About

A joint initiative of The Italian Chamber of Commerce, Toronto Culture and Economic Development, The Mobile City Project engaged youth in community building through photography in the twin cities of Toronto and Milan. The project offered urban youth in both cities a platform to share their dreams and insights about urban life through the creation of digital photographs and a photography contest.

Background

In 2003 Toronto and Milan signed a formal international alliance agreement to strengthen economic and cultural links between the cities in order to enhance the quality of life and well-being of their residents.  

The concept of the Mobile City project was originally developed by the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Toronto (ICCT) and the City of Toronto Economic Development Office. Toronto Cultural Services agreed to participate as the City lead and program partner with the ICCT for the project.

The Mobile City enhanced the relationship between the two cities; involved youth from areas at risk in creative, community-building activities; and utilized the potential of new, electronic technology as a means of creating a community between urban youth from Toronto and Milan.

Program Goals and Objectives

The project consisted of:

1. Photography workshops in at-risk areas in both cities for youth between 16 and 22 years of age and an online contest
2. The online submission of a minimum of three and maximum of five images taken with a cell phone camera or digital camera and a short accompanying text explaining the significance of the photographs
3. The selection of 30 semi-finalists and 10 final winners in each city
4. Two juries (Toronto and Milan) that selected the 30 best works from each city. This group of 30 had their work presented on the website and in an exhibition
5. The 20 Toronto/Milan winners had their work published in a book, shown in an exhibit and won a one week trip to their respective sister city for further arts education and cultural activities