Government of Canada invests in Nuit Blanche Ottawa event

The Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament (Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester), announces funding for Nuit Blanche Ottawa event

OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 26, 2026 /CNW/ -- Artists and cultural organizations bring our communities to life and contribute to a strong and vibrant creative economy. Through art, Canadians can come together, learn from one another, and experience our country's rich diversity and culture.

Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament (Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester), announced $20,000 in funding for Nuit Blanche Ottawa's event, Dialogues lumineux: Cultures en conversation contre le racisme. She made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.

This Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program funding will contribute to Nuit Blanche Ottawa's immersive nighttime programming, featuring experiences that celebrate our rich culture and promote intercultural understanding. Developed in partnership with eight embassies from Europe, Africa and the Americas, the event will include panels, interactive workshops, activities and works of art.

By celebrating the rich cultural diversity that makes our communities stronger and creating opportunities for Canadians to come together, we are building an even more united and inclusive country for all.

Quotes

"We're proud to support Nuit Blanche's immersive nighttime experiences, which celebrate our country's rich culture and showcase the creativity and innovation of our artists. At a time when we need to come together, arts and culture have the power to bring us closer together, unite us through our shared identity and values, and strengthen our communities."

-- The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages

"As Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester, I have seen firsthand how this event brings our community together. Part of the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of Ottawa, it sparks meaningful conversations, promotes understanding and celebrates the rich diversity of cultures that makes our city so vibrant. This funding will help ensure this event continues to grow, strengthening Ottawa's dynamic cultural communities."

--The Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament (Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester)

"We are deeply grateful to the Government of Canada, through Canadian Heritage, for its support of Nuit Blanche Ottawa. This investment enables us to deliver an ambitious, accessible and free artistic program while creating new opportunities for connection between artists, communities and audiences in the heart of the nation's capital. For a new initiative such as ours, this support represents far more than funding; it directly contributes to establishing Nuit Blanche Ottawa as a lasting and unifying cultural event. We are proud to offer residents and visitors meaningful opportunities to engage in contemporary art, celebrate cultural diversity and come together through shared experiences that foster dialogue, inclusion and community."

--Josee Bertrand, President, Executive Director, Nuit Blanche Ottawa

Quick Facts

The Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program provides financial assistance to organizations that promote dialogue on multiculturalism, anti-racism initiatives, racial equity, diversity and inclusion. The program aims to advance institutional and systemic change so that Canada becomes a more inclusive society, free from racism and hate.

Nuit Blanche Ottawa is a not-for-profit organization, active since 2025. Its mission is to create a transformative cultural platform that fosters artistic innovation and nurtures the collective imagination through a free, immersive, nighttime arts festival.

Associated Links

Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program

Nuit Blanche Ottawa

SOURCE Canadian Heritage

Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Hermine Landry, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, [email protected]