On September 26, 2026, Nuit Blanche Ottawa returns, transforming public spaces into places of creation, encounter, and artistic experimentation.
Guided by the theme Where Innovation Meets Art, this edition invites artists and audiences to explore the intersection of art, technology, imagination, and the urban landscape over the course of one full night.
As part of the Call for Interest (Stage 1), we invite artists, collectives, organizations, and institutions to submit an idea or a project to take part in this new edition and imagine with us what the night can become.
This call is a first exploratory step.
It is an opportunity to share an idea, an intention, or a creative direction — without needing to have everything finalized.
A space to ask questions and connect
As part of the Call for Interest (Stage 1), the Nuit Blanche Ottawa team will host an Information Town Hall, offered both in person and online, to share more about the 2026 edition and answer questions from interested artists, collectives, organizations, and institutions.
This session is an opportunity to:
- better understand the vision and framework for Nuit Blanche Ottawa 2026
- hear directly from the team about the theme Where Innovation Meets Art
- ask questions about project types, categories, and the process
- sense-check an idea or creative direction before submitting
Attendance at the Town Hall is optional and not required to submit an idea or project.
Register for the Town Hall
(Registration ensures you receive the connection link and in-person location details.)
Why take part?
Nuit Blanche Ottawa offers:
- a full night of free, public programming
- a curious, mobile, and engaged audience
- urban spaces transformed by art, light, and technology
- a platform that welcomes both emerging practices and ambitious projects
Whether your project is still an early idea or already taking shape, the Call for Interest is an opportunity to present a project, enter into dialogue, and become part of a growing artistic ecosystem.
What we’re asking for now (Stage 1)
As part of Stage 1 – Call for Interest, we ask you to submit an idea or a project by sharing:
- a short description of the project or idea
- the proposed format and approximate scale
- high-level feasibility considerations (site, technical needs, estimated budget)
- samples of past work
No detailed budget, final technical plans, or confirmed funding are required at this stage.
Submission deadline to submit an idea or project: February 19, 2026
Looking for full criteria, categories, and process details?
[View the complete call – PDF document]
Ready to share your idea or project?
We can't wait to hear from you!
FAQ
What is the date of Nuit Blanche Ottawa 2026?
Nuit Blanche Ottawa 2026 will take place on September 26, 2026.
Projects should be designed to be accessible throughout the full event duration, approximately 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., allowing for continuous public engagement during the night.
What does the theme Where Innovation Meets Art mean?
The theme Where Innovation Meets Art invites artists to explore intersections between art, technology, imagination, and the urban environment.
It may be approached in many ways, including:
- conceptual or poetic interpretations
- technological or low-tech approaches
- interactive, immersive, or participatory formats
The theme is intended as a starting point, not a limitation.
We encourage open, personal interpretations rooted in your practice and your relationship with public space and audiences.
What is the Call for Interest?
The Call for Interest is the first step in the artistic selection process for Nuit Blanche Ottawa 2026.
It allows artists, collectives, and organizations to submit an idea or a project and begin a first conversation with the programming team.
Who should submit an idea or project?
We welcome ideas and project proposals from:
- individual artists and collectives
- cultural organizations and institutions
- visual, performative, sound-based, digital, and hybrid practices
- local, national, and international creators
Projects should be designed for:
- public or semi-public spaces
- an immersive, accessible nighttime experience
- continuous presentation throughout the event
Do I need to be based in Ottawa?
No.
Artists and organizations from Ottawa, elsewhere in Canada, and internationally are welcome to apply.
Do I need a fully developed project to apply?
No.
Stage 1 is designed to welcome ideas in development, early concepts, and creative intentions.
If you have a strong direction but not all the details yet, you’re in the right place.
What is the difference between Open Call and Independent Projects?
Open Call (funded projects):
Selected projects may receive full or partial financial support and curatorial/production guidance.
Independent Projects (self-produced):
Projects are self-funded and self-produced, but included in the official program and supported logistically and through communications.
Applicants may indicate interest in one or both categories.
Can I submit more than one project?
Yes.
However, only one project per lead artist or collective may be selected for the 2026 program.
What happens next?
Ideas and projects submitted through the Call for Interest will help us better understand the range of creative proposals within the artistic community and identify projects to further develop.
After the Call for Interest closes, all submissions will reviewed by the programming team. Selected applicants will be invited to Stage 2 – Request for Proposals.
Will I be notified if my project is not selected?
Yes.
All applicants will be informed of the outcome.
NEWSLETTER
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