The 2023 Kaufman Music Center Annual Gala is a key fundraising event supporting the center’s music performance and education programs, typically raising $1.2 million. As the Brand Manager and Graphic Designer, I played a central role in shaping the event’s visual and experiential identity.

I led the creation of the event branding and visual language, ensuring that each element reflected the overarching starry-night universe theme, inspired by Kaufman as a guiding light or North Star. My responsibilities included art direction, budget management, developing a cohesive aesthetic that integrated the space-inspired theme with the elegant, formal tone of the event.

In addition to designing the event assets, I contributed to the overall concept and ideation process. A key component was orchestrating the performance of students as street buskers across the city, dressed in formal attire with accents of Kaufman red to reinforce brand consistency and visual impact. I also edited and scripted the keynote video, which communicated the idea that music is everywhere. This involved developing the narrative flow, selecting visuals, and ensuring the video aligned with the brand’s story of inclusivity and outreach.

The result was a highly immersive, visually cohesive event that reinforced Kaufman’s brand identity while engaging diverse audiences and supporting the center's mission.