Redefining Philanthropy

5 reasons why no Dallasite should miss MTV RE:DEFINE

Spring is upon us, so it is merely a moment before your social calendar is packed to the gills with essential events. Before you fill your diary, please pencil in April 10, 2015, for MTV RE:DEFINE at the Goss-Michael Foundation.

Four years in, there’s no doubt it’s a fundraising powerhouse for AIDS research, with nearly $4 million to date benefiting the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

Easily accessible by the purchase of an all-access DalPass 2015 (which also includes entrance to such tony events as the Art Ball after-party and the Dallas Art Fair opening soiree), MTV RE:DEFINE is a particularly energetic highlight of a very exciting week.

To simplify things, we’ve picked five reasons why this is a must-see, can’t-miss, gotta-go-there, choose-your-outfit-now occasion:

1. The Return to Goss-Michael
There’s no place like home. Although raucous and revered in its guest jaunt at the Dallas Contemporary last year, MTV RE:DEFINE belongs right where it started, at the Goss-Michael Foundation. “We’re going back to the original feel of the event and making it a more intimate affair,” says Goss-Michael curator Kevin Rubén Jacobs. “Last year we raised a lot of money with over 100 works, and we’re looking to raise even more with a smaller amount — 60 or 70 works.”

In other words: all killer, no filler. Dapper Paddle8 founder and auctioneer Alexander Gilkes will return for his second year of charming repartee.

2. The Honoree Artist
To call Michael Craig-Martin a legend wouldn’t be an inaccurate statement. The godfather of British contemporary art, we have him to thank for the likes of Sarah Lucas, Damien Hirst and Gary Hume, to name but a few.

During his time as a tutor at Goldsmiths College in the ’80s, he singlehandedly paved the way for what we now know as the YBA (Young British Artist) generation. Famed for his hyper-colored digital portraits, Craig-Martin’s work can be seen at the Tate London, the Modern Museum of Art in New York and the Centre Georges Pompidou.

While in Dallas, he’ll be launching his new memoir/instructional guide On Being An Artist, a tome of which no Dallas talent should resist nabbing a signed copy.

3. That Host Committee
Supermodels, super entrepreneurs and super collectors are just the start. From art-world movers and shakers to chic boutique owners to elegant editrixes to up-and-coming gallerists, really anyone in the city you’d want to schmooze with is present and accounted for in the nearly 200-strong list of hosts. The only question is, are you ready to join them?

In addition to Dallas’ best and brightest, art chair Elisabeth Karpidas, director of one of the most comprehensive collections of contemporary art in the world and the daughter-in-law of supernova art patron Pauline Karpidas, will be on hand to lend a supportive yet critical eye. The stylish Schlegel sisters — Kari, Krystal and Kimberly — are co-chairing the event.

4. The Covetable Art
Ever felt like getting up close and personal with art by Julian Schnabel, Dan Colen, Loris Gréaud, Richard Phillips, David Salle and Nate Lowman? A well-curated contemporary museum or gallery might help you achieve this goal, but RE:DEFINE allows a greater opportunity to view pieces by these artists and actually take one home — not to mention well-curated works by Donald Baechler, Zoe Crosher, Dzine, Ian Davenport, Phil Collins, Ryan Gander, Rachel Howard, Jason Michael Lee, Richard Patterson, Michael Rey, Adriana Varejao and Aaron Young.

5. The Public Works
Although artist Ben Eine adorned the city during the 2011 RE:DEFINE, this year’s event brings a much more expansive approach to street art, transforming walls by the Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Contemporary and Le Bilboquet with Craig-Martin’s work. Timed to coincide with both the event and the Dallas Symphony’s Soluna Festival, the 10 pieces will be RE:DEFINE and Craig-Martin’s gift to the city, and they should be up through May.

Michael Craig-Martin is the honored artist at this year's RE:DEFINE.

Photo by Mike Hoban

Michael Craig-Martin is the honored artist at this year's RE:DEFINE.

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Dance News

Dallas Black Dance Theatre makes interim artistic director permanent

Photo by Aleah Pilot

Richard A. Freeman Jr. became the new artistic director October 24, 2025.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) has officially named Richard A. Freeman, Jr. as its new artistic director, ushering in a new era of leadership for the dance company as it approaches its 50th anniversary season.

Freeman, a longtime member of the DBDT family, has served as interim artistic director through the company’s recently completed 48th and current 49th seasons. His appointment, effective October 24, 2025, marks a natural progression for the former lead dancer, resident choreographer, and artistic project coordinator, whose career within DBDT spans more than a decade of creative and organizational leadership.

“Richard has been an integral part of Dallas Black Dance Theatre's artistic fabric for years, and his extraordinary leadership during his time as interim artistic director made this decision clear,” says Heidi K. Murray, a member of DBDT’s board of directors, in a release. “His dedication to artistic excellence, his deep understanding of our mission, and his vision for the future of contemporary modern dance make him the ideal person to lead DBDT into this exciting new chapter.”

DBDT founder Ann M. Williams echoed the sentiment, calling Freeman’s appointment a full-circle moment for both artist and company. “Richard embodies everything Dallas Black Dance Theatre stands for: artistry, excellence, and a deep commitment to uplifting our community through dance,” she says in the release. “I have had the privilege of watching him grow from a gifted dancer into an inspiring leader and visionary artist. His dedication to preserving our legacy while boldly charting new artistic territory gives me tremendous confidence in DBDT’s future.”

During his tenure as interim artistic director, Freeman guided DBDT through seasons marked by artistic innovation and expanded community engagement, but also staff shake-ups and legal issues.

In October 2024, accusations of retaliation surfaced after 10 DBDT dancers, its entire main company, were fired following their decision to unionize in May and demand better working conditions. This led to an unprecedented "Do Not Work" order by the American Guild of Musical Artists.

Dallas City Council ultimately voted to withhold $248,000 in city funding due to labor violations, and DBDT later settled for $560,000 with the National Labor Relations Board.

In response, DBDT formed a 17-member advisory stakeholder task force co-chaired by Jennifer Scripps, president and CEO of Downtown Dallas, Inc., and Shawn Williams, vice president of public affairs at Allyn. The group has been working with DBDT leadership to review the organization’s policies and practices, propose changes that foster an accountable environment, and put in place safeguards to prevent future concerns related to talent.

In September 2025, executive director Zenetta Drew announced her retirement after nearly four decades with the company. A national search for her replacement will start in early 2026. Williams retired in 2014.

As artistic director, Freeman will oversee all aspects of DBDT’s artistic operations, from performances to educational initiatives, and continue to expand its reach throughout Dallas and beyond.

“I am deeply honored to accept this role and to continue building on the incredible foundation established by the vision of Ann Williams,” Freeman says. “This company has a unique power to move, inspire, and unite communities through dance. I look forward to working with our talented dancers, staff, and board to create unforgettable artistic experiences and to nurture the next generation of dance artists.”

A native of Washington, D.C., Freeman began his training with the District of Columbia Youth Ensemble and the Washington Ballet before graduating from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Virginia Commonwealth University. His performance credits span acclaimed companies and productions, including Elisa Monte Dance, Houston Grand Opera, Porgy and Bess, and The Wiz.

Freeman’s choreographic works have been featured by leading institutions such as Texas Ballet Theater School, Texas Christian University, and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He has also shared his expertise through master classes and workshops nationwide, reinforcing his commitment to DBDT’s educational mission.

Founded in 1976, Dallas Black Dance Theatre is the oldest and largest professional dance company in Dallas and one of the most acclaimed Black dance institutions in the U.S.

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