NEWPORT, Ky. — BLINK, one of the world's largest public art shows, is set to illuminate even more corners of the region by expanding its art over the river from Cincinnati into Newport.

BLINK is back this year and will be brighter than ever. Organizers of the outdoor art and light show announced it will be expanding further into Northern Kentucky, with installations in Newport for the first time and in Covington again.

Justin Brookhart, director of BLINK, said he can’t believe how much the exhibit has grown, with nearly 1,000 artist applications being submitted this year compared to the 250 it received in 2022.

"We had just an overwhelmingly positive response to the (artists) wanting to be involved in this year's event, so it's really hard to decide which installations we were going to bring to BLINK this year," he said. "But we're thrilled by the curation. We're thrilled by the level of talent, both locally and internationally, that have raised their hand and said that they want to help light up Cincinnati (and) Northern Kentucky here in October.”

The festival is an outdoor art phenomenon with 100 installations, including large-scale projection mappings, murals and interactive light sculptures and art. 

In 2022, according to BLINK Economic Impact Report, the event hosted more than two million attendees and saw a direct economic impact of $126 million. It also created more than 1,600 jobs, and generated $1.5 million.

Christine Lankford, who specializes in shadow puppetry, was selected to be in this year’s exhibit for the first time. She said she’s excited to bring something new.

"I'm doing a colored shadow installation; it's very interactive," Lankford said. "It's basically, with the music, you and your body in between the colored lights and the projection screen. You're the act; you're the show." 

Additional information about the festival can be found on its website.