SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: On the evening of October 19, the forecourt of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) was transformed into a striking spectacle as a black carpet was rolled out, marking the much-anticipated 2024 MCA Artists Ball. This year’s event was graced by an array of distinguished guests adorned in black leather jackets and motorcycle helmets, each clutching a single-stemmed Waratah—an Australian native flower symbolic of the country's rich culture and natural beauty. This striking imagery was just one of the many tributes to the honoree of the evening, the renowned artist Shaun Gladwell, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to contemporary art across various mediums.
The MCA Artists Ball, now in its second year, is a brainchild of MCA Australia Chairman Lorraine Tarabay. The event serves not only as a glamorous gathering but also as a crucial fundraising initiative aimed at garnering support from the Museum’s dedicated patrons and partners. The funds raised are essential for maintaining the Museum's artistic and social impact programs, which include Australian and international exhibitions, outreach initiatives for underprivileged children, educational programs in schools, and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as well as individuals with disabilities. Moreover, these contributions are vital in keeping the Museum’s doors open and ensuring that entry remains free for all visitors.
A unique aspect of the MCA is that it stands as the only public museum in Australia fully dedicated to contemporary art and notably, it is the only public museum in the country that operates independently of government ownership. As a not-for-profit organization, the Museum receives only 15 percent of its funding from government sources, meaning over 80 percent of its revenue is generated through private donations and fundraising events like the Artists Ball. This model underscores the necessity of community involvement and support, especially given the Museum’s remarkable status as the most visited contemporary art museum in the world, attracting 1.8 million visitors in 2023 alone.
However, maintaining such a high level of engagement comes with its challenges. “It’s very difficult,” Tarabay shared in an interview with GRAZIA. “We’ve got costs of living pressures. We’ve also had massive supply cost increases over the last couple of years.” She further explained the unique demographic of the Museum’s audience, noting that half of its visitors are under the age of 35, and 65 percent are under the age of 45. While this younger audience brings vibrancy and energy to the Museum, they often lack the financial means to contribute significantly to fundraising efforts. “Contemporary art attracts young people, and that’s a very positive thing—but it is difficult to raise money when that is your audience base.”
Against this backdrop of challenges and triumphs, Shaun Gladwell’s influence as an artist is both profound and enduring. A significant figure in Australia’s contemporary art scene, Gladwell has made a name for himself through his innovative works that engage with themes of movement, identity, and the Australian landscape. He first exhibited at the MCA in 2003 during the Primavera exhibition, which showcases the works of emerging Australian artists. Gladwell’s practice often blurs the lines between art and performance, exploring dynamic forms of expression that resonate deeply with audiences. His works prominently feature skateboarders, break-dancers, BMX riders, circus performers, and surfers—capturing the essence of youth culture and the physicality of movement.
To pay homage to Gladwell’s artistic legacy, the MCA's forecourt featured a cobalt blue BMX half-pipe—a striking contrast to the sophisticated ambiance of the ball, where guests mingled while sipping on Pommery Brut Royal Champagne. “Shaun’s work speaks to regular people on the street,” Tarabay remarked, highlighting how Gladwell’s art challenges conventional notions of what contemporary art can be. “A lot of people, until they see Shaun, wouldn’t realise that art can take the form of his work. For them, it redefines what art is, and what contemporary art is. He engages audiences that otherwise wouldn’t be engaged with art. Whether it’s riding a motorbike through the desert or whether it’s the surf scene, the regular Australian can relate to Shaun’s work and it is iconically Australian.”
In this vein, Suzanne Cotter, the Director of MCA Australia, elaborated on Gladwell’s unique ability to capture the energy of urban youth. “For Shaun, film is something to be stretched and expanded,” she said. “He turns the restless energy of young people in urban spaces and their adrenaline-fuelled pursuits into graceful performance; from gymnastic acrobatics on a suburban train, to skateboarding in a storm at Bondi, to riding a motorbike Mad Max-style across a central Australian desert road.” This sentiment captures the essence of what makes Gladwell's work resonate so powerfully—his ability to transcend traditional boundaries and connect with audiences on a personal level.
