2 October 2004. Annual nocturnal rendezvous for contemporary art, Nuit Blanche (White Night) gives visitors the opportunity to see exceptional art projects - designed on a city-wide scale - and unusual or symbolic sites shown in an unaccustomed context - throughout the night. Each year international artists are asked to come up with ideas to illustrate their vision of Nuit Blanche the sleepless night. In 2004 this task has fallen to the exhibition curators Ami Barak and Hou Hanru, and to the French composer Nicolas Frize.

Many French and international artists will present a wide range of shows and events, from plastic arts to live performances, video creations and literature readings. 20,000 rollerbladers are also expected for a giant parade. The introduction of sound and contemporary dance are new elements for this third edition.

Three main centres group together the different artistic projects: north, centre and south. This arrangement makes it easier to get around the city, with the emphasis on lighter modes of transport: cycling, rollerblading and walking. It also provides better access for disabled people, one of this years main themes.

Some 600,000 revellers joined in in 2003 and numbers are expected to be equally high this year.