The Ontario Science Centre and Science North to collaborate with museums in China

Canadian leaders in science engagement to work with Chinese counterparts

TORONTO AND SUDBURY, ON, Sept. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - The Ontario Science Centre and Science North, with the financial support of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, joined forces in 2012 to target the Asia market for consulting, travelling exhibits and multimedia film products. As a result, the two institutions have now established formal relationships with two major science museums in China. The signed agreements will foster the increased exchange of ideas and commercial activity among the participants.

The initiative has resulted in two signed three-year Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between:

• the Ontario Science Centre, Science North and the China Science and Technology Museum, located in Chaoyang District, Beijing, China; and
• the Ontario Science Centre, Science North and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, located in Pudong New District, Shanghai, China.

Both agreements outline key areas of collaboration including the exchange of information regarding exhibit research and development, staff exchange programs to enhance training opportunities, the exchange of information on educational programs and other activities, cooperation in science education film development, and the support of mutually beneficial research and business collaboration opportunities including the development of markets in China for Ontario developed science engagement commercial products. In addition Science North and the Ontario Science Centre have products and services including travelling exhibits and multimedia theatres which will be of interest to science centres and museums in China.

"I am pleased that the Ontario Science Centre and Science North are expanding their horizons, exploring new frontiers and establishing collaborative relationships with their Chinese counterparts to share resources, information and promote innovation," said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.  "Through positive partnerships, meaningful cooperation and mutual exchange — together, we will offer unique exhibitions for residents and visitors alike that will enhance their educational experience."

"I am delighted that the Ontario Science Centre and Science North have successfully negotiated formal agreements with two of our counterparts in China, where the growth of science museums over the past few years is unprecedented", said Lesley Lewis, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre.  "We are very pleased to build upon our longstanding relationship with the China Science and Technology Museum and to establish a new working relationship with Shanghai Science and Technology Museum.  These MOU's with the two most visited science museums in China will assist us in forging new content development partnerships and opening up new markets for our touring exhibitions and other products."

Dr. Shu Wei, Director-General, China Science and Technology Museum said, "The interaction between China and Canada in the field of science museums/centers dates back decades. In 1982 when China Science and Technology Museum was still at its planning and preparatory stage, its "China: 7,000 Years of Discovery" exhibition made its debut at the Ontario Science Center, welcoming 1.1 million visitors within an exhibition period of six months. In return, the Ontario Science Center sent its "Canadian Science Show" to Beijing the following year, yielding an equally impressive result.  I hope the recent signing of the MOU among China Science and Technology Museum, the Ontario Science Center and Science North will help lift such interaction to an even higher level, forge a broader cooperative partnership among us, and pave the way for positive outcomes and tangible results in the areas specified in the MOU."

Dr. Wang Xiaoming, Director General, Shanghai Science and Technology Museum added, "I would like to express my warmest congratulations for our signing on the Letter of Intent on Mutual Collaboration and truly wish that it will function as the basis for our future collaboration amongst our three organizations for a multi-win effect for generating public understanding of science in both countries and for the development of the three signing parties as well-- we must work together closely to seek any opportunity to realize this goal."

"We are extremely pleased to partner with the Ontario Science Centre, the China Science and Technology Museum and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum in order to promote the exchange of skills, research, new exhibits and films, as well as business opportunities," states Guy Labine, Science North CEO.  "Science North and the Ontario Science Centre want to increase self-generated revenues and one of those avenues includes selling services and exhibits to other science centres and museums worldwide.  Our first foray into the Asian market was in 2012. These MOU agreements signed with museums in China open new doors for us, and as a result we are very excited about the new business opportunities Science North will be able to deliver to this market."

About the Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre delights, informs and challenges the communities we serve, enriching people's lives and understanding through engagement with science of local, national and global relevance. Since 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has welcomed over 47 million visitors, with an interactive approach that was the model for Science Centres around the world. It is the public centre for innovative thinking and provocative dialogue in science and technology, aiming to inspire a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery and action to create a better future for the planet. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario. Please visit us at OntarioScienceCentre.ca

About Science North
Science North is Northern Ontario's most popular tourist attraction and an educational resource for children and adults across the province. Science North's attractions include a science centre, IMAX® theatre, digital Planetarium, butterfly gallery, special exhibits hall, and Dynamic Earth - Home of the Big Nickel, a separate science centre focused on mining and earth sciences. In 1996, Science North created a specialized unit to sell the award-winning exhibitions and multimedia theatres created by Science North's highly skilled staff scientists and in-house production teams. These innovative exhibits help drive repeat visitation and tourism and demonstrate Science North's ever-growing capacity to produce world-class educational and scientific content that appeals to people of all ages. Science North is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For more information please visit ScienceNorth.ca

SOURCE: Ontario Science Centre

Media Contacts:
Christine Catt
Marketing Specialist, Science North & Dynamic Earth
[phone] ext. 227
[email protected]

Anna Relyea
Director, Strategic Communications, Ontario Science Centre
[phone]
[email protected]