Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/722943
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER 2016 39 NOTTE Bianca, Malta's nightlong celebration of arts and culture, is all set to take over Valletta on October 1. Organised by the Notte Bianca team and the Arts Council Malta, this year's festival will once again see the capital's streets and cul- tural venues come alive with a pro- gramme of events offering a variety of entertainments and experiences. As 2016 marks the three-year journey towards V18 – European Capital of Culture, this year's Notte Bianca has been organised in col- laboration with the Valletta 18 Foundation. By taking inspiration from the goals of V18, the collabo- ration proved beneficial in trans- forming Valletta into a cultural city that is vital and relevant in this day and age. It is in this spirit that this year will see Notte Bianca take a big shift into the world of new and digital media in order to become a more immersive experience. Among the events is Design4D- City, an experiment in the sharing of knowledge and common space. Berlin-based activists Urban Ac- tion will be holding a four-day workshop that will culminate in a presentation concerning ideas for a better, more engaging, urban environment. Design4DCity will see Paris-based Nanotak Studio make their Malta debut. The duo has become renowned for creating ethereal, immersive and dream- like sound and light environments meant to envelop viewers. Other digital media events in- clude Fil-Kju, which will transform parts of Valletta into an augmented reality experience. By scanning specially placed codes into their smartphones, visitors will discover hidden stashes of poetry littered all around Valletta. Interactive instal- lation Ġejja Dgħajsa will explore meaning and symbolism attributed to boats. The installation will use floating paper boats attached to metal stalks, which glow and move at the slightest touch. Planċieri Diġitali is a virtual reality painting experience that will combine art old and new. A number of tradi- tional artists from different back- grounds will be thrust into the digi- tal world in order to explore their art in three dimensions. After its great success last year, Karaoke ta' Vera returns and will offer participants a unique op- portunity to sing a song of their choice accompanied by a real, live band. ŻiffaŻfin also returns with a focus on contemporary dance. Expect to see hip-hop, parkour, and even street dance flash mobs all over Valletta. And as 2016 saw the passing of two monumental music legends, music fans can en- joy a unique guitar tribute to David Bowie and Prince in Saħħa Bowie, Saħħa Prince. Atmosfera, the programme of an- cillary events inspired by the city's pulsating heart, will also be contrib- uting to make the night a success. Churches, state palaces and muse- ums will be opening their doors to visitors until the early hours, with many playing host to art exhibi- tions and performances. Streets and piazzas will be transformed into venues for open-air theatrics and concerts, while many cafes and restaurants will extend their hours and also run pavement stalls. More information: www.nottebiancamalta.org.mt This Week Notte Bianca rings in October this year Traditionally taking place at the tail-end of the summer season, Notte Bianca will be taking over the streets of Valletta. Photo by Adrian Camilleri