MNjcc and L'Arche Toronto to Present VOICING PERSPECTIVE Exhibit, 1/30

Toronto (January 6, 2016) - In support of Jewish Disabilities Awareness Month in February, the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre (MNjcc) and non-profit organization L'Arche Toronto have partnered for a joint multi-medium exhibition Voicing Perspective,running from January 30 - February 24, 2016 at the MNjcc's Gallery at the J. Voicing Perspective will showcase paintings and photographs by artists with intellectual and physical disabilities, exploring themes of identity and community and inviting viewers to shift their perspective on disability.

Voicing Perspective incorporates the MNjcc's Disability/Visibility project and L'Arche International's exhibition Songs of the Heart into one united gallery show.

In Disability/Visibility, the MNjcc worked with Toronto photographer Maayan Ziv to offer an empowering nine-week photography course to young adults ages 18-30 who identify with the experience of disability. Through photography, the course explored themes of disability, identity and community culminating in an exhibition of 16 unique black and white photographs taken by participants, which will be on display as part of Voicing Perspective. Each photo, taken from the streets of Toronto, is a statement on the lived experience of young artists with disabilities.

L'Arche Toronto, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, building inclusive communities, and creating a world where everyone belongs, will showcase 19 paintings selected from their L'Arche International exhibition Songs of the Heart. L'Arche has 148 communities in 38 countries worldwide. The paintings are produced by artists with intellectual disabilities from over 12 countries across the globe. Seven of the paintings in Voicing Perspective are by Canadian L'Arche members. The works explore themes of inclusion and community. The pieces will be accompanied by each artist's bio, which share the individual's story and vision behind the artwork.

Funding is generously provided by the Toronto Arts Council.

WHERE: Gallery at the J, Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
750 Spadina Avenue at Bloor

WHEN: January 30 - February 24, 2016
Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
FREE ADMISSION

Opening Reception: There will be a special reception for Voicing Perspective at the Gallery at the J on Thursday, February 4 from 6 - 9 pm. Artists, exhibition organizers, local politicians and community members will be in attendance.

For more information, please visit http://www.mnjcc.org

About the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
The Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre (MNjcc) is a dynamic hub in downtown Toronto. The MNjcc provides opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to be active, to learn, to connect and to participate in a wide range of cultural experiences. Rooted in Jewish values, the MNjcc is open to all.

About L'Arche Toronto
For over 40 years, L'Arche Toronto has brought to life the vision of Jean Vanier, where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life in community with a wide circle of family, friends, and neighbours.

L'Arche Toronto provides supports for daily living, employment, and community participation as well as Sol Express, a creative and performance arts program. L'Arche Toronto helps individuals with intellectual disabilities discover their gifts and abilities, and support them to achieve their goals for a meaningful life. L'Arche Toronto is a community within the community working with others to build a world where everyone belongs.