Nuit Blanche is back, bigger than ever, October 1st

With life finally returning to normal, one tradition Torontonians look forward to every year is Nuit Blanche. And so, it is official, the outside art exhibition is returning this fall, and it will be returning in a big way.

On October 1, the free all-night Nuit Blanche art event returns to Toronto and will now expand to include parts of downtown, North York, Scarborough and Etobicoke.

16 years of art

The 16th edition of Nuit Blanche looks to be a special one, with the celebration of contemporary art reaching most areas of the GTA from sunset to sunrise.

This year’s celebration includes pieces from over 150 artists from local, national, and international designations. It will also feature more BIPOC artists emphasizing representation in the art community.

Unlike in past years, the art exhibit is spread out and will be clustered in “easy-to-navigate” areas.

Mayor John Tory says he is thrilled about the return of Nuit Blanche and its expansion.

“I’m proud that the city is supporting this event that will activate neighbourhoods across the city, including Etobicoke and North York, which will host exhibition areas for the first time. Nuit Blanche Toronto creates significant artistic and cultural energy in our city. I encourage Toronto residents from across the city to take part in this free celebration of art.”

This year’s event will mark the finale of ArtworxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art.

Among the many exhibits that will be around the GTA, Nuit Blanche will look to feature Augmented Reality exhibits by over 30 artists.

Dr. Julie Nagam, Nuit Blanche’s Artistic Director, says Nuit Blanche looks to showcase several artists taking over the city with installations that are thought-provoking and filled with wonder.

“This 12-hour magical transformation includes massive light installations, sculptural interventions, inflatables, AR projects, performances, skateboarding, fashion, and so much more.”

World Event

Nuit Blanche, starting in 1990 in Spain, is an immersive annual all-night arts festival. Nuit Blanche has since spread worldwide, with events in over 120 cities and several European capitals, which have combined the festival on a massive scale to create “Nuits Blanches Europe.”

It was only in 2006 that Toronto finally got its own Nuit Blanche, and it has been going strong.

For the last 16 years, Nuit Blanche has been an award-winning event that has helped the Toronto community greatly by featuring more than 1,600 art installations by approximately 5,800 artists and raising more than $443 million for the city.

Kelly Jackson, Vice-President of External Affairs and Professional Learning at Humber College says this yearly outside art exhibit is a chance for residents to explore their community in new ways.

“These art displays allow us to enjoy and celebrate culture, diversity and inclusiveness – all concepts Humber truly values.”

Currently, there is no information about where all the exhibits will be located, though expect that in due time.