And so the White Night returns! For those of you who don’t know, this weekend marks the 3rd Nuit Blanche in Toronto. Nuit Blanche is a festival of contemporary art which has been going on annually across Europe since the late 90s. Since 2006, we here in Toronto have had the privilege of joining in on its festivities, and as someone who has gone every year I’ve got to say it is one hell of a night. In the past I have witnessed such things as full scale zombie walks, alley ways converted into modern offices, pong being played on city hall, an episode of the three stooges slowed down to last 24 hours and a model of Toronto made entirely out of knitted felt, just to name a few. But every year the one thing I just have to return to is the 401 Richmond. This art gallery opens its doors for the entire night every year, offering free exhibits and live studios, limited independent projects, and free access to its 5 floors of exhibits. That alone is pretty damn awesome, but the icing on the cake and my personal favourite part of the night is what goes on in its center courtyard. I still don’t know who it is or where they come from, but ever year in the center of 401′s outdoor courtyard someone sets up a screen and a 16mm projectors and plays the most obscure and random music videos from the 50s and 60s. From 6pm until the wee hours of the morn, this outdoor screening room is filled with music videos you could watch for hours. I always plan my route through Nuit Blanche to somehow end up at the 401.
Whatever it is you are into, Nuit Blanche has something for you. This year I hear a mobile rave is being held (as it has been in the past), a grocery story is being raided, the CN Tower is being turned into a jukebox and city hall will have giant floating text displaying DNA sequences. Nuit Blanche happens yearly from 6pm to 6am and is split up into 3 zones for easier coverage (A and B usually hold the biggest/most accessible events). The subway is opened for an extended time to accommodate your travel and the streets pulse with swarms of Torontonians interested in some new art. My recommended route starts at the Eaton’s Center and travels west, snaking in-between Richmond, Queen and Adelaide, ending at the 401 for the remainder of the night, but no matter where you go you are sure to see something awesome.
The official Nuit Blanche website has loads of information, including maps and event lists. Check it out and have a good White Night!
You may also dig: