#United States #Various U.S. cities #Katie Manning #Cleft Palate #ACPA

Celebrating the Cleft Community: The 100 Cleft Portraits Tour

In July 2026, the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA) is set to unveil the 100 Cleft Portraits Tour, a poignant art exhibition meant to honor and represent the cleft community. As a key component of Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month, this initiative promises to resonate deeply with families and individuals who have faced the challenges associated with these conditions.

A Significant Initiative

The concept behind this tour is to bring visibility and awareness to the experiences of those living with cleft lip and palate. The exhibition was created by UK artist Katie Manning, who is not only an artist but also a passionate advocate for individuals affected by cleft conditions. The portraits aim to move beyond the medical outlook on clefts, portraying subjects as complete and beautiful individuals whose identities extend well beyond their conditions.

Adam Levy, Executive Director of ACPA, expressed pride in this groundbreaking exhibition, highlighting its importance in fostering a better understanding of the life experiences of the cleft community. For over 80 years, ACPA has dedicated its efforts to enhancing the lives of individuals with cleft and craniofacial conditions. The exhibition reflects their commitment to inclusivity and representation.

Art with a Purpose

The 100 Cleft Portraits Tour will make a nationwide journey, stopping in 12 cities across the United States from July to August 2026. Each location will not only display the portraits but will also facilitate trauma-informed workshops, interactive sessions, and community discussions to deepen the impact of the exhibition.

The exhibition’s portraits are paired with deeply personal narratives, challenging the often simplistic or clinical representations of cleft conditions. Manning wants visitors to leave the exhibition feeling a deeper connection to the narratives behind each portrait, ultimately fostering pride and visibility within the community.

Calendar of Events

The tour kicks off in Philadelphia, PA on July 28-30, continuing to Salt Lake City, UT on August 1-2, and then moving to several other cities including Atlanta, GA, Orlando, FL, Houston, TX, and San Diego, CA. Each venue has collaborated with ACPA-approved cleft and craniofacial care teams, ensuring a comprehensive engagement with attendees.

Collaboration for Change

Key sponsors and partners like Smile Train, Children's Mercy Hospital-Kansas City, and myFace have rallied to support the tour. Their involvement underscores the collective aim to foster environments where individuals with cleft conditions are appreciated for their full humanity and complexity.

Adina Lescher from Smile Train noted the significance of the exhibition in amplifying voices within the cleft community, aligning with her organization’s mission of providing comprehensive cleft care worldwide.

What to Expect

Visitors to the exhibition can look forward to not only viewing stunning artwork but also engaging in educational sessions aimed at dismantling misconceptions about cleft conditions. Topics will include the emotional and psychological impacts of cleft experiences and the importance of seeing individuals as whole rather than categorized by their medical conditions.

As Dr. Shao Jiang from Children's Mercy emphasized, this tour shines a light on the diverse beauty of individuals. His sentiments echo the mission of proactive healthcare, which aligns closely with the uplifting narratives found in Manning's portraits.

In Conclusion

The 100 Cleft Portraits Tour is more than an art exhibition; it is a heartfelt dedication to celebrating individuality and resilience within the cleft community. By embracing art as a means to connect and educate, this tour aims to foster a culture of understanding and empathy, encouraging everyone to see the beauty in diversity and the strength in shared experiences.

For more details on the tour and its stops, visit acpacares.org/100-cleft-portraits-tour.