With Cape Breton Island’s only contemporary arts festival coming up on September 27th, 28th and 29th, we’ve created a “How to” guide to help you make the most of the Lumière Arts Festival. 1. Get the guide. Lumière festival guides are now available at locations in downtown Sydney. Grab a guide and plan your Lumière ahead of time. (It’s also available for download at www.lumierecb.com!) 2. Lumière is three days long! Although the festival is best known for the big art-at-night spectacle in downtown Sydney, organizers have arranged workshops and artist talks in the two days prior to the art-at-night event. Be sure to take in the Character Creation Workshop with Sheila Christie on September 27th at the Cooperative Study Club at 5:30pm. The following day, artist Michelle Sylliboy will be offering a Komqwejwi’kaskil (Heiroglyphics) Workshop from 2:00-4:00pm. On Friday evening, join us at St. Patrick’s Museum from 6:30-8:00pm for the Lumière Artist Talks. 3. Be curious! Embrace your inner child and become an explorer! As adults, we’re very concerned with getting from point A to point B as efficiently and quickly as possible. Lumière is your chance to slow down and seek out weird and wonderful artistic projects. Open your mind and watch familiar downtown spaces transform into something completely new. Wear comfortable shoes, bring an extra layer, and enjoy! 4. Talk to the artists. While you’re “oohing” and “awwing” at the art, make a point to talk to the artist. Don’t be shy! Ask them questions and take advantage of the deep talent presented at Lumière. 5. Be on time. Lumière’s art-at-night event will kick off with a lantern parade beginning in front of the YMCA. Be downtown at 6:57 sharp! Following the parade, there are a myriad of scheduled performances taking place throughout the art-at-night event. Flip through your guide and do your best to make it to every performance the night has to offer! 6. Bring the family! Lumière is free and begins before bedtime! Some projects in the festival are designed by kids, for kids. Other projects, though not necessarily designed for kids, will still excite, engage, inspire, and maybe even confound. 7. The party doesn’t stop at midnight! True Lumière keeners know that the fun doesn’t stop at 11:57pm. St. George’s Hall will be hosting the official 19+ Lumière after party! They’ll be keeping the spirit of Lumière alive until 2am following the big art-at-night event on September 29th. There you have it. With these insider-tips, you’re set to have a successful Lumière Arts Festival! Head over to www.lumierecb.com for the festival guide, artist bios, the art-at-night map, and much more!