White Night Melbourne 2014

White Night Melbourne returns with expanded program in 2014, and Stage Whispers' Alex Paige was at the launch.

Next February 22, Melbourne’s streets, laneways, public spaces and major cultural institutions will again undergo a dusk-till-dawn transformation into a “cultural playground” for the city’s second annual White Night event.

Victorian Premier Dennis Napthine officially launched Melbourne’s White Night 2014 this morning at Melbourne City Baths, one of the 11 ‘precincts’ which will be playing host to the event. Attendees at the launch were treated to an expert display of synchronised swimming, a preview of one of many performances to come.

In his opening address Dr Napthine noted the inaugural White Night Melbourne in 2013 attracted more than 300,00 people, despite having “many doubters, many people who suggested it would be a high risk venture.” He said the event highlights the great artistic and cultural influence in Melbourne and Victoria, and the city’s cultural diversity.

An initiative of the Victorian state government, White Night Melbourne is created by the Victorian Major Events Company and celebrates the city’s music, art, theatre, sport, fashion, film, design and performance.

Inspired by the Nuit Blanche event in Paris, Melbourne’s White Night is one of 23 similar all-night events held in cities including New York, Florence and Tel Aviv.

Across 12 hours from 7pm to 7am, White Night Melbourne will include exhibitions, street performances, fashion displays, lighting installations, film screenings, multimedia projections, concerts, dance and interactive events in venues, public spaces and cultural institutions throughout the city.

Artistic Director Andrew Walsh described White Night 2014 as offering “a journey from the southern to the northern end of the city”, pointing out that it would encompass a much broader area than previously.

There are already 45 free events announced for White Night 2014, with more than 80 expected to be finalised by February. Three hundred artists participated in 2013 and Mr Walsh expects the 2014 event to feature more than 500.

Major institutions including the Arts Centre Melbourne, Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Melbourne Museum, National Gallery of Victoria and State Library of Victoria will open their doors all night with a program of special events and exhibitions.

A “crepuscular beam” will strike out into the sky, visible from all parts of the city. The Southbank Pedestrian Bridge will become an “immersive light tunnel” to entrance and delight, while Birrarung Marr will host a “3D visualisation”.

Melbourne based director-producer Robert Connolly’s film of Tim Winton’s novel The Turning, which includes contributions from 18 directors of diverse artistic backgrounds, will be exhibited in chapters – each to be hosted in a different environment and location which complements their themes.

People interested in attending can keep up to date with the expanding program of events by visiting and registering at www.whitenightmelbourne.com.au.

Images from White Night Melbourne 2013 by John Gollings.