Call-out for children’s flood art and photos
CALGARY – In June 2013, Calgary was hit with the worst natural disaster in our modern history. While the flood impacted our city in huge ways, we rallied and rose above.
Calgary is fast-approaching the one-year anniversary of the flood and we believe there is a need to acknowledge this event; but more importantly— we want to celebrate the spirit of Calgary and our citizens of all ages.
As part of The City of Calgary’s commemoration, Mayor Naheed Nenshi today invited all Calgarians aged 12 and under to submit their drawings and photos to share their experiences during the 2013 flood and flood recovery. This artwork will be unveiled June 20, 2014, and used in a large-scale display in the Municipal Building and at various locations throughout the city and online.
“The flood of 2013 hit Calgary hard and we recognize some Calgarians have faced extremely difficult times this past year,” says Mayor Nenshi. “But the flood also saw our community spirit grow stronger. One of the ways we want to remember June 20, 2013 and recognize that community spirit is by calling on the children of Calgary to show us their experience of the flood through art and photography. We’ll look back while moving forward with hope and optimism. These young Calgarians are the future of our city and the next generation of our city’s pioneer spirit.”
Chris Arthurs, incoming Director of Recovery Operations, said this is a great way for children to get involved and share their flood and recovery stories.
“Kids want to be part of this and rightly so — it was an event that touched every Calgarian regardless of age,” said Arthurs. “Projects like these are important because they help us move forward while remembering the past. They also help us remember why – and who – we’re rebuilding and improving Calgary for.”
Arthurs said there’s an added benefit to getting children involved in that it creates new opportunities for families to talk about the flood and how important it is to be prepared for any type of emergency.
The Children’s Art Show is part of The City of Calgary’s one-year commemoration of the 2013 June flood. It is one of several activities being planned throughout the city. Details of other events will be released in the coming weeks.
Background Information
WHAT: Submit a photo or drawing relating to the 2013 flood, recovery or preparedness. Should be 8.5 x 11 inches, either landscape or portrait. We are asking Calgary kids a variety of questions to inspire them, including:
• What happened to you and your family during the flood?
• What do you remember from the flood?
• How did you recover from the flood?
• How can you help prepare for a natural disaster?
• What do you put in an emergency kit?
• How did you or your family help during the flood?
WHO: Calgary youth up to 12 years old. One submission per child.
WHEN: Kids can submit from March 7 until April 4, 2014.
WHERE:
Canada Post
The City of Calgary
2013 YYC Flood Story, Mail Code: #8080
P.O. Box 2100 Stn M
T2P 2M5
In Person:
Look for the YYC Flood Story Drop Box at
1. All Calgary Public Library locations
2. The Municipal Building Atrium, 800 Macleod Trail S. by the Job Applications area.
Email:
floodstory@calgary.ca (high resolution pictures- 10 MB or less).
For more information on the art call-out or flood recovery efforts, visit www.calgary.ca/floodrecovery or call 311.
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