Winnipeg’s favourite night of the year is just around the corner! Nuit Blanche returns to illuminate the night on September 28th and invites the public to explore and celebrate free contemporary art in unexpected places. Whether it’s your first or 14th Nuit Blanche, there’s always something new to discover, and we’re here to give you some information and guidance to help make the most of your experience.
Nuit Blanche originated in 1990 in Nantes, France, as a festival of light and art spanning from 6pm-6am. In English, Nuit Blanche translates to ‘White Night,’ though the original meaning is closer to ‘Illuminated Night.’ It’s now known universally as ‘Sleepless Night,’ a testament to the installations and events that keep festival-goers occupied into the latest hours of the day.
Winnipeg adopted this celebration of free art in public spaces in 2010 as a project of Culture Days Manitoba. “The concept of Nuit Blanche is to make Downtown Winnipeg a one-time de facto art gallery. We want residents to look at downtown through that creative lens — a safe space with art lighting up parks, alleyways, and unusual spaces, all guided by volunteers and some of Winnipeg’s most revered art institutions,” shares Kurt Tittlemier, General Manager of Culture Days.
Since those early days, Winnipeg’s Nuit Blanche has grown into the largest in Western Canada. “Nuit Blanche Winnipeg is truly unique because our audience enjoys performances and artworks produced by our team as well as many events hosted by independent curators, artists or other local organizations. It’s a great one-two combo! That’s what makes the evening so special,” offers Kurt. Each year, Winnipegers gather in trove to explore the light-based artwork and installations, live music, performances, and other creative endeavours.
Kurt mentioned that this year is shaping up to be an exceptional year for Nuit Blanche, thanks to outstanding independent contributors and artists, the Culture Days programming, and special celebrations for Winnipeg’s 150th anniversary.
Make the most of your Nuit Blanche with these tips and tricks.
Getting Around
Nuit Blanche reimagines Winnipeg’s Downtown as a pedestrian-friendly space, which means you won’t be able to drive to the event. “Perhaps the most impactful thing we do to champion pedestrian culture is to put the art in a way that is walkable,” shares Kurt. The best way to explore Nuit Blanche is by leaving your vehicle at home! Instead, consider:
- Walking, biking, skateboarding, rollerskating, or any other creative way you like to travel via human-powered transportation. Use the free Bike Winnipeg Bike Valet on Bannatyne and Arthur to keep your bike secure!
- Utilizing the free trolleys that run from 6pm to midnight to the different Nuit Blanche zones.
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- Hop on a Winnpeg Waterways taxi to take you to Stephen Juba Park.
How to Make the Most of Your Night
Perhaps the most challenging part of Nuit Blanche is trying to see it all, or at least catching those installations you’ve deemed can’t-miss. To aid in your exploration:
- Use the Nuit Blanche map, either by downloading it from their webpage, downloading the app, or picking one up in person at the Culture Days info booth in Old Market Square.
- Remember that businesses are open late, so you can grab a snack or a beverage at one of the excellent local restaurants in the Exchange.
- Prepare to spend the evening outdoors and dress for the weather.
- Plan ahead! It’s a great idea to do some research and know what you’d like to see and where you’d like to go. That being said…
Don’t nail yourself to a schedule! Take it in. Expect the unexpected. That’s where the magic happens.
Don’t Miss These Projects
There is so much to see! Whether you like to plan a route or wing it, make sure you catch these feature projects:
- Open-Air Corridors [Installation x Music] in Stephen Juba Park by Rayannah, Stephanie Kuse, and HYPERART– Explore mirror and projection screens in the shape of Winnipeg. This installation starts in Stephen Juba Park, moves to Maison de Artiste, and finishes at CCFM at 340 Provencher. (Name and Spelling TBC)
- moonGARDEN with Spectra in Old Market Square – The largest installation this year, produced by the Winnipeg Public Art program team, this piece features giant moon spheres illuminated with woodcut shadows.
- The Longest Continuous Drag Show at VA Cafe by The International Day of Pink – Watch stunning queens make history by breaking the record for Canada’s Longest Continuous Drag Show!
If one night of Nuit Blanche is not enough for you, you’ll be pleased to know the fun doesn’t have to end! Culture Days events run from September 20th to October 13th, so there’s plenty more opportunity to immerse yourself in arts and culture and experience something new.
This year, Culture Days is proud to present activations in rural hubs. Flin Flon, Dauphin, Winkler, Morden, The Pas, and Gimli will offer programming, providing even more of Manitoba with the chance to experience the magic of creative expression.
For more information on events and programming for both Nuit Blanche and Culture Days, stay connected online:
Nuit Blanche
Website: https://nuitblanchewinnipeg.ca/
Instagram: @nbwpg
Culture Days
Website: https://culturedays.ca/en/collections/684acaf3-a3f2-4700-bb49-d9ce9085b5a8
Instagram: @mbculturedays