TIME Celebrates Art’s Influence Across Generations at Inaugural Dinner

TIME’s inaugural TIME100 Art Impact Dinner, held in New York City on October 5, celebrated the launch of the first-ever TIME100 Art list. The event brought together artists, collectors, curators, and cultural stewards to honor the impact of art across generations.

Ronald Lauder, honored for his collecting and philanthropy, shared how his love for art began at 12 years old when he encountered Picasso’s *Guernica* at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). He emphasized how art preserves history and expands worldviews. Lauder also highlighted the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) and his own Neue Galerie New York, which opened post-9/11, as pivotal in his journey. He described collectors as custodians of art, toasting to artists, institutions, and future generations.

Matthew Bogdanos, a retired Marine and art-crime fighter, praised his colleagues in repatriating stolen artworks to nearly 40 countries. He emphasized the healing power of cultural artifacts in a divided world, pledging to continue his work until he felt worthy of the TIME100 honor.

Amy Sherald reflected on the quiet, profound nature of influence in the art world, citing how imagination allows marginalized communities to envision better futures. She quoted Elizabeth Alexander, noting that imagination is a superpower, and influence lies in what moves through us and forward.

Marie Watt, a sculptor and member of the Seneca Nation, explained that Indigenous communities view art as a way to connect humans, animals, and the environment. She urged the art community to honor those who choose to create for understanding and connection.

Ken Griffin, CEO of Citadel, was also recognized, though his toast was not detailed in the transcript.