On Saturday, May 4, 2024, Amref Health Africa hosted their annual ArtBall and adjoining art auction, creating a connection between African culture and philanthropy to celebrate and highlight the talent of the African continent, at INDUSTRIA in Brooklyn, NY. Co-chairs of the event included Carmelo Anthony, and Spike and Tonya Lewis Lee. 

 Notable guests included Kehinde Wiley, Lindsey Peoples, Earl Nurse, Storm Ascher, Indira Cesarine, Nadia Nascimento, Nadja Sayej, Carol Jenkins, Malik Roberts, Wanjiru Mwangi, Tariku Shiferaw, and Quiana Parks.

 The event was hosted by Sahr Ngaujah, and Franklin Sirmans presented world-renowned artist Kehinde Wiley with the Rees Visionary Award. Upon acceptance, Wiley announced a $700,000 donation to Amref.

The auction, which is live on Sothebys.com until May 6 at 12pm EST, consists of 42 pieces of Contemporary African, Pan-African, and Black Art from emerging and established artists. The proceeds of the auction will benefit Amref’s healthcare work across Africa. The auction was curated by Storm Ascher, Cierra Britton, Alexandra Scotland, Natalie Kates, and Nadia Nascimento. Notable auction artists this year include Hank Willis Thomas, Khalif Tahir Thompson, Adama Delphine Fawundu, Alex Anderson, Damien Davis, Genevieve Gaignard, Jamel Robinson, Lewinale Havette, Megan Gabrielle Harris, Crystal Yayra Anthony, Roscoe B Thicke, Rudy Shepherd, Troy Jones, and Turiya Magadlela. 

Before the party started, there was an exclusive dinner and salon which included a fireside chat between Kehinde Wiley and Marc Lacey, Managing Director of the New York Times, among other speakers. 

Guests ate food by YESBABE and Amazing Graze NY. Drinks were provided by Ten To One, iBest Wines, Mary Taylor Wines, Mishka, Martell, Cantera Negra, and Aplos. Partners included Pfizer, Open Society Foundation, General Art Company, Focus NY, The Lay Out, and Black Pearl Wealth Management Group. A special step and repeat was created by Matay & Co, utilizing West African fabrics. Guests danced the night away with music by FON Sound System and watched a special live performance by Les Ballet Afrik.

About Amref Health Africa (Amref)

Amref Health Africa (Amref) is dedicated to empowering African communities by providing accessible, sustainable, and culturally sensitive healthcare solutions. With a committed team of predominantly African staff, we strive to improve the health and well-being of individuals and families throughout Africa. Through community-based initiatives, we aim to enhance healthcare access, promote preventive care, and foster a sense of ownership over health, ultimately creating a healthier and more resilient Africa for all. Last year we reached over 31 million men, women, and children across the continent.