This year’s theme takes inspiration from the David Adey: Sacrificial Bodies exhibition, on view at OMA now through November 1. David’s work explores identity, fragmentation, technology, mortality, and what it means to inhabit a human body.

Where does Surrealism come in? It’s about taking the familiar and turning it on its head. Bodies stretching, fragmenting, multiplying, transforming, and becoming something uncanny, unexpected, and dreamlike. Check out our curated Spotify playlist to get in the mood, our Pinterest board for outfit inspiration, and our Instagram or Facebook post dissecting the theme!

There’s no one way to interpret the theme. You can go all out or keep it simple with a literal, abstract, or completely surreal look.

Costumes aren't required, but we encourage you to dress to the costume categories for a chance to win a prize in North County's biggest costume competition! Bring your surreal creation to the red carpet and enter one of three categories for a chance to win:

• Best Upcycled Design – Use recycled, reclaimed or otherwise sustainable material to create your costume. Turn something old or unused into something extraordinary! All themes and ideas are welcomed.
• Best Interpretation of David Adey: Sacrificial Bodies –Draw direct inspiration from the David’s exhibition and consider the body as sacred vessel and cultural commodity; where technology, identity, religion and self-image clash. Stop by OMA to see the work in person, and get inspired.
• Best Interpretation of the Theme: Anatomy of the Surreal – Inspired by the early 1900’s Surrealist art movement of impossible, dreamlike imagery, we ask you to channel your inner Salvador Dali to interpret your body in an unimaginable way. Visit our Pinterest board to get inspired!

Our judges will select their top costumes before turning to the audience to help crown the winner. We're excited to welcome three industry powerhouses as our judges: fashion icon Jan Arnold, puppet works master Tania Yager, and wearable art expert Lisa Berman!

Help support OMA's mission to bring people together to explore the art and stories of Southern California artists by becoming a sponsor or underwriter! Enjoy exclusive perks, recognition, and more. 

Sponsorship Opportunities:

• Muse Sponsor – $500 (2 Tickets, Name Recognition)
• Visionary Sponsor – $1,000 (4 Tickets, Name Recognition)
• Conjurer Sponsor – $2,500 (4 Tickets, Marketing Promotions, Event Signage)
• Virtuoso Sponsor – $5,000 (8 Tickets, Marketing Promotions, Event Signage)
• Oracle Sponsor – $7,500 (12 Guests, Marketing Promotions, Event Signage)

Underwriting Opportunities:

• Costume Competition Prizes – $500 (3 Available)
• Step & Repeat Banner – $1,000
• Photobooth – $1,000
• Photography – $1,500
• Videography – $1,500
• Signature Cocktail – $2,500
• Entertainment – $2,500 (3 Available)
• Audio/Video Sponsor – $3,500
• Lounge Naming Opportunity – $5,000
• Bar – $5,000 (1 Available) or $2,500 (2 Available)

Learn more about sponsorship and underwriting in our ART AFTER DARK Sponsorship Packet. Fill out the last page and return it via email to development@oma-online.org, send it by mail to OMA, or drop it off in person during our regular business hours, Wednesday–Sunday, from 11:00am–5:00pm. 

What's the best way to become a sponsor or underwriter?  Make your commitment entirely online here!