Dita Von Teese

Dita Von Teese is an icon of modern burlesque, celebrated for her meticulous artistry, impeccable style, and unwavering commitment to elevating performance into high craft. Known worldwide for her signature martini-glass act, couture costuming, and a long career shaping the aesthetics of neo-burlesque, she has built a legacy that blends glamour, discipline, and design-driven storytelling.

Beyond the stage, Dita’s influence reaches into fashion, fragrance, publishing, and film, where her creative direction and refined visual instincts have made her a sought-after collaborator across industries.

Over several years, Dita has worked closely with photographer and director Chris Cuffaro, producing a body of work that captures her precision, poise, and command of the camera. Their partnership has resulted in some of the most distinctive portraits in her visual archive.

In August, their longstanding collaboration comes into focus again through a series of connected exhibitions in Sydney, Auckland, and Melbourne, celebrating the craft, chemistry, and shared creative energy that define their work together.

Chris Cuffaro is a Los Angeles–based photographer and director known for his bold, intimate, and honest approach to portraiture. With a career spanning four decades, he has documented many of the world’s most influential musicians, actors, dancers, and creators. His signature style blends technical mastery with a rare ability to disarm his subjects, capturing them with clarity, wit, and emotional truth.

Cuffaro’s archive includes landmark portraits of cultural figures across music, fashion, and film — work that continues to resonate as both documentary record and timeless art. His ongoing Greatest Hits projects and exhibitions have cemented him as a pivotal storyteller in contemporary visual culture.

Across multiple projects over several years, Cuffaro has partnered with Dita Von Teese, producing imagery that highlights her elegance and theatrical presence while showcasing his own instinct for movement, mood, and character. Their creative trust has produced a visual dialogue that stands out within both of their catalogues.

This August, that shared history extends to a tri-city exhibition series in Sydney, Auckland, and Melbourne, bringing their collaborative work to audiences across Australasia in a unified celebration of photography, performance, and enduring creative partnership.

Chris Cuffaro
❋ Iconic Portraiture of Cultural Legends

A core feature of Cuffaro’s work is his portraits of legendary figures across music, film and popular culture — from grunge icons like Nirvana and Pearl Jam to stars such as George Michael and Michael Hutchence — images that have defined public perception and visual history.  

❋ Emotional Truth & Individual Presence

Cuffaro consistently captures the real person behind the public persona, blending glamour with raw emotional depth to reveal subjects in ways that feel both honest and compelling.  

❋ Historic & Narrative-Rich Archive

His exhibitions often include not only finished prints but proof sheets, archival materials and context that trace the story behind the image — allowing audiences to see how moments were constructed and how his creative process evolved.  

❋ Cross-Genre Cultural Impact

Spanning music, fashion, sport and film, Cuffaro’s portfolio demonstrates breadth as well as depth — his images of musicians sit alongside portraits of actors and cultural figures, showing his ability to move fluidly across fields and capture the spirit of each. 

a series of intimate exhibitions / showcase / sessions
#1

Melbourne • Saturday 8 August — Palais Theatre

Day 1 – Wednesday 5 August

Creative Portraiture Masterclass

• Hands-on workshop with Chris Cuffaro

• Lighting, glamour, directing performers

• Includes a live burlesque model

Day 2 – Thursday 6 August

Exhibition Setup + Artist Preview

• Pop-up exhibition installed

• Media preview + intimate talk with Chris

Day 3 – Friday 7 August

Burlesque Party + Live Cuffaro Photography

• A glamorous pre-show party

• Guests photographed live by Chris

• Attendees receive one edited portrait

Day 4 – Saturday 8 August (Show Day)

Mini Exhibition + Pre-Show Artist Talk

• Short-format exhibition

• Chris speaks on working with Dita

• Timed to flow into the Palais Theatre show

#2

Sydney • Thursday 14 August — State Theatre

Day 1 – Tuesday, 11 August

Projection Installation Build

• Outdoor projections around the State Theatre

• Looping sequences of Chris’s portraits

Day 2 – Wednesday, 12 August

State Theatre Exhibition Opening

• Curated exhibition inside the venue

• Early works, Dita portraits, proof sheets

Day 3 – Thursday, 13 August

Moving Lecture + Q&A

• Chris leads a walkthrough of exhibition & projections

• Focus on performer collaboration & portrait craft

Day 4 – Friday, 14 August (Show Day)

Micro Portrait Sessions + VIP Talk

• 10–15 min studio-style sessions

• Evening artist talk rolling into the Nocturnelle performance

#3

Auckland • Sunday 23 August — Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre

Day 1 – Thursday 20 August

Exhibition Build + Press Preview

• Setup of exhibition & party space

• Media walkthrough with Chris

Day 2 – Friday 21 August

Burlesque + Exhibition Party

• Live burlesque + Cuffaro exhibition

• Guests can book individual portrait sessions

• Glamour-heavy, high-energy launch event

Day 3 – Saturday 22 August

Individual Photo Sessions (Day 1)

