Enter a world drained of color but brimming with drama. Dress to distress in inky black or ghostly white for an evening of undead DJ Big Bear, surprise performances from Boston Circus Guild, and spooky specialty food and drinks—all set within a striking black-and-white environment created by local artist Jaina Cipriano. Plus, get a custom patch by artist Andy Li—and find your patch’s match to win a prize.
Please note: This is a 21+ event. IDs will be checked at the door, guests who do not have a valid ID will not be permitted into the event. The ICA galleries and the ICA Store will be closed during this event. Bars and doors close at 11:30 PM.
A note on costumes:
The ICA’s Halloween events offer an inclusive and safe celebration for all. Costumes that perpetuate cultural appropriation, discrimination, or violence of any kind, including fake weapons, are not permitted.
For the safety and enjoyment of all attending the event, the following items are not permitted:
- Oversized costume elements that obstruct movement
- Bubbles or smoke
- Elements that fully conceal the face
- Shirt and shoes required. We invite you to be inspired by art, artists, and your own imagination!
About the Artists
Jaina Cipriano and Finding Bright Studios
For the Black + White Ball, artist Jaina Cipriano and Finding Bright Studios transform the ICA into a strange and magical garden frozen in time. Finding Bright Studios collaborates with cultural institutions, artists, and brands to create immersive environments where art, psychology, and design converge. Their goals are to make Boston weirder, provide audiences with moments of transformation, and uplift local artists. This Halloween, Andy Li collaborated with Finding Bright Studios to design a stunning call-to-action banner that extends above the dance party. His artwork at the Black + White Ball serves as a reminder to find beauty in the growing pains we experience while defining ourselves in an ever-changing world.
About DJ Big Bear
Brian “Big Bear” Karanja is a Boston-based DJ, event producer, and filmmaker from Nairobi, Kenya. His first love, hip-hop, helped him develop his skills on the turntables. Now that his love for music has expanded into various genres, Big Bear’s sound has grown into what can be described as an international vibe that captivates audiences everywhere.
About Boston Circus Guild
The Boston Circus Guild is a collaborative, membership-based organization of talented circus performers, musicians, fire artists, dancers, and event producers from the New England area.
Menu
- Specialty cocktail: Nightshade
- Charcuterie cups
- Hot pretzels
- Assorted halloween themed doughnuts
- Dark and white chocolate pretzel rods
- Parmesan popcorn