Nuit Connects
Established in 2019, Nuit Connects is a relationship-building and knowledge-sharing program. It is inspired by the solid and impassioned commitment to community, mentorship and reciprocity demonstrated by Scarborough participants in the inaugural Nuit Blanche in Scarborough in 2018. The program is designed for early to mid-career Scarborough-based artists and collectives who have previously participated in Nuit Blanche Toronto.
At the core of this program is reciprocity and relationship-building: while artists benefit from various mentorship and educational offerings, the City of Toronto, Doris McCarthy Gallery and their communities also gain insights from the artist or artists. This program focuses on supporting the artist’s overall practice, professional development and expanding their creative network.
2025 Artists
Esmond Lee
Esmond Lee is an artist, scholar and architect based in Scarborough, Toronto. He holds a Master of Architecture from University of Toronto and has practised as an architect for over a decade before returning to academia to pursue a Doctorate in Critical Geography from York University. Drawing from these diverse professional, academic, and personal backgrounds, Lee examines themes that include migration, identity, belonging, and nuanced cultural and political borders in the built environment. He was Toronto Public Library Woodside Square Mall’s first Artist-in-Residence where he produced a community-driven photobook. His recent public artworks include installations featured in Union Station (2023 to 2025), Nuit Blanche Toronto (2019, 2022) at Scarborough Town Centre, and for CONTACT Photography Festival at Malvern Town Centre. Lee is currently creating an ongoing, long term project about Scarborough entitled Below the City. His works are in the permanent collection of The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Michael Garron Hospital and Doris McCarthy Gallery. Lee is supported by the Toronto, Ontario and Canada art councils.
Yaw Tony
Yaw Tony is a multi-talented curator, artist and designer based in Toronto, with a background in architecture, graphic design and fine art. His work spans product design, creative consulting and visual storytelling, earning him numerous accolades, including the CAFA Award (2023) and the Black Designers of Canada Award of Excellence (2021).
Tony’s projects have been featured globally, from the Vetra Design Museum in Germany to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain. His work has appeared in leading publications such as Fashion Magazine and Designlines. As the founder of Lim, he explores textile and visual communication art.
At the heart of Tony’s practice is an exploration of colors and their emotional impact, aiming to create spaces that connect deeply with people. His art also delves into existential questions, encouraging introspection and personal growth. Through his work, Tony invites individuals to discover their true selves and embrace their unique leadership potential.
Past Artists
Past artists supported by Nuit Connects were Noor Khan in 2023, Whyishnave Suthagar in 2022, Mark Stoddart in 2020 and R.I.S.E. in 2019.
Partners
