NUIT BLANCHE Saturday-Sunday (September 29-30), sunset to sunrise, all over town. scotiabanknuitblanche.ca.
Toronto’s all-night art blast hits the streets with mind-bending shows that create new ways to reimagine our city. For features and complete listings, go to NOW’s Nuit Blanche Guide.
When Nuit Blanche first hit T.O. streets in 2006, the idea that an all-night art party could explode into one of our most popular free events was just an art lovers’ fantasy.
Yet in its second year, the number of shows grew 45 per cent and the audience doubled to nearly 800,00 people. By 2011, the economic impact of Nuit Blanche had hit $34.7 million, and the number of people streaming down Toronto’s streets ogling the art had gone way past 1 million.
What’s the draw? Exhibitions, often playful, most of them interactive, that engage the imagination in surprising ways.
It’s not just the curated shows that provide the thrills. Independent projects unfold all over the city, galleries fling their doors open till late, and pop-up shows by random artists turn up in the most unusual places – parking lots, laneways, you never know.
Just walk around town and keep your eyes open.
WHAT Four zones featuring 64 curated art shows and independent projects all over the city.
BY TTC The Bloor-Danforth subway line runs all night from Keele to Woodbine. The Yonge-University-Spadina line runs all night from St. Clair West to Eglinton. Individuals and families can purchase Special Event TTC Day Passes starting from $10.50.
ROAD CLOSURES Yonge between Wellington and Gerrard, Bay between Wellington and Dundas, Queen between Jarvis and University, King between Jarvis and Peter, Church between Front and Shuter.
TWITTER HASH TAG #snbTO
Nuit Blanche Twitter central
Follow NOW staff all night @nowtoronto, @franschechter, @djartwriter, @m_hollett, @susangcole, @glennsumi, @benjaminboles
