Art lights up the night in Halifax

It’s hard to believe that over a month has passed since the first-ever Nocturne: Art at Night event hit the streets of Halifax with such energy, momentum and excitement. People of all ages came out to celebrate arts and culture, pour into galleries and explore the city's streets for Halifax's first annual, magical, signature late-night arts event.

Nocturne: Art at Night took place from 6pm until midnight on Saturday, October 18, 2008 and changed the face of Halifax’s arts scene. Based on events such as Nuit Blanche in Toronto, the completely free event showcased the exciting (and often unknown) talent that resides in Halifax. A beautifully designed programme for all venues and installations provided a map of the event within the city and two (donated) Metro Transit buses shuttled people within the downtown core, through to the North End and even to Bedford. There were also locations in Dartmouth, easily accessible by the ferry.

Very simply, the success was unprecedented.

Organizers estimate that well over 5,000 people attended the event, not counting those who viewed installations and performances on the street or visited participating entertainment venues.

Especially significant was that with 3000 visitors, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia set a new record for the busiest day in its history.

Nocturne: Art at Night simply could not have happened without the commitment of dedicated participants, volunteers, organizers and sponsors, all who truly believed in the need for such an event in Halifax. An incredible testament was that the event was completely designed and developed by volunteers within the community – right down to the design of the bright yellow pins blaring ‘Art Never Sleeps’! Indeed, the event was (and will continue to be) a fabric of collaboration for the city. Sponsors included Business for the Arts, Creative Nova Scotia, Cox and Palmer, Michelle Doucette Designs, Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI), Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), MacDonnell Group, The Coast, Transcontinental, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and FUSION Halifax.

As Robin Metcalfe of Saint Mary’s University Gallery said, “Halifax is often the best kept secret to Halifax”. Thanks to many dedicated individuals and participating artists and galleries, Nocturne has become one more way to ensure that Halifax has a unique way to celebrate the talent in its backyard – and ensure accessibility to the arts and culture that should never be kept a secret.

Next year's Nocturne event is already in the planning stages and the event date will be announced by early spring 2009.

The organizers offer special and heartfelt thanks to East Coast Connected for helping to promote the event and showcase the changing face of Halifax’s arts scene for those living away. This IS a place to come back to…maybe for the first time!