MONTREAL, Feb. 3 /CNW/ - In its third year, Art Souterrain, presented by Scotiabank in collaboration with Quebecor, will be transforming Montreal's underground for a night of contemporary art and culture.

Art Souterrain kicks off on February 26 from 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. as part of Nuit Blanche during the Montreal High Lights Festival. This year Art Souterrain will bring two additional kilometers of space to help the public discover art in Montreal's underground. The exhibit will continue through to Sunday, March 13, 2011.

"For the third year, Art Souterrain will bring contemporary art to Montreal for an all-night event that helps make art more accessible," said Diane Giard, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Quebec and Eastern Ontario Region. "At Scotiabank, we are committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work and are very proud of the contribution that Art Souterrain is making in our community."

Recognized as 'Best Event in the City' in 2010 by Destination Downtown, Art Souterrain is as bold as they come.  The event transforms Montreal's underground city by exhibiting 108 projects by contemporary artists mostly from Quebec, through photos, videos, performances and installations.  This year's event takes over two underground metro stations and 14 exhibition areas throughout six kilometers of art stretching from Place des Arts to Complexe Les Ailes, and into this year's new exhibition space: Complexe Desjardins, Montreal's Exchange Tower, and Central Station. 

Art Souterrain is an event that brings both artists and Montrealers together, and showcases a growing artistic community providing both artist and spectator with an amazing opportunity to experience art and the city together in a different light. Throughout Nuit Blanche, 100 artists and 200 volunteers will help navigate the public.  Spectators will also be able to use the new iPhone App launched this year to help guide them through the various exhibits.

About Art Souterrain

Art Souterrain is a Non-Profit Organization whose mandate is to promote and circulate contemporary art, and offer cultural diversity to Montreal's underground city. Ultimately, Art Souterrain wishes to integrate this environment on a regular basis by revealing an annual schedule of exhibitions. Moreover, the goal is to unite the entire visual arts community by identifying and bringing together its key players around specific activities. For more information please visit us at www.artsouterrain.com.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad.  Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $44 million annually to community causes around the world over the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

Frédéric Loury - Founder and Commissioner of Art Souterrain                                              
Karine -Michèle Dion - Project Coordinator
Art Souterrain : info line : 514 380-5096