Mr. Speaker, in 2002, Paris organized the first Nuit Blanche, an all-night celebration of visual arts in all forms.
Ten years on, BRAVO-Est organized the first Nuit Blanche in the nation's capital. BRAVO, the Bureau des regroupements des artistes visuels de l'Ontario, its executive director, Yves Larocque, and their entire team, including many volunteers, put on a hugely successful event during the night of September 22 to 23.
During the event, which took place primarily in the Hintonburg and Lowertown neighbourhoods, some 150 artists presented a wide range of artistic gems in over 100 locations. From sculpture to dance, and photography to steamroller printing, Ottawa's entire artistic community was showcased until the wee hours of the morning.
And art lovers did not disappoint. They came out in droves—many more than expected—with infectious enthusiasm. As I said at the launch of this hugely successful event, way to go, BRAVO!