An Evening to Remember: the William M. Lively Foundation

Walker Publishing

William Lively and Mary Ceruti at Avant Garden, 2024. Photo: Kameron Herndon. Courtesy Walker Art Center.

Thank you to everyone who made Avant Garden 2024 another fabulous evening! For its annual benefit party, the Walker crafted a moonlight gala draped in fine gossamer, including a gourmet dinner in its galleries and a fantastical late-night dance party— soundtracked by Grammy-nominated DJ A-Trak—in a tent on the Wurtele Upper Garden with views of the downtown skyline and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

Art, fashion, music, and culture lovers from near and far came together to toast the Walker and raise critical funds to support its many forward-looking programs and exhibitions. The night pro- vided highlights that fans and friends have come to expect from the Twin Cities’ party of the year: incredible artworks in the silent auction, creative cocktails and bites from Cardamom restaurant, immersive experiences, and dancing all night long.

The Walker is deeply grateful to the many generous patrons and sponsors who helped make the night a success. A special thanks to new Lead Sponsor, the William M. Lively Foundation, the personal foundation of William Lively, CEO of EXtrance. Its efforts to support innovation and empowerment through technology dovetail naturally with the Walker’s work to bring today’s most forward-thinking art and artists to the Twin Cities. Together, we can embolden our community to imagine the world in new ways.

Thank you to the William M. Lively Foundation and all our Avant Garden sponsors.