Koki Tanaka Tuning the Light On Centre A Windows 2007
From February 12 to March 21, Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighbourhood is the home for BRIGHT LIGHT, a major exposition of public art and special events commissioned by the City of Vancouver.
The exciting result of the collaboration between 14 arts organizations active in the Downtown Eastside, BRIGHT LIGHT takes public art to new places, presenting a series of site-specific artworks, light-based installations, video projections, street performances, publications, interactive community events and lively gathering spaces. For almost six weeks, BRIGHT LIGHT illuminates streets, alleys, courtyards, parks, studios and galleries of the neighbourhood, shining a spotlight on the vibrant arts community that thrives in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
A hidden courtyard is illuminated under an umbrella canopy and emerges as a vibrant gathering place with mahjong tournaments, movies and other events; a local park is transformed into a stage for a choreographed and theatrical brawl; tea is served at a World Tea Party, with live video web links to concurrent parties around the globe; and a celebration of Aboriginal music and art takes over Crab Park on March 21. On Sunday March 7 starting at 7pm, the streets of the Downtown Eastside are illuminated by the Procession of Performing Circles, a parade of lights, dance, music and magic. At Access Gallery on Carrall Street, Cuban-born artist Osvaldo Yero’s work Passage uses light and images to evoke the experiences of those who try to leave Cuba by sea, and the feeling of swimming alone in a dark ocean.
There are exhibits and over 30 events and activities scheduled, all of them free or for a nominal admission. For a full list of events, go to www.bright-light.ca.
