One of the city’s most prominent fundraisers, the LOOK26 Gala, raised $1.2 million for Contemporary Calgary this year.
“Every year, the LOOK Gala reminds us what’s possible when a community rallies around art,” said David Leinster, CEO of Contemporary Calgary. “The generosity from sponsors, artists, gallerists and collectors carries far beyond one evening. It’s what allows us to continue bringing world-class programming to Calgary.”
Contemporary Calgary is a public art gallery, located in the former Centennial Planetarium at 701 11th Street S.W., that focuses on presenting local, national and international contemporary art in all forms.
“I’ve attended galas around the world, and every year the LOOK Gala holds its own against any of them,” said Kelly Streit, board of directors co-chair. “The curation, the talent, the crowd, it’s an evening of pure brilliance that provides the vital funds needed to bring extraordinary art to our city.”
The event included an art auction, supported by philanthropist Heather Edwards, in which 88 works sold for more than $580,000.
Guests gather inside the historic Centennial Planetarium atrium for a series of otherworldly cabaret performances that included TR/ST, Hermitess and Dan Solo.
LOOK26 Honorary chairs, from left, Mike Shaikh, CM, and Linda Shaikh with Contemporary Calgary CEO David Leinster and the Hon. Lois Mitchell, CM, AOE.
At the heart of the evening was the LOOK26 art auction, supported by Heather Edwards, which raised a remarkable total of $583,356. The live auction, led by auctioneer Stephen Ranger, was a spectacular white-glove sale of 27 lots.
Inside the Heather Edwards Theatre, Hermitess and her four-piece band perform within “The Hermits’ Cavern” art activation.
Contemporary Calgary CEO David Leinster, left, Diane Mah-Choy, centre, and Victor Choy, right, president and CEO of Concorde Entertainment Group, which delivered an exquisite dining experience as the culinary art partner for the LOOK26 Gala.