There’s something electric about an evening that fuses fashion, art and philanthropy – and this October, the MCA Artists Ball proved once again why it has become a fixture on Sydney’s cultural calendar.

Now in its third year, more than 250 artists, designers and admirers of the avant-garde gathered at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia under the dress code of ‘Creative Couture.’ And true to form, the crowd didn’t just arrive dressed – they arrived transformed.

This year’s ball paid tribute to RUSSH creative mind Daniel Boyd, whose work has long reimagined Australia’s colonial narratives through the lens of his Gudjal, Ghungalu, Kuku Yalanji, Wangerriburra, Jagera, Bundjalung and Ni-Vanuatuan heritage. Boyd – who also fronted our RUSSH Home cover – welcomed guests into his world through a mirrored passageway, his monumental 2014 wall work Untitled setting the tone for the night inside Foundation Hall.

The evening opened with a moving Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Tim Bishop and Matthew Doyle, followed by a dance piece from Beau Dean Riley Smith. From there, the MCA was transformed into a lush rainforest, curated by Alex Berlage, while chef James Scott of The Big Group delivered dishes that felt more like edible artworks than dinner. Artist Tony Albert emceed with flair, Thelma Plum and Mo’Ju took to the stage, and the auction floor buzzed with works by Albert, Boyd, Isaac Julien, Julie Mehretu, Alex Seton and Gemma Smith.

Of course, the guest list was a tapestry of the city’s creative heavyweights: Del Kathryn Barton, Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, Nell, Akira Isogawa, Luke Sales and Anna Plunkett of Romance Was Born, Penelope Seidler, Jordan Gogos, Brooke Boney, Amber Keating and more. Together, their presence underscored the night’s purpose: raising over $1.5 million to ensure MCA Australia continues its vital role in supporting contemporary voices.

As MCA Director Suzanne Cotter shared, “Supporting and celebrating living Australian artists at all stages of their careers is a vital part of MCA Australia's DNA.” A sentiment echoed by MCA Chair Lorraine Tarabay, who reflected on the transformative impact of the ball since its inception in 2023.

On the night, RUSSH was represented by Purist Miah Madden – a fly on the wall with the best seat in the house. Below, she shares some of her favourite moments from an evening where art, fashion and community collided in the most unforgettable way.