We Are Here exhibition announced the Festival of Tolerance program
The official opening of the exhibition entitled We Are Here took place on January 18 on Petar Preradović Square in Zagreb. It is a result of the collaboration between the Festival of Tolerance and the Croatian Union of Youth and Students with Disabilities (SUMSI). The exhibition aims to raise awareness about the life of people with disabilities and the portraits through the artistic vision of the photographers Mare Milin, Stanko Herceg and Sanjin Kaštelan are a strong reminder of the importance of inclusion, understanding and support.
“On behalf of the SUMSI Association, we are very pleased to have the opportunity to be involved in this project, as we consider such activities of the utmost importance for the integration and inclusion of people with disabilities into society. In addition to the needs of people with disabilities, it is important to raise awareness of their capabilities and this project certainly does that”, said the Association president Denis Marion.
“We are “HERE” today because we would like this exhibition to convey the message that the inclusion of people with disabilities is crucial to creating a diverse and inclusive society”, said Nataša Popović, director of the Festival of Tolerance in her welcoming speech. “It is important to create an environment in which people with disabilities should be a priority of society, where they can make progress and fulfil their full potential. Today we are here to announce the 17th Festival of Tolerance that will send the message to Open Up! through the art of film and 40 top-notch titles, many of which have been awarded at renowned international festivals and in competition for the most prestigious film awards. Open up to yourself, to your neighbour, to the other and to the different.”
One of the authors of the We Are Here exhibition, photographer Stanko Herceg, noted that he has been cooperating with the festival for years with pleasure: “As part of this year’s festival, I am taking part in a group photography exhibition that deals with the problem of people with disabilities whom we “healthy people” hardly notice and understand their problems in life. In these (difficult) times, the reasons and value for the existence of the Festival of Tolerance are more than important and necessary.”
“Many years of experience in collaborating with the Festival of Tolerance project, which focuses on promoting equality and highlighting the necessity of dialogue, always opens up new fields of knowledge where I find space for personal growth as well”, said photographer Sanjin Kaštelan, whose photographs are part of this exhibition in public space. “A brighter tomorrow without social awareness and empathy has no sustainability. This is supported by an exceptional honour to portray Patrick for the We Are Here project. Through each edition of the festival, a resounding message echoes across society, serving as a poignant reminder of the pervasive patterns of hatred that persist in myriad forms and historical contexts, always with the same tragic outcomes. The ability to perceive this extends beyond mere vision. What truly matters is cultivating a heart that embraces a comprehensive worldview.”
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Croatia has joined in a commendable initiative. In line with the second National Road Safety Day and the National Road Safety Plan of the Republic of Croatia, the Police have presented a proactive campaign aimed at safeguarding the well-being and security of individuals with disabilities on the roads. On that occasion, touching messages from those who have become disabled as a result of traffic accidents were brought to the forefront.
The photographs capturing these stories will be on display in public space, on Petar Preradović Square, until 28 January 2024.
During the exhibition’s opening, the program for the 17th Festival of Tolerance was unveiled. The festival will be held from January 23 to 27 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and from January 24 to 28 at the Dokukino Kic cinema.
For a detailed schedule of the festival, please visit our official website at https://festivaloftolerance.com/. Additionally, you can stay updated on the Festival of Tolerance through our social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram.
As in previous years, the program remains free of charge, co-financed by the City of Zagreb, the HAVC, the UNHCR Croatia and other partners.