First look at Neil Gaiman’s magical design for The Art of Elysium’s Heaven 2024 gala

Non-profit organisation The Art of Elysium, which supports artists working for the benefit of others, marks its 25th anniversary in typical style, by choosing a respected creative to convert LA music venue The Wiltern into an otherworldly art installation for one night only – its Heaven 2024 gala. 

Neil Gaiman’s ‘Heaven is a Library’

Writer, producer and director Neil Gaiman, winner of The Art of Elysium’s 2024 Visionary Award, takes his turn to bring to life his vision of heaven on earth, teaming up with production designer Michael Ralph to create a magical library ‘where knowledge is free and refuge is given’. Gaiman has also chosen nine friends to read from their favourite books as the ‘9 Muses of Elysium’, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jon Hamm, Jason Segel, Lily Gladstone, Yetide Badaki, Patton Oswalt, Shanola Hampton, and Mira Sorvino.

The gala, set to take place on 6 January 2024, for the first time since the pandemic, pays tribute to volunteer artists who have made a positive impact in their communities, with all proceeds raised at the gala going into The Art of Elysium’s programmes and services. 

Gaiman – whose art installation pertains to the organisation’s four main disciplines, Fashion & Design, Music & Movement, Theatre & Film, and Visual Arts – has been recognised alongside other notable names. Actress Amy Smart and Carter Oosterhouse scoop The Spirit of Elysium Award for outstanding charitable contributions, while Cara Santana will retrospectively pick up 2021’s award.

The Art of Elysium’s 2024 Heaven gala will take place on 6 January at The Wiltern in LA

heartofelysium.org/heaven2024