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MISSISSAUGA, ON, February 19, 2010 – Mayor David Miller, Councillor Raymond Cho (Ward 42 Scarborough-Rouge River) and Canon Canada President and CEO Kevin Ogawa joined project participants last night at Toronto City Hall to celebrate the work of all the entrants in the Our City, Our Stories powered by Canon photography contest – and to announce the contest’s top three winners.
“My congratulations to the contest winners and project participants,” said Mayor David Miller. “This project is a terrific example of how the City is accessing and nurturing the artistic talents of Toronto’s youth in our Priority Neighbourhoods. The high quality of all the photo series submissions speaks to the success of this endeavour.”
The first place winner of the Our City, Our Stories powered by Canon contest is 20-year-old Thorncliffe Park resident Jawad Mashuque, whose series City in Perpetual Motion is a vibrant visualization of the energy of the city. The second place winner is 17-year-old Scarborough resident Mapela Uhindu-Gingala, whose series These are the Fables of my City of Toronto creatively captures her love of the arts in various downtown settings. The third place winner is 18-year-old North York resident Kevin Graham. His series Dance with the Shadows imaginatively combines and contrasts movement and light. From February to December 2009, 152 digital photography workshops were held in Toronto schools and community centres.
“At Canon, our corporate philosophy of kyosei – which means living and working together for the common good – directs all of our actions,” said Canon Canada President and CEO Kevin Ogawa. “This exhibit and the partnership between Canon, the City of Toronto and the various arts organizations, is a perfect example of kyosei in action. We are very proud of the student’s efforts and invite everyone to see what great creativity exists throughout Toronto.”
Our City, Our Stories powered by Canon is a City of Toronto and Canon Canada community arts project and photography contest aimed at building youth skills in the digital arts, visual storytelling, self expression, engagement and leadership in their communities. Nearly 200 submissions were received from youth in the city’s Priority Neighbourhoods for Investment. The top ten finalists work (chosen by a jury) is now being shown at Toronto City Hall’s Rotunda until February 21, 2010. This free exhibition will then move to the Etobicoke Civic Centre from March 11 to 25 and to the Scarborough Civic Centre from April 12 to 21.
The top three winners each received a Canon SLR camera and a Canon photo printer. The first place winner also has the opportunity to have his winning entry purchased by the City’s Fine Art Collection as well as the opportunity for an internship (with honorarium) with the City of Toronto’s Arts Services. The second place winner also receives a gift certificate of up to $200 for photography related materials or instruction. The remaining seven of the top ten finalists all received a Canon point and shoot camera.
Our City, Our Stories powered by Canon is an initiative of Toronto’s Economic Development and Culture division and Canon Canada produced in association with Arts Etobicoke, Lakeshore Arts, the Scarborough Arts Council and the UrbanArts Community Arts Council.
More information on this program is available online at:
http://www.toronto.ca/culture/arts-services/our_city_our_stories.htm
The top ten winner’s photo series’ can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ourcityourstories/sets/
About Canon Canada Inc.
Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company employs 1,200 people at its offices nation-wide, servicing the Canadian market from coast to coast. Innovation and cutting-edge technology have been essential ingredients in Canon’s success. Canon’s leadership in imaging, optical and document management technology and solutions is based in large part on the thousands of patents the company has secured throughout its history. For the 16th consecutive year, Canon Inc. is among the top three US patent recipients.
The company’s comprehensive product line includes networked multifunction devices; digital copiers (colour and black and white); printers, scanners, image filing systems and facsimile machines; calculators, digital camcorders, digital and analogue cameras and lenses; semiconductor, broadcast and other specialized industrial products.
Canon supports programs that help preserve and protect the environment. The company instituted the Clean Earth Campaign in 1990, which assists various environmental and recycling initiatives. The Campaign has also supported leading environmental organizations, such as World Wildlife Fund – Canada and the Canon Envirothon.
For more information, visit www.canon.ca
About the City of Toronto
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents. For information about non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
