On January 12, the National YoungArts Foundation wrapped up National YoungArts week with a gala and fundraiser, co-hosted by Harry Winston, to support the organization's programming. In a celebration of creativity, the Backyard Ball was replete with a showcase of dance pieces and musical performances by YoungArts winners from previous years. A major moment of the evening was the announcement of the first Jorge M. Perez Award, which grants $25,000 and mentorship to emerging and mid-career artists—the recipients of the inaugural award were former YoungArts winners Chat Travieso and Kathia St. Hillaire. The honorees of the evening were the visionary choreographer Camille A. Brown, recipient of the 2019 Arison Alumni Award, and artists/designers Nikolai and Simon Haas of The Haas Brothers who were awarded the 2019 Arison Award. With 800 guests in attendance, the Backyard Ball raised $1.5 million that will continue to support the organization and the next generation of young creators.
