The Ship of Tolerance Sails into Canada with Message of Peace and Diversity

By Nikhil Nikhil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

A vibrant wooden vessel docked in Oakville is drawing attention and sparking conversations about unity, inclusion and hope.

The Ship of Tolerance, an international art installation by renowned artists Ilya and Emilia Kabakov, has been open to the public for a week and a half and will remain on display until Sept. 30, 2025. The installation aims to educate and connect youth from diverse backgrounds through the language of art.

First launched in Siwa, Egypt, in 2005, the project involved children living near the Libyan border. Since then, the boat has travelled to 17 cities around the world — including Venice, Miami, Moscow, Zug, and London — and now Oakville.

“The Ship of Tolerance has been realized in over a dozen cities around the world over the past twenty years,” said Orliana Morag, director of the Kabakov Foundation.

Oakville Galleries has played a central role in bringing the project to the community, organizing workshops with 2,000 local children, coordinating with international partners, and facilitating the shipbuilders’ arrival from Manchester.

“Many children expressed pride and excitement at seeing their artwork featured in a large-scale public installation,” said Shannon Ye, communications manager for Oakville Galleries.

The city was selected for its ongoing relationship with the Kabakov Foundation and its commitment to public art. Morag noted that cities are often chosen based on social issues they face — from U.S.–Cuba relations in Miami and Havana to refugee resettlement in Zug and environmental awareness in London.

“Director of Oakville Galleries has worked on various projects with Ilya and Emilia Kabakov going back about twenty years,” said Morag. “When he invited us to bring the Ship to Oakville, we jumped at the chance to partner with him, his incredible staff at Oakville Galleries, and the National Gallery of Canada.”

“Oakville Galleries initiated the presentation of The Ship of Tolerance in Oakville as part of its commitment to public art and community engagement,” said Ye.

Visitors have praised the exhibition for its creativity and meaningful message.

“It’s nice to see the space used for something different and unique, and especially the message is really good for the community,” said Oakville resident David Sandison.

Another visitor said she learned about the installation from the local library and called the ship a “marvellous” expression of beauty and compassion. “This type of art should be shared with everyone to encourage tolerance, kindness and inclusivity,” she said.

Morag emphasized that children often have a clearer, more open-minded view of the world than adults.

“They see past borders and superficial differences and are willing to engage with one another on a deeper level — one that explores both shared aspirations and shared fears,” she said.

For many in Oakville, the exhibition offers a first-time experience with global public art and a reminder of the shared humanity that connects communities worldwide.