On June 26th, ChaShaMa celebrated its 30th Anniversary Gala by transforming a Times Square office building into a two-floor immersive arts experience like no other. Founded by Anita Durst, ChaShaMa has spent three decades empowering artists by providing access to free or low-cost space—an idea fully embodied in this annual, unforgettable celebration.
Often described as “if Burning Man were in a Times Square office building,” the Gala brought together over 300 performance artists and installations, all designed to be interactive. With attendees dressed so fabulously in theme that it was often impossible to distinguish performers from guests, the event broke the traditional boundaries between audience and artist. No one was simply observing—everyone was part of the show.
One of the evening’s most popular installations was by Lesley Ware of Art to Ware (A2W). This fashion-meets-art experience immersed guests in an interactive dress-up installation of metallic clothing and fabrics, perfectly aligned with this year’s dreamy “Dreams” theme. Founded in 2021, A2W champions ethically sourced and locally crafted clothing and gifts, fostering an inclusive space that celebrates emerging artists, designers, and visionaries.
Greeting guests at the building’s art deco-designed entrance was Julie Atlas Muz, one of ChaShaMa’s founding members. Best known as a performer in New York City’s burlesque and neo-burlesque revival scenes, Muz holds both the Miss Exotic World and Miss Coney Island titles from 2006 and was hailed by The New York Times as “the royalty of burlesque.”
The evening raised crucial funds for ChaShaMa’s wide-ranging initiatives, including free artist presentation spaces, subsidized studios, small business support, and free arts programming in low-income communities. Part party, part performance, and part urban dreamscape, the Gala was a true testament to ChaShaMa’s belief that art belongs everywhere—and to everyone.