Bridges that Unite Exhibit to be Presented at the Canada Science and
Technology Museum

Thought-provoking Exhibition Invites Canadians to Explore Our Nation's Global Leadership Role

OTTAWA , Jan. 21 /CNW/ - Bridges that Unite, an interactive exhibition showcasing Canada's ability to bridge the developed and the developing worlds, is set to open in Ottawa next week as part of a cross-Canada tour.

Presented from January 28th to February 28th at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the exhibit invites visitors to consider Canada's role in the world through the lens of a remarkable 25-year partnership with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in some of the world's most isolated and impoverished regions. Thought-provoking stories, spanning several continents, are told through powerful images, evocative soundscapes and multimedia components.

Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network, is presenting the bilingual exhibition, which provides an opportunity to share the experience of the past quarter-century and chart a way forward for Canada and the world, explained Khalil Z. Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of AKFC.

"The exhibition draws on our rich experience in the developing world to spark conversations about what Canada and Canadians can do to ensure a more peaceful, prosperous and pluralist world. We are delighted to continue this important dialogue in Ottawa and we look forward to teaming up with the Canada Science and Technology Museum and other key partners to present Bridges that Unite."

The exhibition provides an ideal platform for in-depth exchanges on some of the most pressing questions of the 21st century and plays host to a range of on-site events including free film screenings, cultural events, and school programs. Guides are on hand to engage with visitors and animate special activities.

"While at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Bridges that Unite exhibition will highlight many of Canada's contributions on the world stage. As one of Canada's national cultural institutions, we are also pleased to provide a platform to generate dialogue and engagement for visitors of all ages with this revealing window on the human condition. Both Bridges that Unite and our concurrent exhibition, Hungry Planet will provide a unique opportunity to reflect on some of the great issues that challenge our planet," said Denise Amyot , President and CEO of the Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation.

Bridges that Unite is presented Tuesday through Sunday, free of charge, at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, located at 1867 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa . The Museum will also be open on Monday, February 15, 2010 , for Family Day.

For more information including details on the weekly calendar of events, visit www.bridgesthatunite.ca or contact Aga Khan Foundation Canada at [email protected] or 1-800-267-2532 ext. 8.

    
                               UPCOMING EVENTS

    Dialogue on Enhancing Equality and Human Development
    Monday, January 25, 2010, 1.00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
    

BRIDGESTHATUNITE and Canada's World will host a dialogue session that will bring together a cross-section of citizens to reflect on the question of Canada's role in enhancing equality and human development. Registration is free, however seating is limited. To register please contact Sarah Van Borek at: [email protected].

Media Preview: Members of the media are invited to attend a preview on Tuesday, January 26th from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, 1867 St Laurent Boulevard. (Free parking available at the museum). Representatives of host organizations will be available for interviews.

Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) is a Canadian international development organization, and an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network, founded in 1980. Working primarily in Asia and Africa , AKFC works to address the root causes of poverty. www.akfc.ca

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of non-denominational development agencies founded by His Highness the Aga Khan, with wide-ranging mandates covering social, economic and cultural development. www.akdn.org

Sharing Canada's rich collections of objects related to transportation, natural resources, communications, space, energy, manufacturing and industry, the Canada Science and Technology Museum helps Canadians explore the rich connections among science, technology, and culture. www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca

Bridges that Unite began its successful cross-country journey in Victoria with tour stops in Calgary , Vancouver , Kitchener-Waterloo and Halifax . The tour continues to Concordia University in Montréal, March 7-26, 2010.

The exhibition is presented with the support of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). www.acdi-cida.gc.ca

For further information: Jennifer Morrow, AKFC Manager, Communications, Telephone: [phone] x 107, Email: [email protected]; Kelly Ray, media and public relations, Canada Science and Technology Museum, Telephone: [phone], Email: [email protected]