July 9, 2008

SHINING A LIGHT ON SCOTIABANK NUIT BLANCHE
McGuinty Government Helps Promote All-Night Public Art Event

TORONTO — A free all-night celebration of contemporary art that attracted 800,000 visitors to Toronto’s streets and cultural institutions and generated $4.9 million in economic activity returns this October 4.

The Government of Ontario is providing Scotiabank Nuit Blanche with $500,000 to promote the event across Ontario, Quebec and in international markets.

Now in its third year, Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, produced by the City of Toronto, brings together hundreds of Toronto museums, galleries, cultural and educational institutions, and neighbourhoods with visual, performance and interactive art works.

This year, four local and national art curators Wayne Baerwaldt, Dave Dyment, Haema Sivanesan, Gord Hatt, have designed different art “zones” across the city for the event.

QUOTES

 “Ontario is proud to be a partner in this event by helping attract more visitors to spend a sleepless night in Toronto with great art,” said Culture Minister Aileen Carroll. “Cultural tourism events like this one are a great boost to our economy.”

"An event of this scale benefits tremendously from great funding partners," said Mayor Miller. "I'd like to thank the Ontario Government for contributing so much to maximize the number of people who can experience contemporary art on a larger scale."

“Scotiabank Nuit Blanche is truly a cultural and tourism phenomenon. We are proud that the province, through Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund , was a partner in year one and we are now especially pleased to be able to support the third year of new programming to help give an extra boost to market the event far and wide,” said Dr. Murray Frum, Chair of the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund.

QUICK FACTS

 

• Ontario is home to more than 3,000 festivals and events each year, which generate millions of dollars for the economy.
• The culture sector generates almost $20 billion of Ontario’s Gross Domestic Product.
• Last fall, Scotiabank Nuit Blanche nearly doubled its audience to 800,000, added 45 per cent more art projects and saw a 55 per cent increase in community participation.

• Last year, Scotiabank Nuit Blanche received an Urban Leadership Award from the Canadian Urban Institute for its profound and lasting impact on the quality of urban life.

 

 LEARN MORE

Find out more about Scotiabank Nuit Blanche

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Contacts:

Alicia Johnston, Minister’s Office, 416 325-1676 Lisa Robart, Communications Branch, 416 212-3928

ontario.ca/culture Disponible en français