The VIVA Health Gala, an annual black-tie event and fundraiser at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, will debut a new format this year with “A Night of the Arts.”
Guests will be immersed in a full night of arts experiences while raising vital funds that directly support UAB’s arts organizations Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts, Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, ArtPlay Community Education and Arts in Medicine.
“A Night of the Arts,” set for Friday, Oct. 6, will showcase the best of these four entities and their programming.
The gala will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with a pre-reception, offering beverages and hors d’oeuvres in the Alys Stephens Center lobbies. Guests will be invited to help select a work of art to be added to AEIVA’s permanent collection. AIM will demonstrate the healing power of music, as UAB health care professionals and medical students — who are also accomplished musicians — fill the lobbies with the melodic sounds of their instruments. Then, in the Sirote Theatre, five-time Grammy-winning blues artist Keb’ Mo’ will present a private performance.
The ASC’s Lower Lobby will be transformed into a jazz café, and after the performance guests can enjoy beverages, heavy hors d’oeuvres and live music, and, later in the evening, a dance party.
For the VIP experience, the Jemison Concert Hall stage will transform into an intimate, elegant dinner space where guests will feel the magic of being on stage while enjoying cuisine provided by the award-winning restaurant Helen. As dinner begins, guests will be welcomed by the soulful singing of ArtPlay’s young performers.
AEIVA, Alys Stephens Center, ArtPlay and Arts in Medicine were joined together as one at UAB in 2019, under the leadership of inaugural Executive Director Lili Anderson. Members of the community can have a taste of the diverse arts experiences these organizations offer year-round, all in one evening, and there is truly something for everyone, Anderson says.
“We are committed to providing high-quality, meaningful and life-enriching arts experiences that enhance the cultural fabric of our community — many of which are offered for free,” Anderson said. “The funds raised by this gala, as well as our other generous supporters, make this possible.”
The 2023 VIVA Health Gala “A Night of the Arts” will honor longtime supporters Penny and Ruffner Page. Gala chairs include the Pages’ daughters, Libby Sibley, Margaret Page, M.D., and Virginia Cheek.
“The arts transform lives,” Sibley said. “They reach people during their most vulnerable moments and during times of joy. The arts are more than a luxury; they are an important part of a vibrant and healthy society. Our family is honored to support and be part of this incredible event.”
There is limited availability remaining for the gala. Tickets are $250. To purchase tickets, or VIP tickets, visit alysstephens.org/gala. For more information, contact Savannah DeRieux at sderieux@uab.edu or 205-934-9900.