25 party pictures from inside Luminato 2015’s surreal opening night gala

by Randi Bergman June 19, 2015

When a festival is self-described as being “for people open to having art change their outlook on the world,” you can bet its opening night will be something along the lines of spectacular. And at Luminato Festival’s fundraising gala last night in Toronto, it was.

For the second year in a row, the festival chose an abandoned east end generating station, The Hearn, for the raw setting of its gala kickoff party. The theme, “nature versus industry,” took form with a garden party set up for dinner guests within the raw space, complete with chirping bird sounds and custom-made Plexiglas swings lining the entrance. Tables were set with edible herb centerpieces (guests were encouraged to use gardening shears), while the chocolate cake dessert came as a potted plant. Even some raccoons showed up, invited or otherwise.

As has become tradition since Jörn Weisbrodt took over as Luminato’s artistic director back in 2012, the festival’s roster of talent includes several high profile artists, many of who were present last night: Actress Charlotte Rampling will take part in 7 Monologues this weekend, singer Nelly Furtado hits David Byrne’s Contemporary Color on Monday, while artist Geoffrey Farmer unveils his public installation Look in my face; my name is Might-have-been; I am also called No-more, Too-late, Farewell in Trinity Bellwoods Park this afternoon.

The Luminato Festival runs June 19-28, 2015. Check out a complete list of events at luminatofestival.com.