HDSB Students Create Artwork for the Ship of Tolerance
HDSB students are taking part in the Ship of Tolerance, a project created by the Ilya & Emilia Kabakov Foundation “to promote art as a medium for communication and cooperation between diverse cultures while nurturing the growth and development of young artists in all disciplines.” Since its inception in 2005, The Ship of Tolerance has traveled the world, sparking conversations about inclusion and cooperation.
Oakville Galleries will be exhibiting The Ship of Tolerance in Gairloch Gardens, and will be unveiling the work in a public celebration on May 31, 2025. The ship’s sails will be made from artwork created by local students during school-based workshops. In May 2025, professional shipwrights from Manchester will arrive in Oakville to begin building the ship at Gairloch Gardens. The construction will be open to the public, giving students, families, and visitors a chance to witness the structure come to life. In total, approximately 160–180 student paintings will be chosen to adorn the ship, with others displayed throughout Oakville or preserved for future exhibitions.
Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Edith Dumont visited a Grade 7 class at W.H. Morden PS to observe one of these workshops in action, which invites students to reflect on their hopes for the future, explore shared values and creatively express their visions through art. Students engaged in guided discussions, brainstormed solutions to real-world challenges and worked in small groups to create painted sails that could be featured on the ship installation. Students from E.J. James PS have also participated in workshops, and will be submitting artwork to contribute to the project.
HDSB Superintendent of Education Eleanor McIntosh was in attendance at W.H. Morden PS while students experienced one of the art workshops.
“The Ship of Tolerance encourages students to consider the hopes and dreams of students with diverse cultural and lived experiences.” says Superintendent McIntosh. “Seeing the world through the viewpoint of another is critical toward understanding the cultural mosaic that exists in Canada and building a more peaceful world. Listening and talking with the students at W.H. Morden served as a source of inspiration for what is possible. Making connections between curriculum and community projects such as this is how we realize the power of potential beyond the classroom.”
W.H. Morden PS teacher Lisa Kosmack “jumped at the opportunity” for intermediate students to participate in the Ship of Tolerance workshop. “With its mission to educate and unite youth from diverse countries and cultures through art, I knew the project offered our students a meaningful platform - not only to express their artistic talents, but also to share their unique perspectives on hope, acceptance and visions for a better future."
E.J. James PS principal Deb Van Hees believes that the Ship of Tolerance project “offers very meaningful connections to the ongoing work that we are doing as a school to develop the critical skills of empathy and inclusion, so that our students are equipped to become members of the greater community where everyone feels a sense of belonging, value and connection.”
By participating in The Ship of Tolerance, HDSB students will not only create powerful artwork—they will help build a legacy of compassion, creativity and collaboration. This initiative shows how art can promote togetherness, which directly supports the Kindness, Connection and Community area of focus in the HDSB 2024–2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan. Through meaningful collaboration and creative expression, students are empowered to develop empathy, build positive relationships and contribute to more connected communities. The Ship of Tolerance exemplifies the HDSB’s commitment to fostering a culture of care where every student feels seen and valued.
