Last year, Dallas' own Goss-Michael Foundation -- the Turtle Creek 501(c)(3) founded by Kenny Goss and George Michael (yes, the Wham! one; no, not the Michael Cera one) -- hosted a benefit for MTV's Staying Alive Foundation that banked more than $700,000 toward "empowering young people engaged in fighting the stigma, spread and threat of the HIV and AIDS epidemic through inspiring grantee projects around the world."
With results like that, how could we not expect an encore?
The event is back, with a free public exhibition runs from September 13 through 21, culminating with a VIP Gala Auction on September 22. We're just gonna give you the full press release so you can make a game out of picking out British spellings. It's jam-packed with details on this year's confirmed artists, luxury auction packages we can't afford (did someone say tickets to a NYC VIP Stella McCartney launch?!) and a gala concert orchestrated by Musical America's 'Conductor of the Year 2012', Jaap Van Zweden.
And while we know we should just, like, be cool and not fanboy/girl out here, we're also totally gonna give you this in celebration. It never gets old:
'RE:DEFINE', THE MTV STAYING ALIVE FOUNDATION'S AIDS BENEFIT ART EXHIBITION AND AUCTION, RETURNS TO DALLASFree Public Exhibition from Thursday, September 13th - 21st 2012. VIP Gala Auction to Take Place on Saturday, September 22nd 2012.
DALLAS, TX (August 6, 2012) - The MTV Staying Alive Foundation has today announced that its flagship RE:DEFINE benefit art exhibition and auction will return to Dallas in 2012.
Hosted at The Goss-Michael Foundation and chaired by Jessica Olsson and Anna-Sophia van Zweden, the free public exhibition will launch on Thursday, September 13th 2012, culminating in the VIP gala auction on the evening of Saturday, September 22nd 2012. All money raised will go towards the Foundation's work empowering young people engaged in fighting the stigma, spread and threat of the HIV and AIDS epidemic through inspiring grantee projects around the world.
Debuting in September 2011 to mark the 30th anniversary of AIDS, the sold-out VIP event raised over $700,000 for the charity, with original works of art from 30 prominent international artists including Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Harland Miller and Shepard Fairey, as well as an electrifying live performance from The Boxer Rebellion.
Curated once again by The Future Tense, confirmed artists for 2012 include Michael Craig-Martin, Gérard Rancinan, Ryan McGinness, Ralf Kaspers, Jim Houser, Mat Collishaw, Ryan Gander, Charming Baker, Tomokazu Matsuyama, Chuck Elliott, James Hugonin and Jen Stark.
The accompanying silent auction features exclusive luxury packages including a bespoke furniture piece from 2011 Designer of the Year award winner, Lee Broom, a VIP package to the launch of Stella McCartney's new collection in New York, a unique series of art-inspired jewelry by Royal Asscher and a private concert orchestrated by Musical America's 'Conductor of the Year 2012', Jaap Van Zweden.
In keeping with the inclusive nature of the event, the free public exhibition will include curator tours, previews and artist talks, and a major public art installation in Dallas by emerging British artist, Lee Baker. The VIP gala reception will feature an auction of key lots led by Phillips de Pury chairman, Simon de Pury, a painting performance by artist Dave White and an exciting live music act. Those unable to attend the auction in person will be able to place absentee bids via the Internet or telephone - please visit www.mtvredefine.com for more information.
"After last year's incredibly successful inaugural event, we are thrilled to come back and partner once again with such renowned artists from around the world in support of the Foundation," said Georgia Arnold, Executive Director of The MTV Staying Alive Foundation. "Their enormous generosity and contribution will help us to continue to empower young people who are dedicated to fighting the stigma, spread and threat of the epidemic for many years to come. We are truly thankful for this."
Support for RE:DEFINE 2012 comes from a range of premium partners including headline sponsor, The Joule Hotel, event sponsor Neiman Marcus, media sponsor D Magazine, luxury spirits sponsor Belvedere Vodka and gift bag sponsor IC Berlin.
"Headington Companies on behalf of The Joule Hotel are both excited and honored to be the title sponsors of MTV's 2012 RE:DEFINE event in partnership with The Future Tense and The Goss-Michael Foundation," said Michael Tregoning, CFO of Headington Companies. "Not only is the mission of MTV's Staying Alive Foundation one that we find deeply compelling, but it also provides us the opportunity to work with the extraordinarily talented people at all three organizations."
RE:DEFINE can be found online at www.mtvredfine.com and www.facebook.com/mtvredefine
For ticket enquires please e-mail [email protected]
