Patrick Macaulay’s Parade

Interview with Patrick Macaulay (P.M), curator of the Parade for Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, 2013, by Phil Anderson (P.A)

Patrick Macaulay, Head of Visual Arts Harbourfront Centre and Curator of the Parade

P.A: How did you come up with your concept of The Parade for Nuit Blanche?

P.M: I grew up in a small town and the July 1st Parade was the second biggest event of the year, just behind Christmas, for me. Since then I’ve always been fascinated by parades and I would seek them out wherever I was. When I was asked to submit a proposal for Nuit Blanche the idea of an all-night art parade, that represented Toronto’s art community, appeared to me.

PARALLAX (Artist Rendering), 2013. University Avenue & Edward Street

P.A: You worked on a number of large scale projects in the past, such as the Super Danish. How do the logistics and challenges of the Parade compare to them?

P.M: What I’ve worked on the past has been festivals and exhibitions which have a presence in one location over an extended period of time. This is a lot of work and organization for one night. It’s been daunting and, to be honest, quite a scary endeavour. The sheer number of people who come out for Nuit Blanche is amazing. And there are also big questions like safety and the weather! On the other hand, the city has an amazing team which has all the knowledge about doing large scale events, so they made my job a lot easier.

Rumbling Drumlins (Artist Rendering), 2013. University Avenue & College Street

P.A: Have you worked with most of the selected artists on other projects in the past?

P.M: Yes, I’ve worked before with all the artists I invited. It was important to me to make this parade/event about the artists from Toronto. Almost everyone lives in the city or within driving distance. Toronto is where I live and I think events like this should celebrate the artists who are part of this community.

P.A: Is there any installation that present more challenges than others?

P.M: The (X)Static Clown Factory has required a lot of work and preparation from the artists and the city. One of the two project leaders is Umbereen Inayet and she has been amazing in terms of plotting and planning and working with these artists on this project. The other leader is Allison Duchaine and she can stick handle her way through any technical problem thrown at her. So between Umbereen and Allison it’s been pretty clear sailing.

Douglas Donald/Claire Ironside/Ruth Spitzerartist, (X)Static Clown Factory, 2013. University Avenue & Gerrard Street West

P.A: How do you think Scotiabank Nuit Blanche event has evolved over the years?

P.M: Over the years through the projects of Nuit Blanche a knowledge has been built, a base, and by now artists and curators know what works and what doesn’t. They are also pushing the boundaries of what can be done, experimenting. I’m looking forward to see what takes place in the years to follow. It’s a great event.

P.A: There are ten curated projects in the Parade and four Open Call Projects. Were the Open Call Projects specifically made with the parade in mind?

P.M: There were a lot great proposals but the ones that I selected really fit into the idea of the Parade. All four projects are amazing and are new and being constructed for this Nuit Blanche project. I can’t wait to see these pieces installed.

Ferris Wheel, 2013. University Avenue & Dundas Street West

P.A: Can explain Margaux Williamson’s project? I like the idea but I am not sure what to expect.

P.M: Everything about Nuit Blanche is about the spectacle. There are thousands of people out that night searching for the bright lights of that spectacle. What Margaux is going to do is turn that idea upside down and create a non spectacle event; a celebration of darkness. We placed her float at, what could be said to be, the end of the parade in the darkest area next to a large park. An analogy could be drawn saying that the parade route represents the movement from the city to the country. Margaux’s piece stands for the country, a place where you can be more aware of your surroundings. She is attempting to enlighten you about the beauty of the night.

HOW TO SEE IN THE DARK, 2013. Queens Park Crescent East & St. Joseph Street

P.A: Will you be out all night?

P.M: It’s been a long, long time since I stayed up all night but I’m going to try.

P.A: Do you worry about the weather?

P.M: I started checking the long term weather reports a couple of days ago and now I’m getting worried.

Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, Saturday, October 5, 2013, 6:51 to sunrise. Follow curator Patrick Macaulay’s Parade route along University Avenue. Meet the Queen of the Parade at Queen Street West, then walk north to Charles Street West to see all 14 projects. For the route and more information on the project please check http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/2013-event/exhibitions/parade.html.

Featured image: Hybrid Globe, 2013. Queens Park Crescent East & St. Joseph Street.