Nuit Blanche to expand to Scarborough in 2018 and 2019

Toronto's annual art exhibition, Nuit Blanche,will break new grounds in 2018 and 2019, according to astatement released by the city.

Alyssa Fearon willcurateScarborough'sNuit Blanche and says the event's first outing outside of the downtown core will be exciting and a way to engage the community.

"I'm really optimistic and hopeful that people will just be curious enough that this is the first time and they will want to make it out to see what's happening in Scarborough," Fearon told CBC Radio's Here and Now. "I really want to make sure that the issues focus on the community's needs and issues that are important and relevant to what people there already feel."

Fearon says as a child of immigrants, she didn't see many people like her pursuing the arts when she was growing up. By bringing Nuit Blanche to Scarborough, she says she's trying to make the idea more accessible.

"There's typically the stigma and singular narratives around Scarborough, which we all hear about, but for me, growing up in Scarborough, it's always a place where I felt like there was a lot of creativity happening," she said. "I think this is going to be a really great moment for all of that energy to galvanize in this one night."

'Spotlight' on Scarborough

Thefree contemporary art show displaying projects from hundreds of artists along the streets of Toronto has been running since 2006.

"Scarborough has an incredibly active and vibrant arts scene. It is rich and robust in artists, art venues and art lovers. I'm proud that Nuit Blanche Toronto 2018 will put a spotlight on Scarborough's creative community," Mayor John Tory said in the statement.

The exhibition will seededicated displays at theScarborough Civic Centre, Scarborough Town Centre and neighbouring institutions within the community.

Last year's event drew thousands of visitors who enjoyed themultitude of light-and-sound art installations designed along the theme of Many Possible Futures.

This year's event-wide theme is You Are Here.