Photo: nuitblancheto on Instagram

With Nuit Blanche 2016 slated to hit Toronto on October 1, local art enthusiasts can expect to see the streets of the 6ix come to life with overnight exhibits. Toronto’s annual free contemporary art event is once again set to showcase a variety of installations from sunset to sunrise. Nuit Blanche marks its 11^th edition this year, and is slated to include 90 exhibits from 300 Canadian and international artists.

Photo: nuitblancheto on Instagram 

For 2016, Nuit Blanche features the Oblivion project, which will take place at Nathan Phillips Square and City Hall. Curated by York University professor Janine Marchessault and cultural historian Michael Prokopow, Oblivion explores a theme of science fiction. The exhibit examines the death of the sun, which is expected to destruct many years into the future. Oblivion features an enormous 45 foot globe, meant to represent the galaxy that surrounds us.

Meanwhile, Nuit Blanche curator Camille Hong Xin presents her And the Transformation Reveals exhibit on Bay Street. Inspired by the work of Bohemian-Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke, this exhibit claims to take a closer look at the concept of metamorphosis.

Toronto’s waterfront will also be illuminated with artwork, with the Facing the Sky exhibit set to take over from Bay Street to Harbourfront Centre. Curator Louise Déry’s latest initiative is said to involve 10 different projects, which are all inspired by the beauty of the nighttime sky.

Nuit Blanche will also consist of a number of collaborative and independent partner projects. Laneway Canopy: Public Living Space looks at a theme of architecture in the urban environment, and is curated by intern architect and artist Mark Francis.

Meanwhile, cinematographer Micha Dahan’s Cymatic Theremin project pays tribute to the theremin, the first-ever electronic musical instrument. The exhibit promises to visualize sound, and will allow visitors to have a hands-on experience.

Whether you’re in the mood for sci-fi inspired artwork or a deeper look at musical and architectural themes, Nuit Blanche 2016 just may satisfy your creative curiosity.