CELEBRATING THE ARTS
LUGO gala relaunches at Remai
In its history, LUGO — a multidisciplinary celebration formerly held at the Mendel Art Gallery — was known for its lively mingling, diverse entertainment and cramped quarters.
This weekend, the party moves to its new home at Remai Modern. Some things have changed, but organizers want to maintain the original spirit of LUGO.
“We often called it the love letter to the city, so it has to engage a large number of artists from our region. We’ve got around 35 to 40 local artists and performers contributing this year. It’s a way for us to celebrate artists working in our community. Bringing everyone together in the museum is also an essential component. It doesn’t quite work the same when we’re not in the museum,” said Troy Gronsdahl, associate curator (live programs).
All 1,200 tickets for the Jan. 13 event have been claimed. Artists have been working in the space since before Christmas to prepare. The lineup includes contemporary dance, music, spoken word poetry and more.
Various performances will unfold throughout the night.
The gallery spaces themselves will not be open, owing to the fact that exhibitions are ongoing. In the past, LUGO was held during show changes when no artwork was on the walls. Remai Modern, however, will host the event in its ample transitional and event spaces on all three floors, including a performance on one of the gallery’s staircases.
In addition to performances,
LUGO also includes a photo booth (sure to document more than a few outlandish outfits) and food and drink from several local restaurants. Past LUGO mainstays like Sushiro and The Hollows return, while new vendors like Picaro and Hometown Diner are joining in for the first time. Picaro’s station will include a cocktail bar.
Music and sound performances will come from 3 Ninjasks, Mehta and Ursa, to name a few. Compact Disk and Tonight It’s Poetry will perform spoken word. KSAMB Dance will showcase a movement piece called Panopticon.
In addition to the novelty of partying in an art gallery, Gronsdahl said the diverse program draws people in.
“Part of it, too, is that it’s one night only. I think it’s a testament to the vibrancy of Saskatoon’s creative and cultural community and the keen interest and curiosity people have about art,” he said.