The Contemporaries present French Quarter Fête benefiting the Columbia Museum of Art

March 3, 2026

The Contemporaries, a dynamic affinity group of the Columbia Museum of Art, invite the community to step into the golden age of jazz at A French Quarter Fête, an unforgettable gala inspired by the sultry charm and electric energy of 1940s and ’50s New Orleans, on Saturday, March 7, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.

For one night only, the museum transforms into a vibrant French Quarter dreamscape where live jazz, swing dancers, handcrafted cocktails, and NOLA-inspired cuisine set the stage for an evening of glamour, revelry, and artistic celebration. Guests wander through the museum’s galleries to discover magical surprises and immersive experiences before participating in the gala’s signature Live Art Auction, featuring nearly 100 works of art from local and regional artists.

Proceeds from the evening directly support the Contemporaries’ mission to help grow and enhance the CMA Collection, ensuring the museum remains a premier destination for art and culture in the Midlands.

“This event is about more than a night of celebration — it’s about investing in the future of the arts in our community,” says Robbie Birnie, Contemporaries board president. “Every ticket purchased and every bid placed helps bring new and compelling artwork to the CMA for everyone to experience.”

Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme by dressing in their vintage best, evoking the elegance and flair of the jazz era.

Individual tickets: $90 / $75 for Contemporaries members. Couples’ tickets: $165 / $140 for Contemporaries members. VIP tickets: $150.

 

About the Contemporaries
The Contemporaries are a vibrant community of art supporters dedicated to building connections while helping grow the Columbia Museum of Art’s collection. Through lively events, social gatherings, and cultural programming, the affinity group brings together both the young and the young-at-heart to engage with world-class art and each other. Membership offers unique opportunities to network with fellow professionals and participate in dynamic experiences that support the museum throughout the year. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Charlotte Knoop at charlotte@forwardstrategists.com.

About the CMA   
The Columbia Museum of Art is a charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to lifelong learning and community enrichment for all. Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, S.C., the CMA ranks among the leading art institutions in the country and is distinguished by its innovative exhibitions and creative educational programs. At the heart of the CMA and its programs is its collection, which encompasses 7,000 works and spans 5,000 years of art history. Established in 1950, the CMA now welcomes more than 150,000 visitors annually and is a catalyst for community creativity and education, engaging people of all ages and backgrounds. It is the recipient of a National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a National Art Education Association award for its contributions to arts education, a National Park Foundation Award, and two Governor’s Awards for the Arts for outstanding contributions to the arts in South Carolina. To learn more, visit www.columbiamuseum.org.