Government of Canada Supports Nuit Blanche Ottawa with $20,000 Funding

On September 26, 2026, the Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester, announced that the Government of Canada would provide $20,000 in funding for Nuit Blanche Ottawa’s event, Dialogues lumineux: Cultures en conversation contre le racisme. This funding is provided through the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program and is intended to support immersive nighttime programming that celebrates culture and promotes intercultural understanding.

The event is developed in partnership with eight embassies from Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Its programming will include panels, interactive workshops, activities, and works of art. These elements are designed to foster dialogue and provide opportunities for participants to engage with diverse cultures.

Dialogues lumineux: Cultures en conversation contre le racisme is part of the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of Ottawa. According to Mona Fortier, the event brings the community together, sparks meaningful conversations, and celebrates the diversity of cultures that contribute to the vibrancy of the city.

The funding aims to help ensure the continued growth of the event and to strengthen Ottawa’s dynamic cultural communities. Mona Fortier emphasized that the support will help the event continue to develop and serve the community.

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, stated that the government is proud to support Nuit Blanche’s immersive nighttime experiences. He highlighted that arts and culture have the power to unite people, bring communities closer, and strengthen shared identity and values.

Josee Bertrand, President and Executive Director of Nuit Blanche Ottawa, expressed gratitude for the support from the Government of Canada through Canadian Heritage. She noted that the investment enables the organization to deliver an ambitious, accessible, and free artistic program, creating new opportunities for connection between artists, communities, and audiences in Ottawa.

Bertrand also stated that for a new initiative like Nuit Blanche Ottawa, this support is more than just funding. It contributes to establishing the event as a lasting and unifying cultural occasion, offering 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.