On Monday night in Los Angeles, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) hosted its annual gala at the Geffen Contemporary, raising over $3 million for exhibitions, operations, and educational programming. The event honored three figures central to MOCA's legacy: artist Kara Walker, who co-organized the museum's landmark 'Monuments' show; Los Angeles artist Paul McCarthy; and longtime trustee Eugenio López Alonso. Conceived by artist Piero Golia, the evening featured artistic interventions, performances, and immersive gallery activations, with a seven-foot-tall cake serving as a centerpiece. Guests included artists Alex Israel, Lauren Halsey, Catherine Opie, and Barbara Kruger, as well as actors Keanu Reeves and Ava DuVernay, among others.
The gala underscores MOCA's continued role as a vital institution for Los Angeles's art community, particularly for artists working on the edge. The $3 million raised directly supports the museum's programming and operations, reflecting strong philanthropic engagement. The event also highlights the enduring influence of Walker, McCarthy, and López Alonso, and the creative vision of Golia, who transformed the evening into a sequence of artistic performances and activations, reinforcing MOCA's commitment to celebrating living artists and fostering community.