PERMISSION is a glimpse of what melanated people look like outside of the gaze of dominant society, where they feel safe, protected and celebrated. This exhibit is a collection of images taken by nine photographers given exclusive access to the Debauchery Ball over the last 20 years.

In this round 2, our opening includes a Black divinity fashion presentation curated by designer show brand MCDXIX, movement music by Craig Elliott and all kinds of fly surprises. Other activations during the run to be announced all at 345 Art Gallery, 345 N Kedzie in Chicago.

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RSVP  here 2 attend:    https://events.eventnoire.com/e/permission2opening

The Afrofuturistic Black BDSM-themed flagship of the series. 20 years running, the DBall is the defining celebration borne out of the sensual and electric nature of Chicago’s House music culture. Today it is an audience revered, protected space for POCs to marvel and be marveled at as living works of art and experience an uninhibited abandon they may not have known they needed. It’s a sensory engaging feast designed to fill its attendees up with joy, healing and a greater sense of self simply by being their most beautiful selves.

Once upon a time some of the liveliest people in the Western zodiac born under particular signs were forced to celebrate their entrance into this world in the wintertime, specifically in the Midwest. Such an egregious error and insulting assault has been corrected with WBR, a summertime Debauchery celebration.

PAINTED, DARK & DIVINE is a living exhibition of AfroEroticism, dance, and Black divinity. Think Met Ball but WAY nakeder, sweatier and more Afrocentric!

We're ever evolving and growing this series to provide these exclusive spaces dedicated to the healing, liberation and joy of melanated people no matter their national, sexual or religious identity. We deserve happiness and healing and the Debauchery Ball series is honored to play a part in that process.

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Thank you to all supporting sponsors, contributors and members who help to make all of this happen year after year.