From the moment of its inception in 2011 we committed to differentiate the RE:DEFINE event from others of its ilk by, amongst other things, applying a more considered curatorial approach to the artists and artworks than simply how much it might raise at auction.

Of course, this is no small challenge and one that is compounded by the current global economic climate, since it is already a giant leap asking artists to donate the valuable time, energy and emotion they invest in creating a new piece of art. Fortunately the unequivocal success of the inaugural RE:DEFINE event in 2011 has served to embolden our unique approach, ensuring the involvement of another incredible roster of talent from across the spectrum of contemporary art today, for which we are eternally grateful.

Our primary aim with RE:DEFINE is always to present a vital mix of both established and emerging artists, spanning as many disciplines as possible. We also attempt to embrace a modern, artistic interpretation of the infamous 'MTV generation' moniker throughout the event. Within that broad structure we look to encompass one or two main themes. In 2011 we successfully combined pop imagery with icons - from Shepard Fairey's take on the American flag to Russell Young's shimmering diamond dust Bardot.

In 2012 our primary focus turns to photography and colour. Photography is a rapidly growing force in contemporary fine art, and RE:DEFINE brings together museum-quality works from leading names such as Ralf Kaspers, Michael Reisch, Mat Collishaw and Gérard Rancinan, the latter of whom recently broke the auction record for a living French photographer.

The theme of colour is a nod towards MTV and expands on recent experiences curating the SPECTRA show in late 2011. Key lots include a specially created and highly collectable unique piece by New York artist, Ryan McGinness as well as works from Jen Stark, Jim Houser, Tomokazu Matsuyama and the unmistakable colour blocks of British artist, James Hugonin.

The colour theme also extends to this years public installation , where Lee Baker will transform a corner of Dallas into one of his trademark luminuous landscapes in what will be his largest installation to date.

Ed Bartlett, The Future Tense

100% of funds raised through sales of work will be donated to the Staying Alive Foundation, a grassroots HIV and AIDS charity with young people at its heart. Read more about the Foundation and its work here.

The exhibition and auction of the works will take place at the stunning new Goss-Michael Foundation facility, which offers 12,000 ft. of pristine architect-designed whitewall gallery space in a prime central-Dallas location.

Founded in June 2007 by recording artist George Michael and Kenny Goss, the Goss-Michael Foundation exists in order to provide a forum for British contemporary art and has shown artists including Michael Craig-Martin, Tracey Emin, Angus Fairhurst, Damien Hirst, Gary Hume, Jim Lambie, Sarah Lucas, Adam McEwen, Jonathan Monk, Tim Noble & Sue Webster, Richard Patterson, Marc Quinn, Eva Rothschild and Gilbert & George.

The Future Tense seeks to challenge preconceived notions of the traditional static gallery space, delivering a rigorous, inspiring and engaging contemporary art programme to a discerning international audience.

Founded with the primary aim of supporting the career progression of emerging artists, The Future Tense works with a focused roster of represented talent as well as a broader cross-section of established artists via its curated exhibitions and events.

The Dallas city skyline has long been iconic, and for the 2012 edition of MTV RE:DEFINE we wanted to work with an artist who could interpret some of the inexorable flux of developments in and around the city.

Backed by headline sponsor, The Joule, the chosen artist is emerging British artist Lee Baker, who is rapidly generating a global reputation for his vivid paintings and installations. Drawing on the narrative and scenic elements of films such as Katsuhiro Otomo's 'Akira', Disney's 'Tron' and further exploring the idea of a self aware 'thinking' city developed in films such as 'Tekkonkinkreet' and Makoto Shinkai's 'A Place Promised in our Early Years', Lee Baker's art practice explores stark visions of the indestructible meta-city against the indiscriminate and unstoppable forces of nature.

Aptly enough, the location for the mural is the old Praetorian Building (known locally as Stone Place Tower), which, having been erected just over 100 years ago was the first true skyscraper in Dallas. Lining the pedestrian corridor linking Main St. and Elm St., this 100' mural will bring to life a temporary fascia lining the deconstruction of the old Praetorian Building, immersing passers-by in Bakers' highly contemporary color palettes and deliberately skewed perspectives.

In responding to the brief, Baker was immediately struck by the parallels that exist at the core of his art practice. The rise and fall of seemingly indomitable man-made cities is the inspiration for his current work, and the impending destruction and redevelopment of this imposing and historical structure provided the artist with valuable inspiration for his proposal.

Work on the mural will begin on September 10 and will be completed ready for the MTV RE:DEFINE gala event at The Goss-Michael Foundation on Saturday, September 22.

The site is across the street from the flagship Neiman Marcus store, The Joule Hotel expansion project and within walking distance of the internationally acclaimed Dallas Arts District.