LUGO a love letter to Saskatoon's vibrant cultural scene

A night described as a love letter to Saskatoon's vibrant cultural scene is finding its new home in the Remai Modern, as the one-night LUGO event brings audience a night melding music, visual art, poetry and dance.

"Saskatoon's art scene is really cool because Saskatoon is large enough to have an art scene, that's developed and developing," said poet Dash Reimer. But at the same time, the city is small enough that people are familiar with each other, giving events like LUGO a "homely and experimental" feel at the same time, he says.

The Jan. 13 event sold out of all 1,300 tickets in its first time being held in Saskatoon's new gallery, with performances taking place on every level of the building.

Reimer and fellow poet Caragana Ennis, together known as Compact Disk, took the time to speak to Saskatchewan Weekend host Shauna Powers about their part in the event.

I really like the idea, the sense of them having ownership of the piece that gets created.- Caragana Ennis, poet

Over the course of the night, the pair planned to roam the gallery, talking to each of the guests about their idea of home. Remai Modern staff would also follow with special markers to inspire further contributions words, thoughts and images that represent ideas of home, to become part of the art of the night itself.

"I really like the idea, the sense of them having ownership of the piece that gets created," said Ennis. "For the people who are the body, the heart of this event, who are all going to be there, to actually be creating the art themselves is very fitting."

RemaiModern, a cultural home

As a new addition to Saskatoon, the Remai itself has become a home, one to arts and cultural events like LUGO, and Reimer said Saskatoon residents are finding thata source of pride.

"We love our little moments of glory. I think the Remai is kind of a cool beacon for that," he said, noting the structure itself has been hailed for its architectural design, and is impossible to miss as people drive alongside the river.

He says it's a sign Saskatoon values art and is pushing art forward.

"I think that's kind of inspiring thing to have placed in your city."