Ontario Science Centre's #empty event draws Minister of Science and local Instagrammers

Unique event showcases the Science Centre through the eyes of the Toronto Instagram community

TORONTO, Jan. 21, 2016 /CNW/ - As part of Canada's Road to 2017, today the Ontario Science Centre collaborated with Instagram to host #EmptyOntarioScienceCentre, an exclusive event for Toronto Instagrammers to capture the wonder of the Science Centre before its doors opened to the public. Minister of Science Kirsty Duncan and more than 35 local Instagrammers participated in the event, using the hashtags #EmptyOntarioScienceCentre and #Roadto2017 to document their experience.

Since 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has played – and continues to play – a vital role in Canadian science, culture and community, welcoming more than 50 million through its doors for a variety of interactive, free-choice learning experiences. This #empty event also marked the Science Centre's presence on Instagram (@OntarioScienceCentre), providing the Science Centre with yet another opportunity to engage with visitors – and followers – near and far.

Leading up to Canada's 150^th anniversary, Instagram will work with landmark institutions across Canada like the Ontario Science Centre to host #empty events. The goal is to bring people together around photography and celebrate the beauty of Canada through the lens of the arts, culture and digital media. The result: a special exhibit that will feature photographs showcasing leading Canadian cultural institutions, including the Ontario Science Centre, through the eyes of the Canadian Instagram community.

QUOTES
Dr. Maurice Bitran
CEO, Ontario Science Centre
"We are delighted to welcome Instagram and the Minister of Science to the Ontario Science Centre.  Art and science derive from the same source – human creativity. The #EmptyOntarioScienceCentre event, as part of #Roadto2017, brings together art and science through Instagram and the artistic eyes of its practitioners. We have welcomed 50 million visitors since we opened our doors in 1969, and we hope to reach as many people through digital technologies such as Instagram."

The Honourable Kirsty Duncan
Minister of Science
"Science events are great opportunities for Canada's young people to get out and explore the exhibits of scientific and cultural institutions across our country. Institutions like the Ontario Science Centre perform an important function in society by encouraging youth engagement with science. The Government of Canada encourages more young Canadians, especially young women, to explore the world of science and to choose exciting, dynamic careers in STEM fields."

Kevin Chan
Head of Public Policy, Canada, Facebook
"Instagram is delighted to collaborate with the Ontario Science Centre on the #roadto2017, celebrating Canada's 150th birthday through the lens of Instagrammers. We are excited that the Minister of Science will be participating in the celebration of this centennial building while promoting the importance of science and science education."

SELECT INSTAGRAM POSTS FROM #EMPTYONTARIOSCIENCECENTRE EVENT
https://www.instagram.com/p/BAzkZOQgFur/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAzfy7Lr0at/ 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAzhF2wuEYi/ 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAzgMpyofzG/ 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAz24PqO5lg/

SOURCE Ontario Science Centre

Image with caption: "The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, explores the wonders and limits of the human body in The AstraZeneca Human Edge exhibition hall during today’s #EmptyOntarioScienceCentre event, a collaboration between the Ontario Science Centre and Instagram. (CNW Group/Ontario Science Centre)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160121_C2888_PHOTO_EN_603637.jpg

Image with caption: "Dr. Maurice Bitran, CEO, Ontario Science Centre, and the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, at the #EmptyOntarioScienceCentre event, a collaboration between the Ontario Science Centre and Instagram to celebrate the Road to 2017. (CNW Group/Ontario Science Centre)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160121_C2888_PHOTO_EN_603639.jpg

Media contacts: Anna Relyea, Director, Strategic Communications, 416-696-3273 | c: 416-668-1967, [email protected]; Jefferson Darrell, Media Relations Officer, 416-696-3154, [email protected]; Andrea Mus, Media Relations Officer, 416-696-3191 | c: 416-895-5482, [email protected]