(
http://www.eventsedmonton.ca/metropo...etropoliss.png)
Since the introduction of Muk Luk Mardi Gras in 1967, there has been a desire to stage a festival during the colder months in the Edmonton Capital Region. A number of winter celebrations are currently produced from December through March. The list includes New Year’s Eve Downtown, Winter Light, and Ice on White, just to name a few. However, there is nothing staged in the downtown that runs for an extended period of time. Based on historical initiatives and the redevelopment of Sir Winston Churchill Square, the time is right to launch a winter event in the downtown that runs over the course of several weeks.
Events Edmonton, which has produced festivals for 43 years, presents METROPOLIS an event that will be staged on Sir Winston Churchill Square and the surrounding streets.
31 December 2011- 20 February 2012
Sir Winston Churchill Square
Edmonton, AB Canada
It will consist of six free-standing, heated temporary structures made from Aluma Systems construction scaffolding covered with white shrink wrap. This technique is based on cold climate construction technology and will offer a sheltered atmosphere suitable for normal winter conditions in the Edmonton Capital Region. In the inaugural year architects from Canada and the USA have been invited by Events Edmonton to design the pavilions. In subsequent years an international design competition will be staged. This will foster a competitive spirit and ensure that the structures will change annually. The design will include a multi-media presentation consisting of visuals and sound. The festival will be green and sustainable with the majority of the materials being rented.
The festival will start with a New Year’s Eve celebration on the 31 st of December and run every weekend through the Family Day weekend in mid-February. The upper interior space of the sculptural forms will feature an artistic, multi-media light and sound show utilizing 21 st century new media. A variety of activities including winter food, music, live entertainment and interactive exhibits will be offered. The exhibit and interactive program spaces will operate on Friday evening and weekends for the first year. This will provide an opportunity for Albertans outside Edmonton to enjoy the festival. The program will expand in subsequent years as the interest grows and Metropolis takes hold of the winter festival season in the Edmonton Capital Region.
Official Site
http://www.eventsedmonton.ca/metropolis2/About.html
CBC Webcam of Churchill
http://www.cbc.ca/edmonton/webcam/webcam-lrg.html
cheers