submissions open in january 2024

So start brainstorming to be part of NBYXE 2024!

What we look for:

  • Interactive - ways for festival-goers to get involved, interact with the art, try something new / make something to take home.

  • Transformative - art that wows viewers and transports them to another world. The use of lighting, installation, performance, etc., are great ways to transform a space. Recontextualize a Saskatoon street, building, alleyway or landmark (Traffic Bridge, Sturdy Stone, etc.)

  • Perspective - art that shares a perspective, story or message. A way to nurture community and connect through creativity.

  • Connection - art that does what good art does, helps us feel more connected. 

//Wire + Bone, 2022 Mila Media

//Kyuubi Culture & Negar Tajgardan, 2022

Nuit Blanche Saskatoon is a free, night-time arts festival showcases and celebrates art and culture. Overtaking multiple venues and public spaces throughout Saskatoon's core neighbourhoods, the festival will feature sculptures, installations, performances, music, theatre, visual arts, poetry, projections, and other contemporary art forms. The festival allows people of all ages to engage with Saskatoon’s thriving arts scene while safely exploring public spaces late into the night. 

We accept proposals for new work, and you are also welcome to submit pre-existing/in-process projects due to time and budget restraints.

Nuit Blanche Saskatoon recognizes the importance of equity and diversity. If you feel comfortable, we encourage you in your application to self-declare if you identify as part of an underrepresented work equity group, such as people with disabilities, BIPOC, or LGBTQ2S+

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES in a single pdf, please include: 

  • Contact info

  • Website and social media

  • Artist Bio

  • Project title 

  • Concept

  • Descriptive text

  • Budget outline

  • Suggested locations

//Big Art, 2022

If you have any questions or require additional information, do not hesitate to contact our curator Jane McWhirter at: programming@nuitblanchesaskatoon.ca

 

Guidelines

//Monique Martin, 2021

  • LOCATIONS

    Projects will primarily take place on closed city streets, parks, and alleyways and in partnership with local businesses. We welcome applicants to suggest specific sites for their work and consider how their project would function/interact with the space. Our Programming Committee will determine the final location.

    Sections of Broadway (10th - 12th street, alleyways, etc.)

    Sections of Riversdale (on 20th between Ave A-E)

    Sections of Downtown (3rd Ave, riverlanding etc.)

  • Our standard budget per project is $908 ($508 CARFAC recommended artist fees and $400 for material costs, equipment rentals, etc.) Artists are welcome to propose more ambitious projects that require a higher budget. Please outline the need for additional funds in your proposal.

    CARFAC A.1.6 • Exhibitions in Other Public Places
    Solo $508
    2 artists $255 / artist
    3 artists $168 / artist
    4 artists or more $161 / artist

    Artists are encouraged to seek additional funding and sponsorship opportunities from grants and private sponsorship in addition to Nuit Blanche's fees. Nuit Blanche can provide a letter of support to assist with securing funds.

  • WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE MY SUBMISSION /PROJECT BETTER? Answer the who, what, where, and why questions. - Be descriptive and clear. We don’t need fancy words. We just want to know the details of what you plan to do, how you plan to accomplish it, what inspired/influenced the work and how you plan to get things together.

    Figure out how your project will be illuminated so participants can best see it at night.

    It’s great if your work is large scale or can be viewed/heard from a distance. However, if your piece is more intimate, we can consider how to best showcase it.

    The work should be installed and removed without damage to any property. Cords need to be secured, and things need to be safe.

    The work should be suitable for all ages and accessible to all people. Nuit Blanche Saskatoon is a family-friendly event.

 

//Sam Lock & Jason Surkan, 2021

//Freeflow Dance Company, 2021

//The Gluey Group, 2015

 Factsheet

  • Nuit Blanche Saskatoon is open to all art forms, including visual art, projection, performance, installation, theatre, dance, music, spoken word, photography, sculpture, sound, and more.

    We prioritize works that promote audience and community engagement, and pieces that are interactive or involve light. We value originality, innovation, cultural diversity, accessibility, curiosity, surprise, and exploration.

  • Every year, most projects featured in Nuit Blanche Saskatoon are selected from our open call by our Programming Committee, comprised of local artists, NBYXE board members and our curator. We will inform selected artists by late spring.

    Reflecting Saskatoon's diversity, we are committed to incorporating work by people from underrepresented work equity groups, such as people with disabilities, BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+.

  • Artists will be paid according to the guidelines set by regional representative organization(s) (CARFAC, ACTRA, CFM, etc.) Our standard budget per project is $790 ($440 CARFAC recommended artist fees and $350 for material costs, equipment rentals, etc.)

  • Our budget per project includes some funding for materials/equipment rentals, and we might coordinate community partnerships to provide in-kind donations and infrastructure support. However, we cannot guarantee all materials will be covered. Artists will need to secure the materials and equipment necessary for their installation.

    Please include a detailed list of materials required for your particular work when submitting your application.

  • We will host Nuit Blanche Saskatoon unless there are severe weather warnings. Please be prepared to go ahead in unfavourable weather conditions.

  • If your dance company is interested in performing for a one-hour slot at the community dance stage, you don’t need to put together a full proposal. If you are interested, let us know at hello@nuitblanchesaskatoon.ca

  • Our project manager and programming team will work with each performer to establish appropriate performance lengths (generally half an hour or less) and schedule them throughout the night.

    Shorter or longer performances will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please include as much detail as possible in your application submission.

  • Vendors are not permitted as part of the programming as NBYXE is a free event. However, we do encourage neighbourhood businesses to stay open late during the festival.