MacDowell, the nation’s preeminent multidisciplinary artist residency, will host its annual National Benefit at Gotham Hall in New York City on Monday, October 20, 2025, honoring two transformative leaders: visionary architect Toshiko Mori and Joseph G. Mizzi, of Sciame Construction. The evening will unite artists, cultural luminaries, philanthropists, and institutional partners to celebrate exceptional leadership in the arts with the presentation of the 6th Marian MacDowell Arts Advocacy Award and inaugural Hillcrest Arts Impact Award. All proceeds from the National Benefit will support MacDowell’s mission to provide uninterrupted time, space, and community for artists to create bold and enduring works of the imagination.
This year, MacDowell proudly presents the 2025 Marian MacDowell Arts Advocacy Award to renowned architect and educator Toshiko Mori, widely recognized for more than four decades of innovative, influential work across a diverse range of projects. Her approach has expanded the possibilities of architecture, challenging assumptions about its relationship to the natural environment.
As the Robert P. Hubbard Professor in the Practice of Architecture and former Chair of the Department of Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Mori has helped shape generations of new architects while also leading projects such as the Brooklyn Public Library Central Branch, the Thread Artists’ Residency and Cultural Center in Senegal, and the expansion of Brown University’s Watson Institute. Her designs elevate the role of art, culture, and education in society, while her commitment to sustainability and material innovation underscores the power of architecture—and the arts more broadly—as a force for global change and the role of the arts in improving communities.
MacDowell will also pay special tribute to Joseph G. Mizzi, President, COO, and a principal of Sciame Construction, as the inaugural recipient of the Hillcrest Arts Impact Award. Mizzi is being recognized for his unwavering dedication to innovation, the importance of design excellence, and the cultural value of the built environment, as well as his deep personal commitment to support of artists and the arts.
Through his support and leadership, Sciame Construction has helped shape New York City’s cultural landscape, serving as Construction Manager and Builder for many of its most significant civic and cultural projects—including the New Museum, the Studio Museum in Harlem, The Frick Collection, The Morgan Library & Museum, The Shed, The Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Arts and Design, the Judd Foundation, and the Perelman Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mizzi has been a steadfast advocate for artists themselves, championing opportunities for creators at every stage of their careers which is further reflected in his service as Board Chair of the Bronx Museum of the Arts and as Board Treasurer of the Architectural League of New York, among other organizations.
“At MacDowell, we believe that visionary leadership–whether through design, construction, or creative practice–lays the foundation for a more connected, inspired, and equitable world,” said Chiwoniso Kaitano, Executive Director of MacDowell. “The true power of our residency lies in the space we provide artists to think, experiment, and build work that resonates across disciplines. This is why we are so proud to recognize the unparalleled impact in architecture Toshiko Mori and Joseph Mizzi have had.”
Together, these recipients exemplify the kind of leadership and profound, unique support for the arts that aligns with the legacy of MacDowell’s founders, whose vision more than a century ago made space for artists to create bold new works that spark our imagination, illuminate our world, and celebrate our humanity. Past recipients of the Marian MacDowell Arts Advocacy Award include filmmaker Ava DuVernay and ARRAY (2020), poet and arts organizer Mahogany L. Browne (2021), Susan Unterberg and Anonymous Was A Woman (2022), philanthropist Fairfax Dorn (2023), and arts collector Komal Shah (2024).
This year’s National Benefit will be hosted by acclaimed playwright, actor, filmmaker, and MacDowell Fellow Carmen Pelaez (‘23). The evening will feature performances and testimonials from MacDowell Fellows, including composer of The Monkey King Huang Ruo (‘10, ‘12, ‘24) and Grammy-nominated writer and musician Claire L. Evans (‘24), and award-winning author Lauren Groff (‘12, ‘16).
For additional event details, including program lineup and ticket information, visit our 2025 National Benefit page or contact Jericho Parms, Chief Advancement Officer, jparms@macdowell.org, (212) 535-9690.
