Art, music, modernity, revelry all nuit long

September 07, 2008|Denise Balkissoon and Nancy Won, Globe Correspondents

Darkness blankets a crisp autumn evening, and the city buzzes with life. In the business district, where sidewalks usually roll up on weekends, suited executives huddle inside an Airstream trailer. A west side stadium is overrun by fuzzy sports mascots, while circus performers let loose outside the public library. Welcome to the Toronto edition of Nuit Blanche, a 12-hour, gallery-opening-meets-block-party that stretches over one night.

Conceived in Paris and replicated worldwide, Nuit Blanche (French slang for an all-nighter) happens on Oct. 4 in Toronto this year. The event is a chance to trawl the downtown core, experience local and international art, and wear your sunglasses at night.

First, text YES to 647-989-7707 to subscribe to mobile messages from "R u part of the art?," a conceptual work that invites visitors to participate in directives that will be delivered throughout the night. Then, head to the nearest subway station to pick up a $9.50 transit day pass, good for unlimited travel on subway trains, streetcars, and buses in the city.

Here, is the scoop on key exhibits in the best neighborhoods; you can check out the full program at scotiabanknuitblanche.ca. It's time to whoop it up, artsy style.

Liberty Village

This former industrial-era jumble of factories is the city's latest yuppie hot spot with its sexy new storefronts, beautiful loft conversions, and picturesque cafes - the perfect backdrop for an all-night affair with art.

First, say a little prayer for . . . well, yourself, at Yoko Ono's Wish Tree (Allan Lamport Stadium parking lot, 1151 King St. West). Scribble your wish on a piece of paper and tie it to one of several wishing trees; later they will be collected and stored at Yoko's Peace Tower in Iceland. Now indulge in a bit of harmless fun. Inside the stadium, a gaggle of plush sports mascots will attempt to act crazy, clown around, and cheer their gigantic heads off for 12 hours. Needless to say, naps and snacks will play larger roles as the evening progresses.

Though small, this factory block is packed with discoveries. Brian Joseph Davis's Original Soundtrack, tucked away inside a condo sales office (80 Lynn Williams St.), uses snippets of music taken from DVD movie menus and loops them together to create an unforgettable audio/visual experience. Bleary-eyed gallery-goers can get caffeinated at Balzac's Coffee Roastery (43 Hanna Ave.), open until 2 a.m. for the event.

Queen West

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