i AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D.

PARTY
WITH A
PURPOSE

BACKGROUND

The IAC Gala is I Am C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D.’s capstone fundraising event, occurring annually each June. Gala attendees enjoy an elegant evening of cultural enrichment, community connection, live entertainment, and much more– all while knowing their ticket purchase is a tax-deductible donation that directly benefits IAC’s next cycle of Youth Development programming for high school students of color.

THE WORK

WHAT WE DID
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
BRAND STRATEGY
CREATIVE DIRECTION
DESIGN STRATEGY
VISUAL IDENTITY
SALES ENABLEMENT

Each year, IAC draws thematic Gala inspiration from one of the unique international destinations that the students travel to (as part of the broader Youth Development programming). It’s black-tie with a twist!

The muse for the 2025 Gala was the stunning, vibrant, bold, and historic state of Bahia, Brazil. (Learn more about beautiful Bahia here and here!)

Abstract colorful shapes including stars, swirls, dots, and squiggles on black background.
Colorful vertical stripes in black, white, dark gray, cream, blue, orange, green, and red.
A simple black and white line drawing of a person's face and upper body, with a graduation cap on their head, wearing glasses and smiling. 
During initial creative explorations, a look and feel began to emerge that blended evergreen brand assets with unique, thematic elements for a cohesive Gala 2025 design system.
Black silhouette of a DNA double helix on a black background.
Collage of promotional images for the 7th Annual IAC Fundraising Gala 2025, featuring colorful lettering and various graphic elements on black, white, and beige backgrounds. 
Special attention was paid to typography, pattern, color, and texture for the 2025 IAC Gala as a way to infuse the thematic visual identity with the dynamic vibe of Bahia, Brazil.
Colorful infographic about a fund raising gala event with sections for sponsorship details, venue information, impact statistics, and event theme. Contains photos, icons, and vibrant design elements.
Instagram post showing a digital ticket for an event called The IAC Fundraising Gala. The ticket details the experience, including networking, entry, open bar, access to the program, dinner, and a gift bag. The post has 35 likes and a caption about the event.
Laptop screen displaying a webpage for the 7th Annual IAC Fundraising Gala with event details, colorful graphics, and donation options.
A colorful celebration-themed digital pattern with large letters spelling "A G L" and "A G" along with icons such as cupcakes, airplanes, champagne glasses, a globe, party hats, and the phrase "I am culture" on a black background, with the year 2025 included.
Screenshot of a mobile phone display promoting the IAC Fundraising Gala, with information about ticket purchases benefiting student ambassadors, and a button labeled 'I AM CULTURED' at the bottom. The display has colorful confetti graphics at the top and bottom.
Invitation graphic for the 7th annual IAC Gala fundraiser, featuring black background with colorful confetti and abstract shapes. Text highlights event details including date, time, location, theme, and the purpose of supporting community leaders and youth investments. 
To sell tickets and promote the event, the organization focused on several specific digital channels: Social (Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin), Email, and on both our website and the Givebutter platform. At the same time, the team also worked to secure sponsorships, in-kind donations, vendors, and other critical partnerships with a variety of presentation decks and media kits. Head over to @iamculturedinc on IG to view more content, specifically reels, to get the full Bahia effect (sound on, please! [Spotify playlist coming soon]).

THE MAIN EVENT: BRINGING BAHIA TO BROOKLYN

Three black posters with colorful text in front of a gray wall. The left and right posters say "Welcome to the GALA" with party decorations and the phrase "Party with a Purpose" at the top. The middle poster says "GALA Check-In" with an image of a smartphone displaying instructions for locating a gala ticket.
Collage of images from a gala event, featuring people dancing and celebrating, welcome signs for the gala, a gift bag, and a program flyer with information about the event. 
For the actual Fundraising Gala, we extended the design system into nearly every medium– massive digital displays, a vast range of print materials, branded merchandise, custom-engraved glass awards, lighting and special effects, and much more. Additionally, we curated the food and beverage offerings, the florals, the live entertainment and performances, and even the contents of the Gala goodie bags.
Group of women and one man dressed in colorful formal attire, standing on stage with a backdrop that reads 'The Tile GALA'. 
The 7th Annual IAC Fundraising Gala was a glowing success, both in raising funds for the 2025-2026 Youth Development programming cycle, and in curating and delivering a premium event experience for all the Gala attendees. I take immense pride in the work that we do for the young folks of NYC, and it is an honor to serve as a Board Member and as the Creative Director for this mission-driven nonprofit.
Event flyer for the 7th Annual IAC Fundraising Gala 2025 with colored QR codes for fundraising, gala program, and silent auction, placed on a gray wall with a green monstera leaf beside it.
A person holding a black event program for the 7th Annual IAC Fundraising Gala against a dark curtain background. The program features colorful text and graphics, with details about the event's dinner and entertainment.
Event poster for the 7th Annual IAC Fundraising Gala, featuring a black background with colorful decorative elements. The text includes details of the event date, June 12th, 2025, venue Williamsburg, and a menu with starters, dinner, and dessert options. The menu includes hearts of palm salad, Brazilian-style grilled chicken, white fish boboquea, arroz com lentilha, and lemon basil tart. The event is curated by Chef Michael King.
Collection of eight event and ticket advertisements featuring images, QR codes, and colorful designs for various cultural, music, sports, and travel events.
Poster for a silent auction featuring colorful confetti and streamers on a black background. Includes a QR code and text inviting viewers to scan for viewing auction items and registration to bid.
Party menu flyer on a pink table next to two glasses of water, featuring drinks like The Caipirinha, The Batida, and Beer & Wine with colorful confetti and decoration on the borders.
Group of women and one man standing on a staircase dressed in colorful formal attire, indoors with modern decor and checkered flooring.