About
Congratulations to Anne-Marie Jackson of the Toronto Star for winning first place in the News Photographer’s Association of Canada contest for this multi-media project about MYTORONTO.
What is MYTORONTO?
MYTORONTO is a photography contest and calendar project through which participants gain experience in taking pictures, connect with a community of peers, learn new skills and receive recognition. The winning photographers will receive cash prizes and their photographs will be used in a MYTORONTO 2019 calendar and photo exhibit.
The inspiration for MYTORONTO comes from the MYLONDON photography project organized by Café Art, a social enterprise which connects people affected by homelessness with the wider community through their art. There are now MYCITY projects in Manchester, England; New Orleans, Louisiana; São Paulo, Brazil; and Sydney, Australia.
Why MYTORONTO?
MYTORONTO goes beyond artistry as it seeks to challenge the public’s perspectives on the systemic issues of poverty and homelessness in our city. MYTORONTO aims to:
- Inspire 100 people affected by homelessness to create sustainable change in their lives through confidence building and the acquisition of photography and sales skills.
- Encourage participants to partake in a photography contest and calendar project.
- Empower 13 winning photographers, featured in the calendar, through speaking engagements and the recognition of their talent.
- Provide part-time income for photographers and other vendors through the sale of the calendar.
How does MYTORONTO work?
MYTORONTO, a program organized by Ve’ahavta, with support from other agencies, companies and individuals:
- Recruits people affected by homelessness to participate in the photography contest.
- Offers creative workshops in collaboration with staff from Habitat Services and Inner City Family Health Team.
- Provides single-use cameras, donated by Fuji, to the photographers who will be asked to photograph the world around them.
- Convenes a jury of photography experts and influencers who will select approximately 40 photos to be included in a public exhibit and choose the 13 winning photos that will be featured in a 2019 MYTORONTOcalendar.
- Launches the MYTORONTO calendar at a Public Exhibition to take place in October 2018.
- Trains and facilitates participants to sell the calendar, which will provide them with part-time income.
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Ve’ahavta
For over 20 years, Ve’ahavta has been responding to the needs of homeless and vulnerable people through innovative programs that work to end the cycle of poverty.
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