Toronto's Moss Park Photo Story: An Exhibition and Book Launch

Dimitrije Martinovic is a community journalist with FOCUS MEDIA ARTS CENTRE

The Moss Park Photostory is project that brought together The Toronto District School Board's (TDSB) School Improvement Process (SIP), the Neighbourhood Information Post (NIP), Rosedale Heights School for the Arts (RHSA) staff,  the parents committee of Rosedale Heights, and a group of students with the idea of capturing and showcasing their stories through visual images.

Rosedale Heights School of the Arts (RHSA), located at the top end Ward 10, or Ward 13, also known as Toronto Centre is considered to to be one of the top 10 schools in Canada. Rosedale Heights provides a program rich in both artistic and academic opportunities. It also has a student body drawn from across the city “reflecting the truly diverse and rich character of Toronto.” (https://rhsa.ca/?page_id=2)

With students coming from all parts of the city, and with the school being located in what is commonly known as the downtown east area of the city, it is not surprising that some of the students are from Moss Park.

While Moss Park has been identified as one of the most underserved neighbourhoods of Toronto, it has at the same time many attributes, such its cultural diversity, historical architecture, green spaces, arts and culture scene, and a vast array of community initiatives.

The event included the installation of the photography exhibit and the launch of the accompanying book. The keynote speakers were Visnja Brcic, the NIP board member who conceived the project, along with project lead photographer Brian Gregory and several participants . Additionally,  local political representatives Deborah Williams, School Trustee, The Toronto District School Board's (TDSB), Kristyn Wong-Tam MPP Toronto Centre, and Chris Moise, City of Toronto Councillor - Ward 13, attended to celebrate the project's achievements and recognize the significance of Black History Month, given the diverse backgrounds of many participating youth from Black, African, Caribbean, and Asian diasporic communities.

Participating in extracurricular projects during high school such as the Moss Park Photostory, has a profound impact on students, offering opportunities for skill development in leadership, teamwork, communication, and time management. These projects facilitate personal growth by allowing students to explore their interests and strengths outside of academics, potentially leading to improved academic performance. Moreover, students build social connections and networks, fostering friendships and potential career opportunities. Extracurricular involvement enhances college applications, showcasing a student's commitment and passion, while also exposing them to diverse perspectives and cultures, promoting global awareness and empathy. Overall, these projects play a pivotal role in shaping students' holistic development and high school experiences.