It's not news to you that New York City's skyline adds instant style appeal to anything that you do. The same goes for the City's landmarks - Central Park, the iconic Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge.
Such benefits are really second nature.
But have you also considered creating an even more immersive experience for guests by involving the arts as well? Read on for how to do exactly that and on your terms. Bring the magic of NYC artistry to your events.
Set the stage with the right NYC venue
Start with the right backdrop. Settings like Central Park or the Statue of Liberty deliver instant cache. Multiple locations also offer rooftop gardens, outdoor dining, or attractive terraces, often with great views. NYC is also filled with free outdoor art that you are encouraged to consider as you choose your venue. Sculptures, murals, and graffiti dot city parks, sidewalks, and buildings. Worth a mention are the High Line, Central Park, and Socrates Sculpture Park.
Light it like a pro
Event lighting can be artistic, too. Whether your venue is outdoors or in, choose lighting carefully in order to best accentuate your particular event settings. Accent lighting plays up the features of where you are. Spotlighting boasts even more dramatic effects. Wash lighting adds a special glow and helps guests feel comfortable by bathing guests in an inviting atmosphere.
Imbue the hue
Select an event color scheme early on that sets the mood you want. A bold color scheme can mimic the City's vibrant energy: The yellow of cabs, the red of commercial and theater districts or spring blooms, and the ever-present Big Apple black. A color scheme tailored to your event’s theme, brand, or message is another way to make your selections. Whatever your colors, be intentional about your actions, and remember to carry the palette into eye-catching centerpieces and overall event decor.
Bring the arts to you
Now that you have carefully considered the fundamentals and are working on your side, it's time to amp up the arts at your event. One way to raise the ante here is to bring the arts to your guests directly.
From live artwork to straightforward entertainment to interactive experiences, the art available to event planners is nearly without bounds. Choose from live painting, illustration, sculpture, and performance art, as well as interactive installations and workshops. Some choices can even be used to create unique mementos for guests or to align with the event's theme and brand.
Here's a more detailed look at how art and artists can be used by event planners.
Live Art Examples
Live demonstrations lend an energy all their own.
- Painting/Illustration/Sketches. Create artwork on-site, capturing the event's character and creating unique pieces for guests.
- Sculpture. Sculptors can create large-scale installations using recycled materials or other mediums. Align the theme with the event or make it interactive.
- Performance Art. Dance, music, and even mime feature a memorable experience for your guests.
- Human canvas. Adults are just big little kids at heart and may enjoy having their faces painted or their skin decorated with beautiful henna.
Interactive Art Examples
Rev up the engagement by getting guests involved.
- Workshops. Invite guests to learn a new skill and create their own artwork with painting, screen printing, or jewelry making.
- Interactive Installations. Encourage guests to contribute to a collective artwork curated by a visiting artist, fostering a sense of community and participation.
Artistic Enhancement Examples
Enhance any event with art that makes for cohesion and immersion.
- Art Installations. Permanent and temporary installations offer visual interest and atmosphere.
- Themed Art. Specially themed art augments an event's topic, brand, or message.
- Customized Art. Personalized art for guests, such as caricatures, portraits, and custom pieces, make any event more memorable.
Take your guests to the arts
Locating a venue close to an attraction makes it easy to take guests to the source of art itself, and nowhere is that easier to do than in New York City. From galleries to museums and even Broadway, opportunities await any event planner and their guests.
Show-stopping Broadway
Broadway is always a win and can be shared with attendees, sometimes at a discount. Private performances of all kinds can also be arranged. Scheduling a backstage tour or pre-show cocktail and mocktail party adds a touch of class. Some venues are conveniently located near the theater district, streamlining planning. For more about Broadway, consult this resource for ticket sales and more.
Museums and gallery tours
Linking an experience to your venue can include museum and gallery tours. Begin or end at the venue you establish, adding to guests' experience by including one of New York's many museums or art galleries. Consider the interests of your guests as you make your choices. Is "The Met" (Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art) the best fit, or should you concentrate on more contemporary works by visiting "MoMA?" World-class art appears in museums and galleries.
Visit artists where they live
Many unique districts or communities across all five boroughs are known or are becoming known, for their arts communities. Artists of all kinds can be found working where they live, and many welcome visitors. They can also be appreciated up close in storefronts and lofts.
- Chelsea. Noteworthy international and well-established local galleries.
- Lower East Side. Alternative and avant-garde art scene, off the beaten path.
- Greenwich Village. Historic neighborhood rich in the arts.
- SoHo. Art hotspot from the 1960s that continues to attract art lovers of all kinds.
- Tribeca. A growing art gallery district of its own.
- Harlem. Emerging as a new art hub, attracting artists and galleries who want to avoid the high costs of other areas.
- The Bronx. The growing art scene is anchored by the Bronx Museum of Arts.
- Brooklyn. Long known for its galleries and studios.
Find your artistic event inspiration at The Event Planner Expo
Art delivers its own kind of special communication, sparking conversation and interaction among guests. The savvy event planner who chooses to incorporate art into their event is making their selection wisely and with style.
By incorporating art or artists into events, event planners invent opportunities for guests to enjoy lasting memories and even keepsakes or new skills. And the best place to be to stay on top of the very latest in event planning trends, catering, themes, and business strategies is The Event Planner Expo 2025. Be sure to reserve your exhibitor booth while space is still available!
