What lies beneath the surface? In the hidden depths of the ocean, currents pull, creatures lurk, and the unknown flourishes.

Be a part of what’s current, make a splash, and enjoy good tide-ings at HERE. This year's gala invites you to dive into an ocean of ideas, relationships, and artistic expression. Mingle with luminary artists from HERE’s community while enjoying fine food and creative cocktails. Experience performances by genre-breaking artists Machine Dazzle, Heather Christian, Marie Lloyd Paspe, Basil Twist & Joey Arias and more. Celebrate the bedrock of our community and the depths of creativity as we honor Jennifer Suh Whitfield and Heather Christian. And dive into the future of performance with HERE!

Honorees Spotlight

HEREmanitarian Award: HERE Arts Center Board Chair – Jennifer Suh Whitfield

Jennifer’s visionary leadership has guided HERE Arts Center through shifting waters, as she champions deep relationships and fosters partnerships that reach far beyond NYC. Her dedication to nurturing HERE's community mirrors the gala’s theme: she constantly encourages everyone around her to dive deeper, surfacing unspoken ideas and dreams that enrich our cultural ecosystem.

Avant Guardian Award: Former HERE Artist & MacArthur Genius – Heather Christian

Awarded the MacArthur Fellowship for her groundbreaking work at the intersection of music, theater, and storytelling, Heather Christian embodies the spirit of artistic exploration. Her compositions invite audiences to navigate emotional currents and discover hidden resonances that open new worlds of possibility and wonder.

After the performances and awards, the celebration continues with the Bioluminescence After Party at 8:30pm featuring a costume contest judged by Machine Dazzle, an end of the night raffle, music by DJ Feg, plus dessert and an open bar.

🌊 DIDN’T CATCH THE WAVE?

If you can’t join us in person, you can still make a splash.

Donate: Use the "Donate" button to the right.

Spread the Word: Share this page using the hashtag #HEREDive2026.

Bid: Our silent auction goes live in May—stay tuned!

Since 1993, HERE has been one of New York’s most prolific arts organizations. Today, it stands at the forefront of the city’s cultural scene, producing and presenting daring, new, multidisciplinary performance experiences.

DIVE: HERE's 32nd Annual Gala

Encounter the wonders of the abyss and delve into the depths of human connection