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The decision to postpone the festival was not made lightly, according to Navackas, who said she understands some individuals, especially artists who were hoping to show their work, may be upset by it.

“We know that there’s some people that are disappointed . . . we are too,” she said. “But the logistics behind (moving) something like that is quite extensive.”

Thomas Sayers, a local budding artist, participated in last year’s Nuit Blanche with a piece called Ask Me. It involved a typewriter, some paper and strangers who used the now-outdated technology to ask questions and communicate with each other through type.

Sayers said it was the first time he had been involved in anything like Nuit Blanche where he was surrounded by fellow artists and art-enthusiasts.

“I really appreciated that Nuit Blanche was happening . . . that there was a whole night dedicated to exploring downtown in a new way . . . and seeing other creative people in London doing their thing,” Sayers said. “It was really cool for me to be a part of that . . . to see my work in there with all the others.”

Sayers said while he is sad the festival won’t be put on this year, he understands the limitations organizers are facing.

“I would like for it to happen, but I get that it can’t. Life gets in the way,” Sayers said. “I’m not heartbroken or anything . . . I mean, it’ll happen next year.”

And the festival is indeed expected to return in full force in 2019, Navackas said. She said she is excited for the changes coming to the street and thinks there will be many benefits that Dundas Place will bring to Nuit Blanche.

“I do feel badly for the artists that thought they may want to participate this year,” Navackas said. “However, this just gives them another year to create bigger and better work.”

shmehta@postmedia.com

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