Airport hosts photography exhibition facilitated by One World Centre

Photographer Vincent Tremeau has documented humanitarian crises across the globe

A collection of photographs is to go on display at the Isle of Man Airport to mark the 75^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Organised by the One World Centre, the free exhibition features 16 of Vincent Tremeau portraits of children from conflict regions and disadvantaged communities throughout Africa and Asia.

He asked participants “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, and each photo is accompanied by a short quote from the child pictured.

Often the children chose professions they were most familiar with – soldiers, doctors and nurses, farmers, teachers – but some dreamed of jobs they had never witnessed – sailors, pilots and even one aspiring President.

Photographer Vincent Tremeau has documented humanitarian crises across the globe and has been commissioned by United Nations agencies such as UNICEF, UN Refugees Agency, the United Nations Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the World Bank. 

His work has been published in a wide range of international media such as National Geographic, CNN, BBC, The Guardian and Le Monde as well as displayed in exhibitions around the world including the UN building in New York.

Commenting on the exhibition, he said: "I am deeply honoured that my One Day I Will exhibition has found a new home on the Isle of Man, thanks to the invaluable efforts of the One World Centre.

"This collaboration is a testament to the power of storytelling and the universal desire to foster understanding and empathy across borders. Through these photographs, we see not just the aspirations of children from various countries, but a reflection of our shared human spirit, dreaming of a future filled with possibility.

"These images are more than just photographs; they are a dialogue with the future, an invitation to all of us to consider the role we play in shaping a world where every child can achieve their dreams, irrespective of their current circumstances. Exhibiting this project in the Isle of Man presents a unique opportunity to bridge continents and cultures, sparking conversations about the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of education, and the enduring power of hope."

He added: "I extend my heartfelt thanks to the One World Centre and the Isle of Man for embracing this project. Your commitment to raising awareness about global human rights and the challenges facing children in conflict-ridden areas is truly inspiring. I hope that this exhibition not only sheds light on the struggles and dreams of these young souls but also ignites a flame of action and compassion in all who visit. Together, let us envision and work towards a future where every child can say with confidence, ‘One day, I will.’"

One World Centre Coordinator Wendy Shimmin added: "We are extremely grateful to Vincent for allowing us to exhibit his striking photographs, to the Isle of Man Airport for kindly hosting the exhibition, and to the Isle of Man Government whose International Development Education and Awareness Raising grant has funded the costs of putting on the exhibition here.

"We hope to later display the photographs in other locations and also use them as a resource for schools as part of our global learning education programme."