Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami’s Evening in the Garden
Gala Raises $2.3M to Support Educational Initiatives and Community Programming
he annual celebration, held in ICA Miami’s Sculpture Garden, gathered supporters of contemporary art for an evening honoring Helen Kent-Nicoll and Edward J. Nicoll and artist Olga de Amaral.
MIAMI, FL – MARCH 23, 2026 – The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami’s (ICA Miami) annual gala, Evening in the Garden, took place on Saturday, March 14th in the museum’s Sculpture Garden, bringing together Miami’s philanthropic and arts community. The evening raised $2.3 million in support of ICA Miami’s educational initiatives and its mission to provide free, year-round access to contemporary art.
The museum’s 12th annual gala welcomed more than 300 guests from across the community for an evening of celebration and philanthropy. The event featured a seated dinner followed by a live and silent auction of exceptional works generously donated by leading artists and galleries, including pieces by Nina Chanel Abney, Masaomi Yasunaga and Jade Fadojutimi, among others, with all proceeds supporting the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs.
Following the dinner, guests continued the celebration at the gala’s lively after-party featuring music, cocktails, light bites, and dancing with music by DJ JoviGibs. The evening concluded with an after-after party at ZeyZey Miami, offering an energetic finale to the night.
This year’s gala honored Helen Kent-Nicoll and Edward J. Nicoll for their visionary leadership and pioneering support of ICA Miami’s endowment. The evening also paid tribute to artist honoree Olga de Amaral, whose groundbreaking textile-based practice has had a profound influence on contemporary art. Evening in the Garden 2026 was presented with the generous support of Cartier.
“The ongoing support we receive plays a vital role in expanding our educational programs and ensuring contemporary art remains accessible to our broad audience,” said Alex Gartenfeld, Irma and Norman Braman Artistic Director of ICA Miami. “Helen Kent-Nicoll and Edward J. Nicoll’s leadership and generosity have helped shape the museum’s growth and strengthen its connection to the arts community. We are deeply appreciative of their continued commitment, which enables us to create meaningful opportunities for both artists and the public.”
Evening in the Garden reflects the community’s ongoing commitment to advancing ICA Miami’s mission of promoting continuous experimentation in contemporary art, advancing new scholarship, and fostering the exchange of art and ideas throughout Miami and internationally. Support from the gala also contributes to the museum’s continued growth, including the expansion of ICA Miami’s campus and programs to serve an even broader audience.
# # #
About the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami
The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) is dedicated to promoting continuous experimentation in contemporary art, advancing new scholarship, and fostering the exchange of art and ideas throughout the Miami region and internationally. Through an energetic calendar of exhibitions and programs, and its collection, ICA Miami provides an important international platform for the work of local, emerging, and under-recognized artists, and advances the public appreciation and understanding of the most innovative art of our time. Launched in 2014, ICA Miami opened its new permanent home in Miami’s Design District in 2017, and in 2024 announced its expansion with the acquisition of a second site on the same block at 23 NE 41st Street in the Miami Design District, set to open in 2027. The museum’s central location positions it as a cultural anchor within the community and enhances its role in developing cultural literacy throughout the Miami region. The museum offers free admission, providing audiences with open, public access to artistic excellence year-round.
The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami is located at 61 NE 41st Street, Miami, Florida, 33137. For more information, visit www.icamiami.org or follow the museum on Instagram and explore the ICA Miami Channel for inside looks at ICA Miami exhibitions and the practices of the most exciting artists working today.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Schwartz Media Strategies
(305) 858-3935
Allie Grant, [email protected]
Alyssa Velez, [email protected]