• One-on-one studio portraits with Chris

• Evening mixer with artists & performers

Day 4 – Sunday 23 August (Show Day)

Exhibition Hours + Artist Talk

• Daytime open gallery

• Pre-show conversation with Chris

• Smooth transition to the performance

#4

Wellington • Friday 28 August — The Opera House

Day 1 – Tuesday 25 August

Massey University Photography Sessions (Part 1)

• On-campus portraits for students & professionals

Day 2 – Wednesday 26 August

Exhibition Opening + Gallery Talk

• Exhibition hosted at Massey, Toi Pōneke, or partner venue

• Chris discusses photographing Dita and other icons

Day 3 – Thursday 27 August

Lecture + Photography Sessions (Part 2)

• Formal lecture: Performance, Presence & the Portrait

• Afternoon continuation of one-on-one sessions

Day 4 – Friday 28 August (Show Day)

Artist Conversation + Pre-Show Walkthrough

• Intimate conversation with Chris

• Optional small exhibition guided tour

• Guests attend Nocturnelle at The Opera House

  • “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

    — Chris Cuffaro on approaching photography and creative work with intention

  • “If you don’t listen, you don’t learn.”

    — Chris Cuffaro on the fundamental mindset of a photographer 

How It Works

  • Lock in the exact formats for Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland and Wellington, including workshops, portrait sessions, installations, exhibition layouts and party events.

    Outcome: a confirmed, coherent week-of schedule for each location.

  • Confirm theatre foyers, galleries, universities and studio spaces; negotiate access, bump-in times, and technical requirements.

    Outcome: all locations secured with written agreements and clear logistics.

  • Prepare the Cuffaro imagery selection, print specifications, installation files, projection loops, promotional artworks, and workshop materials.

    Outcome: a complete creative toolkit ready for printing, installation, and marketing.

  • Coordinate marketing across digital, social, PR, media interviews and influencer outreach. Release ticketing for workshops, portrait sessions and special events.

    Outcome: early momentum, strong pre-sales, and widespread awareness.

  • Run each 4-day programme with precise coordination — managing exhibitors, performers, technicians, photography sessions, audience flow and VIP interactions.

    Outcome: smooth delivery, aligned storytelling, and a high-impact creative experience in every city.

SPONSORSHIP PITCH PACKAGE

Dita Von Teese × Chris Cuffaro

NOCTURNELLE Creative Week — Australia & New Zealand 2026

1. Executive Summary

The Nocturnelle Creative Week is a premium four-day programme staged in Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland and Wellington leading into Dita Von Teese’s Nocturnelle performances.

Curated by iSPARX™, the programme combines:

  • high-end photography workshops

  • live performance

  • gallery exhibitions

  • projection installations

  • glamorous burlesque events

  • and exclusive portrait sessions with Chris Cuffaro

This is an opportunity for sponsors to align with global glamour, performance excellence, creativity and premium visual culture, anchored by two internationally recognised artists.

2. Why Sponsor This Programme?

Brand Elevation

Your brand is positioned alongside world-class artistry — Dita Von Teese’s international tour and Chris Cuffaro’s iconic four-decade photography career.

Premium Cultural Audience

Attracts a sophisticated demographic:

  • artists, creators, performers

  • photography and design students

  • glam-minded consumers

  • high-value ticket buyers

  • fashion, beauty, nightlife and arts communities

National & Trans-Tasman Visibility

Four major cities across two countries deliver repeated exposure and long campaign resonance.

Integrated Marketing Assets

Exhibitions, posters, photo walls, projection mapping, digital campaigns, and social media cross-posting with internationally known talent.

Content Goldmine

The events generate rich photo/video content: behind-the-scenes, portrait sessions, interviews and visual storytelling.

3. Sponsorship Opportunities

A. Presenting Partner (Exclusive)

Tier: Premium

  • Naming rights: “Presented by [Brand]”

  • Logo on all materials (digital, print, media)

  • Brand integration in exhibitions & projection installations

  • On-stage mentions at workshops and talks

  • Dedicated branded area at parties

  • 10–20 VIP passes + meet-and-greet with Chris Cuffaro

  • Custom brand photoshoot by Chris (optional)

