Nuit Blanche late-night art party cancelled – for good

It was easy to miss in all those cancellation announcements, but for Nuit Blanche it’s not about the coronavirus; it’s gone for good. The all-night contemporary art event that saw in situ performances across Brussels every October has announced that its 17th edition last year will be its last.

Nuit Blanche was launched in 2003 by Brussels-City, modelled on the same event in Paris. It attracted some 50,000 people, spread out among 15 or so musical, visual and performance installations. Attendees could make their own programme, taking in as many as possible late into the night. While the early years focused more on love music and performance, the last few years were more into experimental visual and sound installations.

“Over the course of 17 editions, Nuit Blanche has reinvented the City, its neighbourhoods, iconic locations and neglected areas,” reads the website. “Moreover, over the years, it has showcased the talent of countless Belgian and foreign artists. The event has motivated thousands of citizens of Brussels to take a stroll during the night, leaving them amazed, encouraging them to dream and challenging them on topical issues. The City, however, needs to be re-imagined on a daily basis. In 2021, Nuit Blanche will give way to a new event that will also make room for contemporary creation.”

Delphine Houba, Brussels-City councillor charged with culture and events, has not provided details beyond that, but she did tell RTBF that the Nuit Blanche budget would be used on a project or projects that attract young people to the centre and that feature local artists and musicians.

The good news is that Museum Night Fever, which had to be cancelled this spring, will take place on the first weekend of October – previously reserved for Nuit Blanche.

Photo courtesy Tour & Taxis