As the evening unfolded, guests were ushered into the MCA’s Foundation Hall, a space dramatically illuminated by Gladwell’s captivating video artwork. The atmosphere was electric as attendees took their seats for dinner, ready to indulge in the culinary delights that awaited them. This year, the entrée was served in playful cardboard takeaway containers, featuring a beautifully crafted sashimi selection—a nod to the contemporary and casual vibe of the evening.
Hosting the event was Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, known for his energetic presence and humor, which set the tone for a night filled with laughter and excitement. Joining him was comedian Monika Tu, whose wit added an extra layer of entertainment to the proceedings. As part of the evening’s festivities, a live auction was held, showcasing remarkable artworks including “On The Edge Of Light” by Danie Mellor and “Heatwave Vision” by Jonny Niesche. The auction drew impressive bids, with pieces selling for between $50,000 and $65,000. Additionally, a highly coveted trip to Paris Fashion Week, generously donated by Parlour X, also attracted significant interest, underscoring the intersection of fashion and art that the MCA aims to celebrate.
One of the highlights of the evening was a mesmerizing performance by rising star Ngaiire, whose soulful vocals captivated the audience and created a magical atmosphere in the hall. Her performance served as a reminder of the power of art to transcend boundaries and evoke deep emotions, further enriching the experience of the evening before the dancefloor opened up, inviting guests to let loose and enjoy the celebration.
Reflecting on the evolution of the MCA's fundraising efforts, Tarabay noted the importance of innovation and adaptation. After two decades of the Bella Dinner—a beloved event organized by the late Cynthia Jackson, who was often regarded as the unofficial mother of the MCA—the decision was made to revamp the format of the fundraising event. “I was jet-lagged one evening after coming back from overseas and I was trying to think of different concepts for fundraisers that are appropriate for art museums,” she recounted. “I started having a look around the world and all of a sudden, the Brooklyn Artist’s Ball came up. I thought that would be a fantastic concept for Australia.”
Tarabay's vision proved to be spot on. The 2024 MCA Artists Ball was not just an opportunity to raise funds, but a celebration of creativity, community, and the transformative power of art. The event raised over one million dollars for the Museum, a testament to the generosity and commitment of its supporters.
The dress code for the evening was "creative couture," a playful twist on the traditional black-tie attire that encouraged guests to express their individuality and artistic flair. “It was my idea,” Tarabay laughed, recalling her own stunning forest green Dior couture gown. “At the end of the day, to come in black tie is a little bit boring. We’re an art museum, and everybody should have artistic license when it comes to what they wear to the ball. It makes the evening more fun, less stuffy and sets it apart from all of the other big fundraisers around town.”
This call for creativity in fashion reflects the MCA’s ethos as a contemporary art museum that celebrates the intersection of art and life. “We’re the Museum of Contemporary Art, and, with respect to the dress code, we really want it to be the intersection of fashion and art,” Tarabay explained. This commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative atmosphere is part of what makes the MCA such a beloved institution in Australia’s cultural landscape.
As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that the 2024 MCA Artists Ball had successfully captured the spirit of contemporary art and its ability to connect people from all walks of life. From the striking visual elements honoring Shaun Gladwell to the dynamic performances and engaging auction, the event was a resounding success, raising essential funds while also celebrating the power of art to inspire, challenge, and bring communities together.
In a world where public funding for the arts is often limited, the MCA stands as a beacon of creativity and resilience. By fostering a strong relationship with its audience and encouraging participation from the community, the Museum continues to thrive and play a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of Australia. The success of the MCA Artists Ball is a testament to this commitment, and it reaffirms the importance of supporting contemporary art in all its forms.
As guests departed the MCA on that memorable night, they carried with them not only the joy of having participated in a significant fundraising effort but also the inspiration that comes from engaging with art that reflects their own experiences and identities. The event served as a reminder of the vital role that institutions like the MCA play in nurturing the arts and fostering a sense of community—a mission that will undoubtedly continue to resonate in the
