Helsinki at night – The night of the arts
..Summer evening’s joy is here for me.
I’m not happy yet no sorrow shakes me,
but the dark woods stillness I would welcome.
Rosy clouds through which the day is falling,
sleepy breezes from the blue gray mountains,
shadows on the water, meadow flowers…
out of these my heart’s own song I’ll make!
I will sing it, summer hay-sweet maiden,
sing to you my deep serenity,
my own faith that sounds a swelling music,
oak-leaf garland ever fresh and green..Nocturne, Eino Leino
The night of the arts falls on Helsinki each year around the end of August. First organized in 1989, the event brings much needed life to the city at a time when the nights start getting colder and longer. With art on display across the city, the locals in a festive mood and many of the cafe’s, museums and galleries open through the night, one might mistake this lively and stylish scene as another country completely, was it not for the VAT and the temperature which by night fall requires one to dress sensibly.
Soon after its birth, the festival went through a darker period, when the Finns understandably simply mistook the whole event for an excuse to get drunk in downtown Helsinki. With the invent of internet and the resulting access to news and and images from across the globe, it was eventually recognized as culture. The drinking didnt stop completely but the festival cleaned up quite a bit, and in its current state it should suit even the French.
One of the great things about the night of the arts is how welcoming it is. As an artist you can participate (get your art displayed), freely by signing up (sign up form) untill 24.8.2016. To get the best possible visibility sign up as early as possible so you get mentioned in as many places as possible. We wold especially like to see the current artists like the Golden Darth Vader and the Black Superman get their own spots in the official brochures.
The night of the arts is part of Helsingin Juhlaviikot.
When: Thursday 25.8.2016
WHere – all around town more or less – see map
Hashtags #juhlaviikot, #taiteidenyö