Art is taking over the streets of Halifax with the arrival of the Nocturne: Art at Night fall festival.
You can get lost in the creative world this week, soaking in everything from paintings and poetry to performances and video projections.
Executive Director Lindsay Cory says the festival will take place over four days, bringing art into public spaces for everyone to enjoy.
“Art pieces are dispersed around the city on both sides of the harbour,” Cory says. “We have a large installation at foundation landing on the waterfront. It’s a good place to start your journey. Then make your way up through the map and look for signs that lead you to different art projects. So they’re really dispersed around the city. They’re in non-traditional spaces where you wouldn’t typically see art.”
Cory says they also open up galleries and museums so Haligonians can learn more about the way in which art lives in these spaces.
You can even go for a tour at Government House.
More than sixty artists are involved in the festival this year.
Cory says the festival’s goal is to bring art into public spaces to allow people to connect and discuss complex problems.
“It’s our biggest mission to use art as a catalyst for connection,” Cory says. “We really feel that by bringing art into public spaces and into non-traditional art venues that people can really understand big problems or big things or big concepts through creative means.”
Cory adds she’s really looking forward to seeing Raven Davis’ piece at the Halifax Central Library, a projection from the fifth floor that you will be able to view from the street.
The art installation is described on the Nocturne website as a “projected movement piece incorporating media, dance and light.”
The piece aims to generate discussion on the environment and the importance of protecting it, putting water and resources first.
If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, Cory recommends heading to the Propeller Brewery where a printmaker will be set up.
You can try your hand at using a century-old machine to print your own letters.
The project is titled “What Would HRM Do?,” and the Nocturne website says it wants to generate discussion around the city’s police budget.
“What would you do for your community if you had $88.9 million dollars?,” the website says. “$88, 905, 100 is the operational budget of the Halifax Regional Police, and many feel that this money would be better spent on community care and alternative supports.”
Depending on what art installation you check out, you will need to follow COVID-19 protocols.
(CREDIT: Nocturne: Art at Night on Facebook)
The festival says it aims to “push boundaries with art, not public safety.”
So you’ll want to bring you proof of vaccination with you along with an ID and a mask.
Cory says the best way to wander and watch the festival is to head online and look at the interactive map first to help plan your trip.
The free annual festival runs Wednesday through Saturday.
You can also catch some live mural painting at Robie Street and Qunipool Road on Tuesday.
