Ballarat will make history in 2017 when it hosts White Night for the first time.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren made the announcement today at the Mining Exchange, which will glitter from dusk to dawn in March next year for the world-famous festival.
Celebrated producer David Atkins OAM will become the new artistic director of White Night Melbourne and White Night Ballarat. Mr Atkins boasts an impressive resumé, including producing the Sydney Olympic Games’ Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Mr Atkins replaces Andrew Walsh AM, who delivered four critically-acclaimed White Night Melbourne events, making the iconic festival the success it is today.
White Night is Australia’s contribution to the world-renowned phenomenon, Nuit Blanche, where cities transform into all-night galleries. Ballarat joins Melbourne, Paris, Toronto and Sao Paulo in the international network of colour attracting visitors in their thousands.
Ballarat will burst to life during the regional pilot as lights and laser beams project images across the city’s striking streetscape façade. Street performers and eateries will offer something for everyone, and it’s an ideal opportunity to show visitors from all over Victoria and Australia the best of everything the regional centre offers.
Events like White Night aren’t just great spectacles that make us the cultural capital of Australia, they’re crucial drivers of the economy too. White Night Ballarat will attract a flurry of visitors to Western Victoria from all over the nation – and that’s a welcome boost for local businesses.
No one does the big events like regional Victoria. The Labor Government’s 2016-17 Victorian Budget includes a $20 million Regional Events Fund, which will help stage and attract the events that bring visitors in their thousands.
White Night Melbourne will take place on February 18, before the first ever White Night Ballarat on March 4.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“Ballarat is a brilliant regional centre with a superb streetscape. What better location for the first ever regional White Night? This event will attract visitors from all over Victoria, Australia and the world, boosting the local economy.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“Last year’s White Night in Melbourne featured Ballarat’s own Pitcha Makin Fellas’ and Josh Muir. Next year our historic city’s iconic buildings will be the backdrop to regional Victoria’s first White Night.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“Our long list of arts and cultural events keeps visitors flocking to Ballarat in their thousands – and that means jobs for locals and a stronger city. White Night will be another date on our calendar that keeps our economy strong.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020