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Independent Curators’ International 2023 Gala

experiential production, photo production


Independent Curators International hosted its annual Fall Benefit and Auction, honoring Uzodinma Iweala and The Africa Center with the 2023 Leo Award, designed by Sanford Biggers and produced by UAP. Guests moved through a layered evening: cocktails among the auction lots, a bespoke dinner by Ayo Balogun of Dept of Culture, and a spirited live auction led by Gabriela Palmieri featuring works by Tammy Nguyen, Elias Sime, and Amoako Boafo.

Our team shaped the experience end-to-end — from venue scouting and design to technical production, art logistics, staffing, hospitality, and F&B partnerships. Every detail was crafted to reflect ICI’s commitment to global curatorial practice.

The night became ICI’s most successful benefit to date, raising over half a million dollars for the Access Fund, which provides scholarships for emerging curators worldwide. The event brought together ICI’s community to celebrate the curators, infrastructures, and cultural dialogue that strengthen art ecosystems across the globe.
Omsom founders Kim and Vanessa laughing and hugging

Group photo posing with Omsom and Spam props Omsom NYC event drink menu Huge shopping cart prop with Omsom and Spam Full Omsom bites table with chef Woldy Kusina smiling at the camera Omsom Founder Kim Pham Omsom New York bartender shaking a drink 2 people enjoying their food in front of Omsom poster Person posing with their drink made in SPAM packaging Jess Tran and tattoo artist Gabrielle Widjaja smiling outside at Omsom NY letterboard reading "OMSOM X SPAM PRESENTS THIRD CULTURE JOY" Omsom NY Bar Person standing on Dance Dance Revolution machine chef Woldy Kusina preparing food for guests in front of him Person with preparing for tooth gem installation DJ at Omsom NYC Person playing on Dance Dance Revolution machine 2 people posing with SPAM plushie 2 guests smiling in front of Omsom Neon sign 2 people competing on Dance Dance Revolution machine person posing in front of Omsom neon sign Full crowd and Omsom New York 3 people posing at Omsom New York
omsom Logo
LA
Omsom LA Bartender making a drink in SPAM container Omsom LA set with huge shopping cart filled with food Chef Sandy Truong An Tran Ho with overalls and bucket hat enjoying a bite Snacks at Omsom LA Founders Vanessa and Kim posing with their parents at Omsom LA Alexander Spit DJing at Omsom LA Omsom Third Culture Joy, Rowdy tote bag Noodles DJIng at Omsom LA Founder Kim taking a selfie with guest at Omsom LA Guest smiling with their hands full with food Omsom LA Bartnder posing for the camera Tooth Gem installation Lightbox reading "Droppin' Jewels Toothg#ms" Person smiling while prepping for tooth them install Founder Vanessa wearing Omsom Knife earring Crowd outdoors at Omsom LA Group pic at Omsom LA Guest posing next to shopping cart taller than them Guests dancing at Omsom LA in front of "Second Home" sign Guest winking at Omsom LA

Credits


Food @woldykusina @sanditasworld
Video Art @kim_ytho
Scenic @frostys.co @tight.quarters
Printing @decoupage.assemblage
Sound @alexanderspit @noodz
            @zeemuffin @alfred.ini
Omsom founders Kim and Vanessa posing with huge Omsom and Spam props