Winnipeg, MB - The â�ÅListening Lightsâ�� 3D light sculpture on Market Street is ready to impress thousands of Winnipeggers and visitors during this weekend's Culture Days.
The interactive 3D light sculpture, activated in March 2013, was inspired by a northern legend that says when one whistles, the Northern Lights become more intense and dance toward the whistler. This artwork involves 68 LED lights that react to the sound, creating a digital Aurora Borealis.
Culture Days, which runs from September 27 to 29, 2013, is part of a national network devoted to providing Canadians with opportunities to participate in, and appreciate, all forms of arts and culture. Hundreds of thousands of artists and cultural organizations in hundreds of cities and towns come together and invite Canadians to participate in free interactive and "behind the scenes" activities to discover their cultural spirit and passion.
"Market Avenue, at the heart of Winnipeg's Cultural District, is the perfect setting for an interactive light sculpture like 'Listening Lights,'" said Mayor Katz. "I'm confident that everyone attending this weekend's Culture Days celebration will enjoy the beauty of not only 'Listening Lights', but also the energy and excitement of our Cultural District."
"Culture Days showcases and celebrates the diverse artistic and cultural talent within our province and across the country," said Kevin Walters, Project Manager, Culture Days Manitoba. "This light sculpture is a true testament to the creative minds that participate in our event and will be a sight to be scene."
"Listening Lights" is the creation of Moment Factory of Montreal. To catch a glimpse of how "Listening Lights" were tested and developed, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhLmAF1DPdU
"Since the "Listening Lights" were activated, these interactive lights have garnered great interest among residents, employees and visitors to our Cultural District," explained Ross McGowan, President & CEO of CentreVenture Development Corporation. "The "Listening Lights" along Market Avenue, the gateway to our Cultural District and emerging residential neighborhood, reflect the vibrancy of the district's history and signals to the future with its creativity and innovation."
In the summer of 2012, City Council approved the $2.5 million Cultural District Streetscaping program, which involved widening sidewalks on Market Avenue and improving pedestrian lighting.
Other streetscaping features that will be installed this spring include benches, bike racks, planters and waste receptacles. These works are part of the street and water main reconstruction of Market Ave from Main to Rorie Streets and celebrates the Cultural District, renowned for its many theatre and concert venues.
The project is a collaborative partnership of several City of Winnipeg departments and key stakeholders including the Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall, Pantages Playhouse, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and Warehouse Theatre.
For more information on Culture Days, visit: http://culturedays.ca/en