OCAD U and European Union illuminate Nuit Blanche with Riparia – Toronto’s largest projection of art

Riparia projection installation by Emilija Škarnulytė at Canada Malting Silos. Photo: Vlad Lunin

This year's Nuit Blanche, Toronto’s all-night celebration of contemporary art, reached new heights with Riparia, a stunning large-scale projection co-presented by OCAD University and the European Union. 

On the night of October 5 to 6, Riparia transformed the historic Canada Malting Silos, the upcoming new space for OCAD U’s Global Centre for Climate Action, into an immersive aquatic temple, where through mythology, future archeology and climate science Lithuanian-born artist and filmmaker Emilija Škarnulytė, invited thousands of passers by on a thought-provoking journey. 

Riparia was the first major projection to be mapped onto the silos and it coincided with the opening of the new park, Bathurst Quay Common.  Škarnulytė’s practice explores how speculative mythologies can guide us in navigating existential crises like climate change. The presentation marked the first collaboration between the Global Centre for Climate Action and the Delegation of the EU to Canada.

“As a vital arts and cultural hub in the city, OCAD University offered two opportunities that spoke to bridging distance and encouraging connection during this year’s Nuit Blanche, said OCAD U President and Vice-Chancellor, Ana Serrano. “On the city’s western waterfront, the cinematic projection Riparia encouraged people to bridge the distance between the deep past and ever-present future through mythology and science, imploring us to steward our earth for generations to come. The Metipso Portal International at 100 McCaul St. bridged the distance between Toronto and a rural village in Kenya, making all of us all too aware of how connected we are in our humanity and creativity.”

The collaboration between OCAD University and the European Union underscores a shared commitment to promoting cultural exchange and sustainable urban development through art. This partnership enabled the realization of a project of such an ambitious scale. 

"Art and culture serve as powerful bridges across borders, fostering connections between people in Canada, the European Union, and beyond through shared values and mutual learning,” said Head of the European Union Delegation to Canada, Geneviève Tuts. “Art has a unique ability to engage the senses and shape behaviour by turning abstract concepts into tangible experiences. Riparia stands as a powerful example, delivering an immersive sensory journey that invites deep reflection on our connection to the environment and the pressing challenges of climate change."

Riparia stands as a testament to the power of global collaboration in addressing environmental issues through creative expression.

The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Canada, established in 1976 in Ottawa, strengthens EU-Canada ties, covering all bilateral policy areas. The EU is at the forefront of global efforts to combat climate change, implementing ambitious policies and legally binding targets aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The EU also promotes cultural diplomacy and effective multilateralism, fostering cooperation and understanding between Canadians and Europeans.