Abilities Arts Festival is seeking artwork and poetry made by school age children and youth with disabilities from across Ontario. School age children and youth are invited to submit either a drawing or poem for display at “In Celebration of our Children”, the 2008 Abilities Arts Festival children’s program which will be held in Toronto October 21 - 23, 2008.

The exhibit will be a testament to the beauty and wisdom that can be seen through the eyes, hearts and souls of children and youth with disabilities and expressed through their art and poetry.

“In Celebration of Our Children” is a demonstration of creativity and imagination. All types of artwork and poetry can be submitted. However, please remember that the work must be hung for exhibit. Weight and ability to hang the artwork or poem should be a consideration when submitting. If possible, work should be on a paper either 8 ½” x 11” or 18” x 24”, preferably slipped into a protective plastic sleeve. The name and age of the child, along with the name of their school and/or other contact information must be printed clearly on the back of the work.

As many of the pictures and/or poems as possible will be displayed at the Columbus Centre, which will host the day-long celebration “Connecting to Children and Youth”. There is also the potential that the children’s exhibit will be displayed at additional venues following the actual children’s program. Some of the pictures and poems will be chosen to become part of the next festival event calendar.

Please note that art/poetry submitted becomes the property of Abilities Arts Festival and will not be returned. Also by submitting, the artist and/or parent agrees to allow Abilities Arts Festival the right to use their submission for public relations purposes including broadcast, print and electronic media.