BAAF HONORS Blends Arts, Business to Fund Future of Boston Creatives

BOSTON, MA – March 24, 2026 – The Boston Arts Academy Foundation (BAAF) has announced its annual star-studded HONORS event, a "Come Dream With Us: A Masquerade Ball," set for Thursday, October 22, at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway. The gala, the foundation's largest yearly fundraiser, will celebrate a diverse slate of trailblazers from the arts, business, and civic sectors, all while raising critical funds for Boston's only public high school for the visual and performing arts.

This year's event will be championed by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll as Honorary Chair, with philanthropists Jill and Dean Bosco serving as Co-Chairs. The evening's top accolade, the Lifetime Achievement Award, will be presented to Mark Lev, President of Fenway Sports Management, highlighting a growing trend of recognizing cross-industry impact on the city's cultural landscape.

A Gala with a Critical Mission

Beyond the glamour of the masquerade ball and the prestige of the awards, the BAAF HONORS event serves a vital purpose: bridging the significant funding gap for the Boston Arts Academy (BAA). As Boston Public Schools (BPS) continues to navigate budget constraints that have seen arts programs shrink in recent years, the role of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation has become more crucial than ever.

The foundation, which holds a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator for its financial health and accountability, works to cover the costs that district allocations do not, including funding for specialized arts teachers, supplies, and production expenses. This support is essential for a school where 97% of graduates are accepted to college, many being the first in their families to do so. BAA provides an extended eight-hour school day, offering students 300 more hours of arts and academic instruction than typical schools.

"Talent is everywhere in Boston, but access and opportunity still are not—and that's where our community makes all the difference," said Denella Clark, President and CEO of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation, in a statement. "HONORS remains a powerful and inspiring evening where we celebrate the arts, elevate visionary leaders, and reaffirm our commitment to the next generation of creative voices."

The foundation's recent success underscores the community's commitment. In 2025, BAAF completed its "Building Our Future" campaign, surpassing a $35 million goal to fund a state-of-the-art multimedia production program and other critical resources, ensuring students have the tools to compete and create at the highest level.

Celebrating a Spectrum of Influence

The 2026 honorees represent a broad and influential cross-section of Boston's cultural and civic ecosystem. The selection of Fenway Sports Management President Mark Lev for the Lifetime Achievement Award is particularly noteworthy. It signals a recognition that leadership in sports and business plays a transformative role in sustaining the city's arts community. Lev has been a key supporter of BAAF's fundraising efforts, and his organization's partnership is evident in the choice of the MGM Music Hall at Fenway, a venue under the Fenway Sports Group umbrella, as the event's location for several consecutive years.

The Visual Arts honor will go to Ken Fulk, a globally celebrated designer whose mark on Boston is both recent and profound. Fulk, who once lived on Commonwealth Avenue, has reimagined some of the city's most iconic spaces, including The 'Quin House and the lobby of the Four Seasons Boston. His work exemplifies the power of design to shape contemporary urban life.

Other honorees include:
* Jennifer Holliday (Music): The Tony and Grammy-winning star of the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls, who is celebrating the show's 45th anniversary.
* John Lam (Dance): A former Boston Ballet principal dancer who now shapes the next generation as an associate professor at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
* Daniela Corte (Fashion): A Boston-based designer celebrated for 25 years of creating sustainable, locally sourced women's fashion.
* Stephanie Tavares-Rance and Floyd Rance (TV+ Film): The founders of the acclaimed Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying platform for diverse storytellers.
* Candice Stover (Civic Responsibility): General Manager for New England at Delta Air Lines, a corporate leader recognized for her community engagement and leadership in diversity and inclusion.

A Beacon for Boston's Cultural Scene

Over the years, BAAF HONORS has cemented its status as a premier event on Boston's philanthropic and cultural calendar. Inspired by the Kennedy Center Honors, the gala has consistently attracted high-profile supporters and celebrated legendary figures. Past events have honored icons like musician James Taylor, dancer and director Debbie Allen, and actor Donnie Wahlberg, steadily raising its profile and fundraising power.

The event's theme, "Come Dream With Us: A Masquerade Ball," promises an immersive experience curated by the very students it aims to support. Guests will witness dynamic student-led performances across multiple disciplines, offering a direct and powerful look at the talent being nurtured at the Boston Arts Academy.

As the city continues to champion arts education as a vital component of student well-being and academic success, events like BAAF HONORS are more than just a celebration. They are a lifeline, ensuring that the dream of a creative future remains accessible to every talented student in Boston, regardless of their background. The funds raised on this single evening will ripple through the halls of the Boston Arts Academy for the entire year, powering performances, stocking art studios, and ultimately, shaping the city's next generation of cultural leaders.