Boris Tsun Hang Leung, arts and culture editor
On Sept. 27, Winnipeg hosted Nuit Blanche, the city’s annual late-night art festival. From 6 p.m. till late, art installations, DJs and vendors filled the streets of downtown Winnipeg and the Exchange District to celebrate contemporary art.
Nuit Blanche is known as the province’s largest contemporary arts festival, and it certainly did not disappoint. Having spent my life in larger cities, I always had the impression that downtown Winnipeg was devoid of foot traffic. However, as I made my way from the Forks to the Exchange, I was struck by how lively and charming the city was even as the night progressed — Nuit Blanche showed the true potential of Winnipeg.
One of my favourite stops was the Dalnavert Museum. For the festival, speakers were placed inside the rooms of the 19th-century house to recreate sounds the occupants would have made. Visitors could hear the cook chopping food in the kitchen and the faucet running in the bathroom, for example. The soundscapes perfectly brought the historical house to life.
Another striking exhibit was an artwork by Darcy Ataman on the roof of the Fork’s parkade. Ataman embroidered the diary entries of a Ukrainian soldier onto 30 uniforms, resulting in a somber elegy to those who have experienced war.
Quinn Mayhew, comment editor
My time at Nuit Blanche was mostly spent at bars in both the Forks and the Exchange District.
Despite my exclusivity of only occupying bars during this art festival, I always immensely enjoy the atmosphere and liveliness that Nuit Blanche always brings in September.
This art festival, I feel, is both about the art and people coming together to discuss art. I know I opted to exclusively partake in the more recreational side of Nuit Blanche, but despite me making that choice, I still found I got to enjoy the spirit of the art through other people’s discussions.
Zulkifl Rafah, video editor
Last night marked my first experience at Nuit Blanche and it was magical. Winnipeg came alive as art installations lit up the night and music echoed through the streets. It was amazing seeing people of all ages gathering to celebrate creativity and culture. It is rare to see such vibrant energy here in Winnipeg, but last night the city was absolutely buzzing. Every corner of the Exchange District was illuminated by dazzling lights. Winnipeg was truly lit last night and Nuit Blanche proved how art and music can unite a community. I can’t wait for next year!
Mikaela Warkentin, editor-in-chief
This year was my first Nuit Blanche, and I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I had fun! I was also working (check out the Manitoban on YouTube for what I was up to), so I wasn’t sure I would get to take in all the art I wanted to. However, I kind of liked having the structure and goals that working gave me — I could leave exhibits when I wanted, as long as I had collected the photos and interviews I needed.
One thing that I wasn’t expecting about Nuit Blanche was the sheer sense of community the night offered. Sure, the main attraction of the night is the art, but I found myself talking to people I didn’t know at all while waiting to whisper a secret into a giant ear (shoutout PSST!) or helping light a group photo with my phone flashlight. Experiencing art in this communal setting really was my personal highlight of the night, seeing how others interacted with the artwork and interacting with both the installations and the community that built them. Having lived in Winnipeg for four years, Nuit Blanche has been one of the few times I have seen the city as full as I know it can be.
