What is Art Night?
Art Night is a one night free contemporary arts festival. 10 artists are invited to take over 10 iconic venues and reinvent them through their work. It is a celebration of the city of London, specially designed for Londoners to rediscover their city, but also for visitors to explore London and its thriving artistic scene. Art Night was originally inspired by Nuit Blanche, an all-night arts festival created in Paris in 2002.
Why were the ICA chosen to lead this year?
The ICA is historically an example of London’s ground-breaking art and carries this heritage. They have a multidisciplinary programme and a large experience in off-site projects.
Are events free?
Art Night is completely free to attend. Selected indoor projects, due to the capacity or nature of the work presented, will be ticketed for crowd management purposes.
How is Art Night funded?
Art Night is funded through sponsorship, public and private grants, in-kind support, a crowdfunding campaign on Art Happens for the 2016 edition, and individual donations. Special partnerships and co-productions or co-commissions also contribute to the funding of the festival. Art Night is administrated by ArtCity Nights, a registered charity number 1164449.
Will this be an annual event?
Yes. Each year, a renowned cultural institution will be invited to explore a different part of London. In 2017, Art Night will focus on the East End in collaboration with the Whitechapel Gallery.
Who can I ask for general assistance during the festival?
There will be 3 main information points along the trail of the festival: the ICA, Somerset House, Covent Garden Piazza. Volunteer Art Night Guides, will be present on all locations and happy to assist you with any questions you might have. At each venue of the festival you will be able to pick-up the festival’s full map, that will provide all relevant information you will need to navigate the trail. You will also be able to use the map presented on this website to help you move around using your mobile phone.
I have mobility issues, where can I find out information about how to get around?
Art Night’s projects are presented in 10 very different locations, which have their particular restrictions. All details to help you plan your visit are provided on this website in each Event section under Location and will be listed on festival digital and printed maps.
How can local people get involved?
We welcome involvement from Londoners to take part in making Art Night happen. We run a specific volunteering scheme for students and recent graduates to become Art Night Guides, leading audiences through the different projects and answering their questions. Art Night Guides will benefit from a specific training session with an art historian. If you would like to learn more, please email hello@artnight.london.