THE extravagance of New York City’s Met Gala is part of the inspiration behind the inaugural Audi Art Ball at Art Gallery of WA this Saturday, May 14.
Organised by AGWA Foundation, Art Ball is a union and celebration of all creative people in Perth and is an instigator of igniting the gallery space for youth.
Art Ball committee member Paul O’Connor said the event was a year in the making and would break away from the traditional sit-down dinner and stage show.
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READ NOWInstead it will be an interactive experience where guests are encouraged to discover all aspects of the gallery and maybe see it in a new light.
“Even though it’s aimed at the youth market, it’s also aimed at a particular psychographic,” O’Connor said.
“Those who like to have the option of whether they look at the exhibitions or listen to Sneaky Sound System and Kucka, or maybe decide to participate in the life drawing class or virtual reality room where they can take a virtual tour inside a Vincent van Gogh painting.
“It’s up to the guests how they take on the night and experience it; we wanted it to be action-packed like a carnival.”
Other special performances with include Teddy Tahu Rhodes courtesy of WA Opera, Perth Symphony Orchestra, DJs and Co3 Contemporary Dance Company.
Roller derby girls dressed in Aurelio Costarella, thanks to O’Connor’s long-term working partnership with the Perth designer, will greet guests on arrival.
“We’ve created this mixed bag of talent that all exceed in their own right; mashing it all together, mixing it up and creating something interesting,” O’Connor said.
“For some guests the night will just be about the act of dressing up.
“We’ve asked everyone to dress avant-garde; it’s the time to show your own creativity and that might be in fashion, it might be with hair or makeup or how you decide to express yourself.
“Everyone who is coming to the ball can be a walking, living, breathing piece of art as well.”
O’Connor said the committee hoped Art Ball would be an annual event.
“I think the more exciting you make a city, the vibrancy of it transpires over all aspects of the city,” he said.
“The whole theme of AGWA is to see things differently and this is one of the ways I’m hoping people will see the gallery differently.
“It’s an exciting place to visit, not just at the Art Ball but throughout the year.”
Tickets to the 18+ event at www.artball.com.au.