Toronto art enthusiasts flocked to Nuit Blanche at Launchpad

Artscape Daniels Launchpad, along with Programming Partner, The Daniels Corporation, are thrilled with the turn-out for Nuit Blanche on October 5. Nearly 3,000 people came through our doors from 7pm to 7am, taking in 10 interactive art installations and performances throughout Launchpad’s Creative Studios, Digital Media Lab and event and project spaces.

Music lovers flocked to see Mønochef perform at 9pm and 11:30pm as part of his Sound of Toronto installation; crowds gathered around his grand piano that was transported into the middle of Sugar Hall A, while onlookers were surrounded by visual testimony of Toronto living.

Gustavo Cerquera Benjumea‘s Borrachero video projection animated The Commons, capturing an audience into the wee hours of the morning.

boundary conditions / performance assembly attracted crowds of artists-in-the-making for its performance piece, ARTSTAR!!! Torontonians of all ages were interviewed by the collective members and given a score based on the attention of the audience.

Gowns and glamour adorned the many models of the live mannequin showcase, presented by Blaque Book. Transforming the windows of the Fashion and Textile Creative Studio, a meeting room and a project space, the choreographed showcase featured the collections of local designers, Mer Des Dieux, Narces and Zoba Martin.

Other installations that caught the eyes of patrons were the works of Artscape community members like Jazmine Yerbury’s Adaptable Atmosphere; its moveable walls lit by colourful LED lights that illuminated Launchpad’s entrance; the stunning, mixed-media fashion illustrations of Karn Goode in the Hallway Gallery; Samantha-Jane Ince‘s meticulously hand-needled, Time’s Progress; Immersed, a virtual reality experience by Regent Park youth from Ada Slaight Youth Mentorship Program and Centennial College; Emma Burzynski‘s hand-woven textiles; visiting Artscape Gibraltar Point “Once Upon Water” artist-in-residence, Mau Schoettle‘s phosphorescent painting and interactive boat installation at Sugar Beach North; and AY Lawson‘s interactive installation Weaknesses, where patrons received a fortune-like confirmation of one of the seven sins.

It was a phenomenal showcase of innovation and invention and we plan on participating in 2020.