News Release
November 17, 2020

Winners of Scarborough’s New View Photo Contest will be announced tonight, Tuesday, November 17 at 6 p.m. on Facebook and YouTube Live.

The photo contest, in partnership with Scarborough Arts, received more than 3,700 entries from new and experienced photographers who captured photos of people, places and things in Scarborough. The photo contest was led by Scarborough Arts with support from the City of Toronto, the Ontario Arts Council, and XVXY Photo.

Mayor John Tory and Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre) led City Council in commissioning the photo contest after media reported that when you Googled Scarborough an image of a broken down, decrepit house came up – which is in no way a representation of Scarborough. The motion can be found online.

The virtual photo contest award presentation will be co-hosted by Deputy Mayor Thompson. Winners were selected by a jury comprised of local Scarborough-based artists and photographers, Anique Jordan and Esmond Lee, and led by Toronto’s Photo Laureate, Michèle Pearson Clarke. Anthony Gebrehiwot, a noted photographer, community leader and social entrepreneur was appointed as the creative lead for the photo contest.

Scarborough’s New View Photo Contest details and announced winners will be available at toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/photo-laureate/, scarborougharts.com/anewview and scarboroughphoto.ca.

Quotes:

“Scarborough is a proud part of our city. The thousands of entries in this contest demonstrate the pride residents have in Scarborough and the beauty of this area. I encourage people to view the many photos that showcase Scarborough in this contest. There has been tremendous transformation underway in the Scarborough community in recent years with much passion, support and leadership from my council colleagues representing wards in Scarborough. This photo contest has been a great opportunity to engage the community through photography and highlight the creativity, vibrancy, diversity and strength of Scarborough.”
– Mayor John Tory

“Scarborough’s New View Photo Contest engaged our community in a singular challenge: to present a new ‘camera’s eye’ view of our region that topples old clichés and broadens the public understanding of our community. The contest uncovered many previously untold visual stories that, when combined with a fresh look at our unique urban environment, deliver an authentic presentation of the creativity, diversity and resilience of our neighbourhoods.”
– Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee

“Judging this contest was pure joy for the jury. There were so many compelling images that told different stories about Scarborough, and it was a pleasure to discuss and debate them with each other. We want to thank all of the entrants for sharing their work with us.”
– Photo Laureate, Michèle Pearson Clarke

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Media Relations