SLAP on an eyepatch then strip down.

The Sydney Opera House Forecourt this year will roll to the sounds of pirate songs and the sight of thousands of nude people.

Thousands of Sydneysiders will be asked to shed their clothes in the name of art, as renowned artist Spencer Tunick creates the mass nude installation on the steps of the Opera House.

The event will take place on the morning of March 1. Many will be hoping autumn won't have come early.

Tunick's installation, called The Base, is part of this year's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival. But the artist is hoping Sydneysiders, regardless of sexual preference, will show up on the day.

"We're looking for people who want to form a naked base for the Sydney Opera House,'' Tunick said yesterday.

Onlookers eager to ogle naked flesh are not encouraged to turn up, he said.

"I think people would be too embarrassed to show up just to look at naked people,'' he said. "The nude people far outweigh those that aren't.

"When you have 3000 people nude and 50 or 100 who aren't the attention goes towards them and they feel self-conscious. It's kind of like reverse streaking."

Those interested in taking part can register at mardigras.org.au/tunick to reserve a place.



Originally published as Sydney urged to strip off