INTRODUCTION
The Ship of Tolerance is an ongoing art project by leading international artists Ilya & Emilia Kabakov. This is a transformative initiative designed to foster dialogue and understanding among children from diverse backgrounds. Since its inception in 2005, the Kabakov Foundation and The Ship of Tolerance have ignited meaningful conversations about tolerance, respect, and inclusivity across various communities around the globe.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Ship of Tolerance invites children to explore themes of tolerance, understanding, and community connection. Each participating school, institution, and community group will receive art materials to facilitate their involvement at their own pace. Beginning in January 2026, in groups of 4–5, students will paint their hopes for the future on the canvas provided by the Kabakov Foundation.
The construction of the Ship took place in May 2025, led by professional shipwrights from Manchester, and installed at Gairloch Gardens in Oakville. The ship will be open for public viewing, allowing students, families, and community members to witness the creation of this significant symbol of unity and tolerance. This iteration of workshops will replenish the sails of the Ship.
The workshop component of the project will be divided into three sessions, which may be scheduled according to the teacher's and children's pace throughout the school term.
Session 1 (In your classroom, during the 90 minute workshop):
Led by our art instructors, we will provide teachers and the children with the project overview, points of discussion, and art materials in a 90 minute session.
Students will begin by discussing their personal aspirations, such as goals, as well as their hopes for the future of their communities and the world at large. In sharing their goals with one another, they have the opportunity to realize that all humans have in common the need for love, friendship, and acceptance.
Once they’ve established these commonalities, we then ask them to share the obstacles standing in their way. Though we may all want happiness and security, it is important for us to understand that we all face different challenges in achieving these goals.
Session 2 (In your classroom, during the 90 minute workshop):
The children will then brainstorm solutions to the challenges identified, empowering them to take responsibility for their community and develop creative initiatives. The goal is to have the students think as creatively as possible about how they might define their own roles in promoting a better future for all.
Session 3 (After the 90 minute workshop):
In groups of 4–5, they will paint their hopes for the future on the canvas provided by the Kabakov Foundation. This portion is to be completed at the class’ pace, outside of the 90 minute workshop. Oakville Galleries will provide all materials required to complete this portion of the project.
Sails will then be submitted back to the gallery by April 1, 2026. Approximately 160–180 of the paintings will be chosen for display on the Ship, while the others will either be hung around the host city or preserved for future Ships.
All necessary materials will be provided to complete the project.
WHY PARTICIPATE?
Promote Tolerance and Inclusivity: The Ship of Tolerance is designed to help students embrace their differences and foster a sense of community, encouraging empathy and understanding.
Empower Students: Through guided discussions and creative expression, students will develop actionable solutions to local issues, gaining a sense of agency and ownership over their community’s future.
Artistic Expression: The project culminates in an artistic showcase, where students express their visions of tolerance and hope through various mediums, encouraging creativity and collaboration.
The Ship of Tolerance is presented in collaboration with the Ilya and Emilia Kabakov Foundation, as well as with The National Gallery of Canada. The National Gallery of Canada’s National Engagement initiative is generously supported by Michael Nesbitt, with additional funding from the National Gallery of Canada Foundation.
NEXT STEPS
To discuss this initiative further, please contact us at: education@oakvillegalleries.com.
We are eager to work with you in bringing The Ship of Tolerance to your school and community, and to inspire your students to become ambassadors of tolerance and understanding.
