Conceived by USSR-born American husband and wife team of artists Ilya (1933-2023) and Emilia Kabakov (born 1945), “The Ship of Tolerance” is a 60-foot long, hand-crafted wooden ship dedicated to educating and inspiring young people through the universal language of art. The sail is made up of pieces of fabric with vibrant (and meaningful) artworks that instantly attract viewers. We find hearts, suns, globes, rainbows, and more, used to convey messages of peaceful coexistence.

First launched in Egypt in 2005, The Ship of Tolerance has subsequently been created in various locations around the world including Venice, Havana, Moscow, New York and Rome. The project was awarded the prestigious Cartier Prize for the Best Art Project of the Year in 2010.

The project’s unique potency emerges via a curated workshop programme with primary schools, refugee groups and cultural organisations in which children paint silk panels to make sails for The Ship of Tolerance based on their discussion of diversity and the agency ideas gain through art.

The project begins with an outreach to schoolchildren ages 5 to 18 to discuss the meaning of tolerance and the merits of other cultures, races, and ideas. For three weeks they work with local teaching artists to expand their own cultural, creative, and academic horizons. At the end of the workshop period, children draw pictures, some of which will become part of the installation. Children view the ship’s construction — and meet young carpenter apprentices who build the boat. Selected paintings created by the children form the giant sail, hoisted atop the just constructed ship. The entire process takes 3-4 weeks, and during that time, hundreds of visitors come by daily to view the construction, learn about the project, and be inspired by its message.

The ship’s launch is the project’s climax. Beautifully lit, the ship creates an atmosphere of joy and celebration for participants, including children, supporters, friends, local community leaders and the general public.

The ship’s construction and launch entail: (1). Extensive coverage in local news, arts, and education media, (2). A collaboration of a large number of community-based organizations, (3). The direct participation of 300 youths painting the sails, (4). Dozens of teenagers as Ambassadors to the project, and 1,000+ visitors per day viewing the construction.

The Ship of Tolerance is presented by the Ilya and Emilia Kabakov Foundation that was founded by the two artists 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. It fulfills this mission by supporting art projects and dedicated art students, who share in the ideals. The initiative shares a quote by the 13th-century Iranian poet Saadi to highlight its purpose: “Human beings are members of a whole, / In creation of one essence and soul. / If one member is afflicted with pain, / Other members uneasy will remain. / If you’ve no sympathy for human pain, / The name of human you cannot retain.”

Links: Website (shipoftolerance.org) | Instagram (www.instagram.com/shipoftolerance)

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