MARKHAM, Ont. — Children Believe, a new photography exhibition commissioned by Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (CCFC), reveals children overcoming hardship to thrive in school, dream fearlessly and realize their right to be heard, included and empowered. The exhibition can be seen at Arta Gallery, Toronto from May 22 to June 5, as part of the prestigious Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival.
“Children Believe expresses the strength and hope of children and families living in vulnerable communities around the world,” says Patrick Canagasingham, CEO, CCFC. “Regardless of their circumstances, children want to do well in school, succeed in life and become productive adults. Visitors to the show will experience the unconquerable spirit of children to believe in themselves and in their future.”
Juris Kornets, a Toronto-based documentary photographer, travelled to six countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas from 2017 to 2018 capturing CCFC’s work. His photography has been exhibited in galleries around the world; this assignment was a life-changing experience.
“This two-year project with CCFC has actually changed my outlook a lot,” says Kornets. “I had access to areas, people and communities that most of us simply would not be able to see in their lifetime.”
CCFC’s Canagasingham is proud of how Kornets’ photos represent the resiliency and optimism of children. “This is the first time CCFC has commissioned a photography exhibition to portray the children, families and communities where we work,” he says. “We believe a child’s voice should be heard. And if a picture says a thousand words, then this exhibition says even more. It speaks to how children can do anything when they are empowered to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. At the same time, Juris’ photos show that more needs to be done to help children everywhere realize their basic human rights with education as a leading factor in determining their future success.”
The Children Believe opening reception, free to the public, is being held Thursday, May 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Arta Gallery, Distillery District, 55 Mill Street, Toronto. Along with a chance to meet the photographer, CCFC’s CEO and other CCFC representatives, guests can enter a draw for a chance to win one of the mounted photos in the exhibition.
The Children Believe photo exhibition, May 22 to June 5, is open for visitors from Monday to Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.