Melbourne, November 5 Thousands of people will drop their layers next year to pose for a mass shoot for the Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival.

Renowned New York based photographer Spencer Tunick called upon the city's heterosexual and gay communities to support the communal artwork, entitled The Base, which will be installed on March 1.

Tunick, who has been arrested seven times in the US, has made his mark capturing careful arrangements of dozens, hundreds and sometimes thousands of nude people against industrial or urban backdrops.

"The base, the core, the heart of any truly free society depend on its acceptance of its diverse community as equal citizens," The Couriermail quoted him as saying in a statement.

"At the heart of The Base will be an exploration of what it takes to form the basis of an open and harmonious society," he added.

New Mardi Gras CEO Anna McInerney further said: "Spencer's work will be a jewel in the crown of Mardi Gras 2010.

"It has taken over two years to make the project happen and I'm absolutely thrilled that we have Spencer coming to Sydney for Mardi Gras." (ANI)