Art and Activism: Nuit blanche at the Centre for Sustainable Development
Montreal, 10 February 2014 – On March 1rst from 8 pm to 2 am, the Centre for Sustainable Development will be hosting a Nuit blanche brimming with artistic and engaged activities, such as slam sessions by Samian and Slamontreal poet Ivy, live onstage creation by artist Catherine Plaisance as part of her Désolation exhibit, a light painting workshop held by Journal Métro, performances by DJs and three interactive booths presented by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF Canada), the David Suzuki Foundation and Amnistie internationale Canada francophone.
“Given art’s universal ability to raise awareness and the central role culture now plays in sustainable development, it was only natural that the Centre repeat last year’s Nuit blanche experience, which attracted more than 4 200 festivalgoers,” explains Robert Perreault, director of the Centre for Sustainable Development located in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles.
Activism and slam poetry with Samian, Ivy & Co.
At 10 pm and midnight, festivalgoers will be invited to revel in the creativity and flair of a cappella poets slamming on two hot topics: human rights and climate change. With Samian, Ivy and special guests Mehdi Hamdad, Miss Claudia, Xavier and Benoit Ponton, in collaboration with Slamontréal.
Onstage art and exhibition
From 8 to 10 pm, artist Catherine Plaisance will give a live painting performance in collaboration with the WWF. Her Désolation exhibition, a series of collages on wood evoking landscapes devastated by climate change, will be open to the public all evening.
Light painting Métro
From 8 pm to midnight, festivalgoers will be invited to create their very own light painting. Ready in just a few minutes, the final product will be theirs to take home.
Three interactive booths
The WWF will provide participants with a plethora of cool tools for learning about and preserving nature and the environment. After 10 pm, Catherine Plaisance will be finishing her work of art at the WWF booth while chatting with festivalgoers. Amnistie internationale on the other hand will challenge participants to a surprising quiz about torture. At the David Suzuki Foundation booth, participants who calculate their carbon footprint and get their picture taken for the Protect our winters campaign will get a chance to win several prizes throughout the evening.
Interactive exhibit
Festivalgoers will be invited to visit the Centre for Sustainable Development’s interactive exhibit on the building, the first to receive LEED® Platinum New Construction certification in Quebec.
Marius bistro and bar
The Marius bistro and bakery, a brand new tenant at the Centre, will be serving food and drinks to festivalgoers all evening. Marius will also whip out its secret weapon for special occasions: LA BUVETTE de Marius, a bar serving pastis in all its colours and flavours.
For further details, visit the Centre’s website: www.lamdd.org/en
The Centre wishes to thanks its partners: the Caisse d’économie solidaire Desjardins, the Journal Métro, the Marius bistro, the David Suzuki Foundation, WWF Canada, Slamontréal, Disques 7ième ciel, the Ville-Marie borough and Alcoa, its main partner in programming.
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For further information regarding the evening’s activities or for interviews:
Amélie Ferland, Centre for Sustainable Development
514-592-0847, aferland@lamdd.org
Marie-Claude Lemieux, WWF Canada
514-394-1105, mclemieux@wwfcanada.org
Nadine Légaré, David Suzuki Foundation
438-580-6584, nlegare@davidsuzuki.org