Thousands of Victorians and visitors are expected to take to the streets of Melbourne from twilight until dawn for the city’s biggest all-night celebration - White Night Melbourne 2016.
Tonight’s event kicks off following the news that the Andrews Labor Government has confirmed support for another White Night outing, the fifth Melbourne event, which will be staged in 2017.
In a first, a regional Victorian centre will stage its own contribution to the 2017 festival, stimulating the regional economy. Work is under way to identify a suitable host location.
This afternoon Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley will join artistic director Andrew Walsh and his team at the Melbourne Town Hall to view one of White Night Melbourne’s major commissions, Golden Monkey by Victorian artist Lisa Roet.
Golden Monkey, a 10m high inflatable ape, brought together the talents of RMIT graduate Lisa Roet and Felipe Reynolds, a Melbourne-based giant inflatables designer.
Golden Monkey, which continues Roet’s ongoing fascination with primates and her research into endangered species, also marks the recent Chinese New Year. It will sit atop the Town Hall for a week following White Night.
Ballarat’s Josh Muir – who last year received the Telstra Youth Award at the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards – has created a giant projection work that will illuminate the National Gallery of Victoria.
Indigenous arts collective Pitcha Makin Fellaz, also from Ballarat, partnered with Portuguese projection artists OCUBO to create a work that tells the story of the six Aboriginal seasons. It will dance across the Royal Exhibition Building. Indigenous artist Reko Rennie’s work will transform Federation Square.
Victorian performers from Circus Oz, Women’s Circus and the National Institute of Circus Arts will showcase their talents in the new interactive Circus Circus precinct at the Melbourne Museum Plaza.
Musicians and bands will take to stages in Bourke and Lonsdale Streets, Alexandra Gardens and Birrarung Marr, celebrating Melbourne’s credentials as one of the best live music cities of the world. ACMI, NGV, Melbourne Museum and the State Library will offer special all-night programs.
White Night Melbourne runs from 7pm, Saturday, 20 February, to 7am, Sunday, 21 February. Visitors are encouraged to take note of road closures and take advantage of 24-hour public transport. For the full program, visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“Arts, culture and creativity have shaped the identity of our city and our state. The Andrews Labor Government is proud to see so many artists, independent creative organisations, major institutions and traders banding together to present this epic celebration.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“White Night is distinctly Melbourne. It’s what we’re all about. But it’s not just a great event, it’s a valuable boost to the economy too. It means more opportunities for our bars, restaurants and small businesses.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020