World AIDS Day Ball: MUSEUM

$500 for each Subcategory
$2000 for Final Battle
6 trophies:
BQVF, RWT, FQ, Women’s, Drags, Legendary

Presented by Absolut

Yayoi Kusama

Acclaimed Japanese artist and visionary, Yayoi Kusama has left an indelible mark on the world of contemporary art. Her signature polka dots, vivid colours, and immersive infinity mirrors have captivated audiences around the globe, welcoming millions of museumgoers into her realm, where boundlessness and imagination converge. Drawing from Kusama’s near seven-decade career—spanning painting, sculpture, installation art, film, fashion, and so much more—bring it in a look inspired by any of her most mesmerizing works.

$500 for each Subcategory
$2000 for Final Battle
4 trophies:
AA, European, FF, Legendary

Jeff Koons

Renowned for his masterful craftsmanship and audacious spirit, Jeff Koons transforms everyday objects into monumental works that challenge conventional notions of art. Celebrated for his bold and provocative artistic vision, his creations ingeniously blend elements of popular culture, consumerism, and whimsy—eliciting both fascination and controversy. Modelling your look after Koons’ iconic stainless-steel sculptures, hit the runway in a mirror-polished or metallic creation of your own.

$2500
$1500 Yorkdale gift card and $500 gift cards for Subcategory winners
3 trophies:
MF, FF, GNC

Presented by Yorkdale and Oxford Properties

Bisa Butler

Standing at the forefront of contemporary fiber art, Bisa Butler pushes past the boundaries of traditional portraiture and celebrates the resilience, beauty, and diversity of the Black experience—paying homage to African American history and identity. Through intricate stitching and meticulously selected textiles, her vibrant and evocative quilted portraits weave together fabric and storytelling, breathing life into historical figures and everyday individuals alike. Tonight, bring it in a look that pulls from Butler’s unique style, rich colour palette, dynamic use of patterns, and innovative approach to quilting.

$1000 for MF
$1000 for FF
$500 for Final Battle
6 trophies:
BQ, Transman, FQ, Women’s, Drags, GNC

Presented by Jems

Kehinde Wiley

Through his meticulous brushwork and attention to detail, Kehinde Wiley paints heroic portraits of Black individuals set against elaborate backgrounds inspired by classical art. His distinctive style merges the grandeur of Old Masters with a contemporary edge, resulting in visually arresting compositions that resonate with cultural and social significance and challenge the artistic canon. Tapping into the regal essence he infuses into his subjects, bring it in a look that embraces Wiley’s use of ornate florals and patterns.

$1000 for MF
$1000 for FF
$500 for Final Battle
4 trophies:
BQ, Transman, FQ, Women’s

Presented by Jems

David LaChapelle

Blurring the lines between fine art and commercial photography, David LaChapelle has solidified himself as one of the most distinctive and influential voices in the field today. With a career spanning over three decades, LaChapelle has collaborated with an army of the world’s most iconic celebrities, directed music videos to many chart-topping anthems, and shot countless fashion spreads, often characterized by his use of vibrant colours, surreal compositions, and blend of popular culture and social commentary. Hit the runway in a look that exudes the provocative and over-the-top essence of LaChapelle’s best work.

$500 for MF
$500 for FF
$500 for Legendary
10 trophies:
Schoolboy, Prettyboy, Executive, Thug, Transman, Butch, Junior FQ, FQ, Drags, Legendary

Presented by Catalyst Surgical and Facialteam

Tyler Mitchell

A rising star in the world of photography and the first African American photographer to shoot the cover of Vogue, Tyler Mitchell captures the beauty, individuality, and complexity of his subjects with intimacy, often exploring themes of identity, race, and culture. With a keen eye for natural light and dreamlike compositions, Mitchell has become a leading voice in the industry, using his lens to tell powerful stories and inspiring the next generation of photographers. With so much to pull from, bring it in a look inspired by the image of your choice. You must bring a framed reference photo.

$500 for MF
$500 for FF
4 trophies:
BQ, Transman, FQ, Women’s

Presented by SAFER SIX

Mickalene Thomas

Known for her dynamic and vibrant mixed-media works, Mickalene Thomas constructs visually striking portraits that fuse the classical with the contemporary through the intricate layering of patterns, textures, and a kaleidoscope of colours. Drawing inspiration from art history, popular culture, and her personal experiences, she crafts bold compositions that evoke glamour and intimacy, redefine notions of beauty and identity, and celebrate Black empowerment and femininity. Tonight, bring it in a look that reflects Thomas’ distinctive artistic voice and diverse use of mediums.

$500
1 trophy

Presented by Sony Music Canada

KAWS

Prominent American artist and designer, KAWS—or Brian Donnelly—is celebrated for his unique fusion of street art and pop culture, and now iconic figures like Companion and Chum. His sculptures, paintings, and collectibles have garnered widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences around the globe and placing him at the forefront of contemporary art. Set your creativity free and bring it as your own character, drawing inspiration from KAWS’s style and character design without recreating any of his work.

$250
2 trophies

Takashi Murakami

Renowned Japanese artist, Takashi Murakami fuses traditional art with pop culture. His bold, colourful works, featuring motifs like smiling flowers and anime-inspired characters, explore themes of consumerism and cultural identity, blurring the lines between high and low art. A cultural force, Murakami’s collaborations with the likes of Louis Vuitton and Kanye West have propelled him into global fame. Tonight, hit the runway in a vibrant look inspired by his signature Superflat style.

$250
1 trophy

Barbara Kruger

American conceptual artist and collagist, Barbara Kruger is known for her distinctive style that combines black-and-white photographs with bold, declarative text—often critiques of consumerism, feminism, and power structures. For your tens, incorporate one of Kruger’s thought-provoking pieces into your chant. You must include the original caption in full and unaltered at least once. You must bring a framed reference of the artwork you’ve selected.

$300
1 trophy

David Hockney

British painter, printmaker, and photographer, David Hockney is celebrated for his vibrant depictions of modern life, from sun-soaked California pools to intimate portraits of friends and lovers. Known for his masterful use of colour and perspective, Hockney’s work invites viewers to see the ordinary as extraordinary. Tonight, channel his iconic style in a colourful, swimwear-inspired look.

For media inquiries or if you have any questions or concerns regarding this event, please get in touch with us via email at hello@function10.ca

We wish to acknowledge the land on which we will be meeting for the World AIDS Day Ball. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit. We are grateful for the opportunity to host this event on this land. If you identify as a member of any of these groups, please get in touch with us at hello@function10.ca by November 23rd, and we’ll be more than happy to offer you a discounted ticket. 

Please note that this event will be filmed and photographed, and footage may be used for marketing, social, and archival purposes. By attending, guests hereby grant FUNCTION 10 Inc. the right to use their name, likeness, image, voice, video, performance, biographical and other information in any format whatsoever, and to distribute, broadcast and exhibit these without charge, restriction, or liability.

FUNCTION 10 Inc. (“Event Organizers”) accept no responsibility whatsoever for any property brought to the premises by any guests or participants, and will have no liability for any loss, damage, or destruction of property. Participants understand and acknowledge the risks and dangers associated with participation in the World AIDS Day Ball (“Event”) and related activities, including without limitation, the potential for serious bodily injury, sickness and disease, permanent disability, paralysis and loss of life; contact with other participants, spectators, or objects; participants of varying skill levels; situations beyond the immediate control of the Event Organizers; and other undefined, not readily foreseeable and presently unknown risks and dangers (“Risks”). Participants hereby expressly assume all such Risks and responsibility for any damages, liabilities, losses, or expenses incurred as a result of their participation in the Event.