World AIDS Day Ball: A Tribute to the Greatest

$1000
1 trophy

Presented by Absolut

Since the early ‘80s, Absolut’s strong belief that everyone should be free to express themselves has always been core to the brand, from their support of the LGBTQ+ community to their consistent presence on the back covers of gay magazines years before any other major advertiser, partnering with many openly gay artists over the years like Keith Haring.

Haring has often used his work to spread important social and political messages, tackling some hard-hitting subjects concerning people around the world. Diagnosed with AIDS in 1988, he enlisted his imagery during the last years of his life to speak about his own illness and generate activism and awareness around HIV/AIDS. His foundation, established in 1989, also aims to provide funding and imagery to AIDS organizations and children’s programs.

Tonight, bring it in a creative look inspired by Keith Haring’s work, from his vibrant colours, patterns, figures, and motifs. Please remember that this is for $1000, a colour block t-shirt and sweatpants will not cut it. If your effect is inspired by a specific artwork, don’t forget to bring a reference photo.

$1000
$500 MAC Cosmetics gift card
1 trophy

Presented by MAC Cosmetics

At MAC, every day is World AIDS Day. Since 1994, MAC VIVA GLAM has raised over $500 million globally—with 100% of the selling price of VIVA GLAM Lipstick being donated to the local organizations fighting for healthy futures and equal rights for all. 

From Rihanna to Elton John, Rosalía to RuPaul, Troye Sivan to Ariana Grande, VIVA GLAM campaigns have starred some of the world’s biggest celebrities. Tonight, bring it in a look inspired by any past VIVA GLAM campaign. And with almost 27 years of magic to choose from, don’t forget to bring a reference photo or video.

$500
Hoodie bundle from Jems
2 trophies: 
MF, FF

Presented by Jems

Jems is a condom and sex-ed platform created with everyone in mind, on a mission to change the way people relate to and perceive condom use. From chemistry to consent, confidence and curiosity, Jems is committed to connection, values that also run deep within the Sex Siren category.

Male Figures

Tom of Finland’s work is unabashedly gay and has inspired legions of visual artists and subcultures. At the height of the AIDS crisis, he began including condoms in his drawings to help curb the epidemic. Tonight, bring it like a character straight out of a Tom of Finland illustration.

Female Figures

Cristina La Veneno rose to fame after appearing on the late-night talk show Esta noche cruzamos el Mississippi. Decades later, her impact can still be felt worldwide, with the release of a Spanish biographical limited series, Veneno, offering viewers an honest glimpse into the life of the late trans singer and celebrity. Tonight, bring it in an outfit inspired by one of Cristina’s most fiery looks.

$500
4 trophies: 
BQ, Transman, FQ, Drags

Presented by CANFAR

In the spirit of ACT UP, the first organization officially created to bring attention to the AIDS epidemic, tonight, use your 10s as an opportunity to be heard. Your look is up to you, but you will be required to share a few words on the mic (for at least 15 seconds but no more than a minute) on the topic of your choice from the following options: Modern Sex, Sexual Health, Mental Health or Substance Use. 

To fuel your research, visit Sexfluent.ca, an innovative and accessible youth-driven initiative brought to you by CANFAR, the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research, which offers an empowerment-based approach to sexual health. From there, you can scour their blog, read up on the different topics and be redirected to other awesome resources.

$250
2 trophies: 
MF, FF

The iconic Charity AIDS t-shirt has been reissued every year since its AW94 debut, making Maison Margiela one of the first fashion houses to launch an ongoing initiative with an AIDS charity. Tonight, bring it in an outfit inspired by some of Margiela’s most daring runway presentations, whether Ready-to-wear or Couture, from any year. Don’t forget to bring reference photos of the season you’ve selected as your inspiration. Please note that this is not labels; your garments do not have to be Margiela.

$250
2 trophies: 
MF, FF

Acclaimed for his celebrity portraits, floral still lifes, and male nudes, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, even when facing death from AIDS, affirmed the beauty of the here and now. A year before his death, he established his foundation to further the recognition of photography as an art form and fund medical research in the fight against AIDS. Tonight, bring it in an effect that blends in with your skin tone for a nude illusion, with a flower in hand. 

$250
3 trophies: 
AA, European, FF

Multiple Grammy-winning legend and flamboyant superstar, Elton John is one of the most successful solo artists of all time. His foundation, which has raised over $450 million, is in the top 10 philanthropic funders of HIV/AIDS grants worldwide. Tonight, bring it a dazzling look, ready for the big stage. Your effect must include feathers, and you must wear signature sunglasses. 

$250
1 trophy

In 1988, a group of New York arts professionals founded Visual AIDS as a response to the impact of AIDS on the arts community and as a way of organizing artists, arts institutions, and arts audiences towards direct action. Three years later, in 1991, the Red Ribbon was born as a visual symbol to demonstrate compassion for people living with HIV and their care givers.

Why red? For its connection to blood and the idea of passion – not only anger, but love. Tonight, bring it in a bedazzled look inspired by the Red Ribbon – think beads, rhinestones, glitter, sequins, jems, crystals! Although your effect doesn’t have to be entirely red, it must be a prominent colour. You do not need to bring a ribbon.

$100
1 trophy

Founded in memory of Freddie Mercury, one of the rock world's most versatile and engaging performers, the Mercury Phoenix Trust has contributed over $17 million in the global battle against AIDS. Tonight, bring it in a white tank and an armband, paying tribute to Queen’s iconic lead singer.

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

Artscape Daniels Launchpad is fully accessible; there are dedicated accessible washrooms in addition to the full accessible gendered washrooms. 

Hourly underground parking is available at 130 Queens Quay E. The lot entrance is off of Richardson Street, on the east side of the building. There are several paid parking lots and street parking within walking distance.

Please note that you must be fully vaccinated in order to attend this event, and proof of vaccination will be required. 

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.

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.