White Night Melbourne will return to the streets, laneways and gardens of the CBD from dusk till dawn on Saturday 18 February 2017 and the inaugural White Night Ballarat will follow on Saturday 4 March 2017.
White Night Melbourne transforms the impossible into the possible through installation, lighting, exhibitions, street performances, film, music, dance and interactive events taking place in the streets and laneways, parklands, public spaces and cultural institutions of Melbourne.
Recognised as one of Australia’s most celebrated cultural events that continues to draw record crowds into Melbourne’s CBD, due to the success of the past 4 events, White Night will venture for the first time into Regional Victoria with White Night Ballarat.
Expressions of Interest are now being sought from artists and performers wanting to participate in White Night Melbourne in 2017. The White Night Ballarat website will be launched and open for Expressions of Interest on 9 August 2016.
The Creative Theme for 2017 is underpinned by four creative pillars: Inclusion, Accessibility, Engagement and Innovation – and when combined with a quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: “Night, the beloved. Night, when words fade and things come alive. When the destructive analysis of day is gone, and all that is truly important becomes whole and sound again.” – will be used to determine the suitability of all Expressions of Interest submissions.
“Next year’s White Night events will be an opportunity to showcase the diversity and talent of our creative state to hundreds of thousands of people of all ages,” said Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley. “These events will be platforms for independent artists, arts and cultural organisations and creative businesses from right across the state so if you’ve got an idea that will showcase Melbourne or Ballarat in a whole new light, I encourage you to get involved.”
One such artist, Tae Gon Kim was found through the Expression of Interest process for the 2016 event. The Strasbourg-based, South Korean artist’s ethereal work, The Dresses (pictured) lit up Queen Victoria Gardens with hundreds of fibre-optic strands that formed into three beautiful and extravagant gowns suspended in darkness.
Slowly the illuminated optical fibre in each dress changed colour, symbolising its history and transformation over time. Each of the dresses weaves its own story of relationships, love and intimacy – inviting adoration and adornment alongside immersion and transformation, shimmering from the realms of fantasy.
Newly appointed White Night 2017 Artistic Director and Executive Producer, David Atkins, said “Over the last 4 years White Night has provided a unique platform for the presentation and performance of hundreds artists during its unique 12 hours of programming.”
“Over half a million people attend White Night and this exposure and environment is an unprecedented opportunity for artists and performers locally, regionally, nationally and internationally to present their work. We have launched the Expression of Interest submissions for artists and performers for White Night Melbourne 2017 and we are looking forward to an overwhelming response.”
Expressions of Interest are open now through to midnight – Tuesday 23 August 2016. For more information and to submit an EoI, visit: www.whitenightmelbourne.com.au for details.
Image: Tae Gon Kim’s The Dresses at White Night Melbourne 2016