds went to Amref. The VIP portion of the program included passed hors d’oeuvres and a special discussion with Zanele Muholi, moderated by Kimberly Drew. Among the many noteworthy guests were honorary host and artist, Shantell Martin, and Broadway's Féla star Adesola Osakalumi.
After the VIP event, the party kicked into full-swing as over 600 general admission guests arrived in their impressive African attire. Open bars flowed with Hendricks, Tito’s, Espolon, and other spirits while guests enjoyed African diaspora-inspired snacks provided by Brownsville Community Culinary Center.
The centerpiece of the evening was an educational activation—a replication of a classroom structure designed in the spirit of the Wamba Girls’ School in Kenya. The classroom was staged with a chalkboard, desks, and “Dignity Kits” stuffed with school supplies, hygiene products, and more, with each item laid out out as an example of what a small donation could provide for a child. The wooden walls were lined with facts and photos from Amref’s work. A polaroid station was set up just outside the structure so attendees could write notes and send their photos to the girls from the Wamba Girls’ School in Kenya. Docents led guests through a guided tour of the classroom to fully explain Amref’s important work.
Global CEO of Amref, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, delivered a moving speech about celebrating life, noting that some come for the “art", while others come for the “ball", encouraging all to have fun and celebrate while being mindful of the cause for which the audience were gathered.
The night was led by emcee Young Prince, and an amazing mix of Afro beats and other dance music was provided by DJ Tao, Rich Medina, and Juls. Guests spent the night getting down on the dance floor until the very last second of the event.
Empire was proud to design and produce a successful fundraising gala for Amref Health Africa, supporting the inspiring initiatives they achieve.
Amref Health Africa provides health care solutions that are for Africans, by Africans. To learn more please visit https://www.amrefusa.org
Guests received their first taste of technological innovation at registration, where they were welcomed by name on a reactive LED screen installation covering the full width of the entry wall. A large lunch café was created with a décor scheme that incorporated custom-built, ceiling-high steel LED frames draped with foliage to create smaller, intimate restaurant-style spaces that displayed both technology and nature.
A series of breakout sessions presented content targeted to attendees’ varied interests, while imagery displayed throughout the venue showcased real-life applications of how products designed to empower developers help to unleash the power of data and reimagine possibilities that will improve our world.
Every element of Microsoft Connect(); from registration, breakfast and keynote, to lunch and evening cocktails, were custom-designed to communicate exacting brand messaging and to deliver a high-touch guest experience to this important audience. The keynote and breakout sessions were livestreamed through an onsite studio built for this purpose and content was watched online by millions around the world.
Empire is proud to collaborate with Microsoft on this annual, top-tier business communication event.
To view excerpts of Connect(); 2017, please visit https://www.microsoft.com/connectevent
