Celebrating the arts is a great way to bring people together and engage with our community. Research shows that by participating in an arts event is a great way to build social connections, reduce isolation and improve mental wellbeing. 

As such, VicHealth been a proud supporter of White Night since 2014 and has commissioned works that focus on fun, accessible and participatory opportunities for Victorians to celebrate culture and creativity.

In 2014 and 2015 VicHealth supported the I Could Have Danced All Night events produced by Ausdance Victoria, first in Federation Square and then in Latrobe Street. These 12 hour extravaganzas showcased a smorgasbord of dance styles that kept the crowds on their feet and busting a move until the crack of dawn.

In 2016 our attention shifted to Melbourne Museum Plaza with Circus Circus, a celebration of Victoria's long history of circus with international and local artists performing an exhilarating 12 hour program that featured gravity defying acrobatics, heart-stopping aerials and breathtaking feats of physicality, strength and daring.

The introduction of the first regional White Night in 2017 saw VicHealth bring both style and stamina to Melbourne and Ballarat. With Swing City teams of dancers in period attire had the crowds’ boogieing all night to Big Band music from the '30s, '40s and '50s.

At White Night Ballarat in 2018 VicHealth support Wish Tree, an interactive and participatory light sculpture through which people could share their thoughts by writing them on light sensitive leaves.

2019 has seen White Night Melbourne Reimagined, moving date and significantly changing in format. At this year’s event we will be supporting the This Girl Can Walking Tour. From each of the three precincts – Birrarung Marr, Treasury Gardens and Carlton Gardens – and at regular intervals across the evening groups will begin roving the various artworks, demonstrating that physical activity is an intrinsic part of cultural participation.

Events like White Night provide us with opportunities to create connections, to reflect on our community identity and diversity, and to experience joy and wonder. In this way participating in community celebrations and festivals make a positive impact on mental wellbeing at individual and collective levels.