Nuit Blanche is an all-night extravaganza of free art and culture that illuminates cities in more than 120 locations spanning Europe, North America, Australia, and South America. The mostly outdoor event usually takes place in October or November. My hometown of Winnipeg just celebrated its 8th Nuit Blanche, which attracts more than 25,000 to the centre of the city to experience and interact with dance, performance, art, and exhibits.
Nuit Blanche – The Most Fun You Can Have with Art
Other cities may call it by different names, but all share the same after-dark, art-fueled spirit. You don’t have to be a snooty art aficionado to enjoy this event. That’s the beauty of it. It’s fun, accessible, and many exhibits feature creative technology that delivers something unexpected and interactive.
I just discovered that I will be in Boston for its Iluminus festival this November. I’m super excited to get to two of these nights in one year!
Winnipeg’s Nuit Blanche 2018 comprised more than 75 exhibitions. We didn’t make it to all of them, and sadly, we were in bed well in advance of the festival’s end at 2 a.m. because Steve had a morning flight to Europe the next day. Ok, that and we’re old.
We chose to spend our Nuit Blanche time in the Exchange District and The Forks, stopping in for dinner at SMITH, located at Inn at The Forks.
Consequently, we missed out on the ‘80s exhibit and party at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the pedal-powered bicycle drive-in movie, and countless other very cool exhibits. You can’t do it all. We were on foot, though. If you were on a bike or made use of the two free trolley shuttles, one could cover a lot more ground.
Nevertheless, we had a terrific night. Whether you carefully curate what you choose to see or favour stumbling around to discover haphazardly, you can’t lose.
What we saw at Nuit Blanche Winnipeg
To get a better sense of the Nuit Blanche Winnipeg vibe, watch the video below these snaps.
These illuminated seesaws called Impulse were a huge hit.
Local brewery Little Brown Jug hosted a dance party featuring this pulsing mushroom created by Daniel Dorge.
Bar Nano not only had a mini-golf green but a cool swing set and mini trampolines (see video below).
PIN IT!
Yes! Swings!
Taking in The Forks grounds from above.
This interactive LED sculpture created by Daniel Iregui changed patterns when touched.
Happening upon the smaller installations, like this art in the making, is why wandering aimlessly at Nuit Blanche is a must.
The Telus Network of Art
Someone handed us a piece of art and we decided to pay it forward by leaving it on a car windshield.
Nuit Blanche Winnipeg Video Impressions
Have you been to a Nuit Blanche event? What did you love most about it?
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