SYDNEY, N.S. — Lumière Cape Breton’s 11th annual art-at-night festival kicks off today with an artist panel.
Hosted by playwright/actor Wesley Colford, artistic director of the Highland Arts Theatre, three artists will talk about their creative process at this free event; the first over two weeks.
“The main reason we are doing this kick-off is so young artists can see how some of the older ones work,” said Bria LeJeune, events and logistics co-ordinator.
“It will be a laid back, creative discussion about how the artists use their creativity to bring their ideas to life.”
Read more
Speaking are Nelson MacDonald, Chanelle Julian and Melissa Kearney, who is one of the showcased artists for 2022.
Happening at the Eltuek Arts Centre in Sydney, it is one of nine events on this year’s Lumière program which runs from Sept. 10-24.
“We want art to be even more out there in the community,” LeJeune said. “I am so excited for Cape Bretoners to see the program we’ve put together.”
Talking, watching, making
The 2022 theme is “Re:Emergence” and 80 artists are participating in the indoor/outdoor festival.
As previously reported in the Cape Breton Post, Lumière festival chairperson Robyn Neal explained the “Re:Emergence” theme is about fostering the feeling of community as the slow return to normal living is returning after two years of uncertainty and imposed separation.
LeJeune said expanding the festival by adding more artist panels, workshops and music events is in keeping with the theme as Lumière brings people of all ages together in different communities.
Some highlights of the 2022 Lumière program include:
• A short film night at the Cape Breton Drive-In on Sept. 15 is being curated by Nelson MacDonald and starts at 8 p.m.
• An artist panel on storytelling on Sept. 22 with playwright Daniel McIvor, poet Robyn Martelly and choreographer/Painted Dance artistic director Hazel Sparling.
• Lantern-making workshops at four libraries in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality on Sept. 17 (Sydney, North Sydney, Glace Bay and Louisbourg)
• A 19 and over paint night at Fired Creations on Sept. 22
• The Artists Bump Up on Sept. 23 is a networking event for exhibiting, aspiring and hobby artists
A full list of events can be found on the website lumierecb.com and as always the festival ends with a bang for the art-at-night exhibit along Charlotte Street.
“We just want Cape Breton to be alive again,” LeJeune said. “We want downtown Sydney to be the vibrant city it is.”
Different route
Since the first Lumière in 2011, the art festival has grown to attract attendees from around the Maritimes. As previously reported in the Post, attendance for this year’s festival is expected to be 15,000 people.
“The route is a little different this year due to the construction on Charlotte Street,” explained LeJeune.
Although the exhibits, performances and installations will primarily happen along Charlotte Street, there is a short detour for the block currently ripped up.
This will take people along the Esplanade and up Pitt Street. The route will be well lit.
There are 13 indoor venues for Lumière 2022 as well as the outdoor spaces.
Nicole Sullivan is a diversity and education reporter, who sometimes covers the health beat, for the Cape Breton Post.
SCHEDULE
Lumière Arts Festival 2022
When: September 10-24
Where: Downtown Sydney
Cost: Free
Sept. 10: Kick-Off – Creative process artist panel
Where: Eltuek Arts Centre
Address: 170 George Street
Time: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sept. 15: Curated film night
Where: Cape Breton Drive-In
Address: Grand Lake Road
Time: 8 p.m. start
Sept.16: High Point sound and art
Where: Wentworth Park Bandshell
Address: 744 George St.
Time: 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sept. 17: Lantern-making workshops
Where: Libraries in CBRM
Address: Sydney, Louisbourg, North Sydney, Glace Bay
Time: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sept. 17: Storytelling artist panel
Where: Eltuek Arts Centre
Address: 170 George Street
Time: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sept. 22: Open studio
Where: Eltuek Arts Centre
Address: 170 George Street
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sept. 22: 19+ ceramics painting
Where: Fired Creations
Address: 582 George Street
Time: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sept. 23: Artist Bump In
Where: Doktor Luke’s
Address: 54 Prince Street
Time: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sept. 24: Lumière main event
Where: Charlotte Street
Time: 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
More info: lumierecb.com