  • Option to host an additional private event

B. Supporting Creative Partner

Tier: Mid-Level

  • Logo on key promotional materials

  • Inclusion in all social posts & digital campaigns

  • Branded backdrops or photo walls

  • 4–8 VIP passes

  • Priority booking for portrait sessions

C. Community/Education Partner

Tier: Entry

  • Ideal for universities, art schools & institutes

  • Logo on educational programming

  • Access to lectures & Q&A sessions

  • Student discounts or co-branded workshops

4. Audience Profile
(Across All Cities)

  • Adults 21–55

  • Strong female and LGBTQ+ engagement

  • Arts, design & entertainment professionals

  • High participation in fashion, beauty, nightlife

  • Photography, film and creative students

  • Social-media-active, content-hungry demographic

  • Estimated total reach: 15,000–20,000 across four cities

5. Event Formats & Sponsor Touchpoints

Melbourne—Aug 5–8

  • Glamour photo masterclass

  • Pre-show burlesque party with live Cuffaro photography

  • Intimate exhibition & pre-show talk

    Sponsor impact: branded party zones, drink partners, fashion/beauty activations

Sydney—Aug 11–14

  • Projection mapping around the State Theatre

  • In-theatre exhibition

  • Micro-portrait sessions + VIP talk

    Sponsor impact: large-scale public visibility, prestige positioning

Auckland—Aug 20–23

  • Burlesque + exhibition night

  • Individual photo sessions

  • Artist talk

    Sponsor impact: nightlife alignment, hospitality activation, premium content creation

Wellington—Aug 25–28

  • Massey University portrait sessions

  • Gallery exhibition + lecture

  • Artist conversation

    Sponsor impact: education + cultural leadership, strong alignment with institutions

6. Deliverables for Sponsors

  • Logo inclusion across all digital assets

  • Co-branded posters, flyers, websites, and event backdrops

  • Social media integration with iSPARX™, Chris Cuffaro, and aligned networks

  • Rights to official photography for campaign usage

  • Dedicated space at select events (bars, lounges, installations)

  • Recognition in media releases and press coverage

7. Budget Overview (Customisable)

(Ballpark ranges — can be formalised as needed)

  • Presenting Partner: AUD/NZD 50k–90k

  • Supporting Partner: AUD/NZD 15k–35k

  • Education/Community Partner: AUD/NZD 5k–10k

8. Next Steps

  1. Select preferred sponsorship tier

  2. Confirm cities and activations

  3. Finalise contract and branding placement

  4. Provide brand assets and marketing guidelines

  5. Begin coordinated rollout of the campaign

This 12 part series, specifically designed for distribution on Apple TV and the new Apple Vision Pro, aims to redefine the way audiences experience exhibitions and narratives. With cutting-edge technologies such as ATMOS Dolby sound, high-definition visuals, and Unity development for multiple platforms, this series will also be available as a mobile AR+ app on iOS and Android, with the iPad version catering to educational purposes. In this article, we delve into the exciting features and implications of this revolutionary project.

Spatial Environments and Immersive Experiences:

Chris Cuffaro Greatest Hits embraces spatial environments, allowing viewers to step into a fully immersive world where they can explore exhibitions and stories in a unique and engaging manner. Apple Vision Pro, with its advanced capabilities, sets the stage for users to experience curated collections of Cuffaro's iconic photographs and delve deeper into the narratives behind them. The integration of Apple's spatial technology creates an environment that transcends the traditional two-dimensional viewing experience, immersing viewers in a three-dimensional world that feels tangible and lifelike.

ATMOS Dolby Sound and High-Definition Visuals:

To complement the immersive visuals, the series leverages Atmos Dolby sound, providing a rich and realistic audio experience. The meticulously crafted sound design adds depth and texture, enhancing the overall immersion and emotional impact of the series. Combined with the high-definition visuals, viewers will be transported into Cuffaro's world, feeling the passion and emotions captured in his photographs.

Unity Development for Various Platforms:

The development of the Chris Cuffaro Greatest Hits series on Unity ensures compatibility across multiple platforms. Whether accessed on Apple TV, iOS, or Android devices, the series maintains its exceptional quality and immersive features. Unity's versatility enables seamless integration with Apple's technologies, resulting in a consistent and engaging experience across devices. This cross-platform availability allows for a broader audience to experience and appreciate Cuffaro's work and storytelling.

Mobile AR+ App and iPad Educational Version:

The series extends its reach beyond the confines of the living room through the creation of a mobile AR+ app. This app, available on iOS and Android, brings the Chris Cuffaro Greatest Hits experience to users' fingertips, allowing them to explore the exhibitions and stories on their smartphones. By harnessing the power of augmented reality, users can overlay Cuffaro's photographs onto their physical surroundings, creating a personalized and interactive experience.

Additionally, the series offers an iPad version specifically tailored for educational purposes. This version caters to students, educators, and photography enthusiasts, providing a comprehensive educational tool. The iPad's larger screen size and intuitive interface allow for in-depth exploration, analysis, and discussion of Cuffaro's photographs and their historical and cultural significance. The series not only showcases artistic expression but also serves as a valuable resource for visual education.

The development of the Chris Cuffaro Greatest Hits series for distribution on Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro introduces a new era of immersive storytelling and spatial environments. By combining ATMOS Dolby sound, high-definition visuals, Unity development, and mobile AR+ capabilities, the series offers viewers an unprecedented level of engagement and interactivity. Furthermore, the availability of an educational version on the iPad expands the series' impact as a powerful educational tool. This pioneering project demonstrates Apple's commitment to pushing boundaries in technology and art, ultimately redefining the way audiences experience exhibitions and narratives in the digital age.