Nuit Blanche (literally White Night, en francais) is an all night celebration of the arts that takes place around the world. The concept came from France in 1984 where galleries, museums and music halls were encouraged to open late during fall or winter, traditionally less tourist visiting seasons. The celebration took hold in cities such as Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cairo, New York, and Paris among others. Although not necessarily the same dates, each had the same concept in mind, to bring arts and culture to the masses and free of charge. From performances by well-known artists to independent exhibitionists, the art was for all to embrace and enjoy.
Toronto joined in October 2006. I remember attending the first Nuit Blanche with my husband. The most magical of all the nights that were to occur in this city. Everyone who experienced it saw this city in a very different attitude. A very different Toronto. Art lovers and the curious walked safely into the night from one gallery to another. From one building to another. From one alley way to another. I recall the most impressive being a walk through University of Toronto’s Philosopher’s Walk. A fog installation by artist Fujiko Nakaya of Japan – a haze so thick you could not see two feet in front of you. Literally hundreds of people walked trusting every sound to guide us through.
A couple years later I took my then 9 year old son through an art installation called Zombieland where hundreds of people released themselves into a park of well, zombies. And we laughed until midnight with hot chocolate in hand and walked through the eerie noises of chanting trees at Queens Park Circle. We were also cheerily greeted by Postmasters on foot carrying letters from strangers in Yorkville that year.
As each year moves forward, Nuit Blanche (title sponsored by Scotiabank) morphs into a different feeling. It’s obvious that many of the attendees this year were looking for experiences. Seeped into pockets across several designated zones, the public roamed the streets and buildings curiously checking out various art forms with pulsating beats and laser beamed lights to fireflies lighting up the dark night — and sometimes they even found themselves being the art.
I brought my son out again this year. Now at 11 years old I figure I could keep him up just a little bit longer and, not surprisingly, he really wanted to go again. We visited several stops along the way beginning with “The Art of Fashion” Canadian Design Competition at the Pantages Hotel which was at capacity checking out the new up and coming young designer finalists. Then, the “Paparazzibots” (artist Ken Renaldo, Columbus, USA) at the Toronto Eaton Centre. A humorous interactive installation where a robot complete with a camera and sensors would decide if it wants to take your picture. At first, we’re told to try to get its attention. It wasn’t hard but then it wouldn’t leave us alone — now we know what it feels like to be stalked by cameras, if for a brief moment. Creepy! Our photos were then on display on big screens for everyone to view…every awful facial expression and movement.
We continued to Nathan Phillips’ Square for “The Flight Path” (artists in collaboration: Usman Haque, London, UK and Natalie Jeremijenko, NY, USA) an installation inspired by birds and a visual airspace. Using visual light emissions as well as human flyers. My young culturati in tow loved this although initial critics had already panned this exhibition. Heading towards our final destination there must have been a dozen other smaller installations tucked in alleyways and buildings including “The Free Shop” (artist Basil AlZeri, Toronto) which had a city block long line up of curious onlookers awaiting their turn to negotiate for something free to take home from the bus shelter set up.
Our last stop was at “SENSATIONAL” (artists: The Sensitive Men Cooperative) at the Royal Bank Plaza Building where we were invited to be part of the art installation for 3 hours. I was the tour guide walking the hour-long waited crowds through their sensory experiences – while I was downing Red Bull, while the kid found his place in the tactile room and made good use of his volunteer time (read: making sand castles) rather than falling asleep in the make-shift tent cot room…but inhaled jelly beans.
The Sensitive Men Cooperative comprised of six dads in Toronto each, they discovered over a beer one day, having a talent that brought them to this art concept. Yes, they all have day jobs and probably need to in order to make this dream come true. And maybe it was the concept of easier times, reminiscing of their childhoods when the simplest forms of life were enjoyed and not shuffled along. And yes, it may have been a break from routine life of soccer games and swimming lessons that lead them to wanting to stay up for over 24 hours to make this exhibit a success.
“Sensational” required the audience to take in all the senses and to savour the moment. From creating your own voice mash up dub to playing in the sandpit and drinking unknown but familiar liquids. It served as a reminder, or longing, for times of happiness in the purest forms. What more could you want on a cold night in the city except for their unforgettable Popcorn ice cream? But by 1 am…my little one came down from his jelly bean high and it was time for our trek home.
Until next year! Bonne Nuit!
About Nuit Blanche, Toronto (October 1, 2011)
For one sleepless night toronto was transformed by hundreds of artists for the city’s sixth annual sunset-to-sunrise celebration of contemporary art. Artist and curators took the concept of audience engagement to new levels. They flew, created massive fire blasts, walked thorough water and got evicted from a tent city. The public contributed their voices, faces and muscle by the tens of thousands as they animated and collaborated with Scotiabank Nuit Blanche’s many interactive art works.Three zones featured more than 130 projects to explore. Ma
ny were family friendly. Plans are already underway for next year, so save the date! September 29, 2012.
ny were family friendly. Plans are already underway for next year, so save the date! September 29, 2012.
*Other Nuit Blanche festivities are being planned across Canada
Montreal on February 25, 2012
Vancouver has no date set yet for 2012
Nuit Blanche is such a wonderful experience. Kids really deserve cultural experiences. I love that you bring your son.
I knew absolutely nothing about Nuit Blanche before reading your article. It sounds amazing! I love that you shared the experience with your kids. So far, there doesn’t appear to be an event planned for Alberta, but Vancouver just might be close enough. My daughter would LOVE this!
I love Nuit Blanche! It’s a great family outing – my kids loved it! Thanks for this. urbanmoms is so cool to go to neat events like this!
Love it – I had people here so I couldn’t go but I was dying to go to the McEnroe/Borg reenactment!!! Can’t wait to start taking my son!
I should check out the one here in February… sounds like a lot of fun times!!