The Renaissance Society At The University Of Chicago Hosts Annual RenBen Event

The Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago hosted its annual RenBen event at the South Shore Cultural Center—the first in-person event under Renaissance Society director and chief curator Myriam Ben Salah’s leadership. The all-encompassing experience was entirely curated and designed by Piero Golia, an Italian “sculptor of situations.” With full artistic freedom, Golia celebrated and subtly overturned the notion of the traditional gala by emphasizing the Renaissance Society’s ethos of commitment to artists.

In the spirit of celebrating art in all its forms, Golia worked in partnership with creative movement director and emcee Stephen Galloway, principal dancer at the Frankfurt Ballet and costume designer for the American Ballet Theatre and the Paris Opera, as well as NYC-based artist-chef Laila Gohar, whose tempting fare was served throughout the evening.

Even without the traditional gala programming of a silent live auction and seating arrangements, the event raised $400,000, which will help further the Renaissance Society’s mission to produce artistic works and remain free to all who wish to visit year-round.