Media Releases

Bridges That Unite
Posted by Children's Museum Admin (cmadmin) on Wednesday, 11th March, 2009 at 8:38 PM
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An interactive exhibition showcasing Canada's ability to bridge the developed and the developing worlds is set to arrive in Kitchener next month as part of a cross-Canada tour.

Bridges that Unite, will be hosted at The Children's Museum of Waterloo Region, and 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.

The 6,000 square foot exhibition offers a vibrant space in which to explore some of the most pressing questions of the 21st century. Thought-provoking stories, spanning several continents, are told through powerful images, evocative soundscapes and interactive, multimedia components.

The exhibition provides an illuminating backdrop for a range of programs, including
cultural performances, panel discussions and film screenings. Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network is presenting the large-scale, bilingual exhibition which began its successful cross-country journey in Victoria with tour stops in Calgary and Vancouver.

Khalil Z. Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of AKFC, explains that Bridges that Unite is an opportunity to share the experience of the past 25 years and chart a way forward for Canada and the world. "The exhibition draws on our rich experience in the developing world to spark a
conversation 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 Waterloo Region and we look forward to teaming up with the Children's Museum
and other key partners to present Bridges that Unite."

David Marskell, Chief Executive Officer of The Children's Museum, explains how cross generational and relevant this show is. "Anyone with an interest in Canada's role in the world, from school groups to professional associations, will find the exhibition a compelling resource for education and discussion," says Marskell.

Bridges that Unite is presented free of charge at the Museum and will be open from April 4 through May 3, 2009. For more information visit www.TheChildrensMuseum.ca and www.bridgesthatunite.ca.

For more information, including programming details and partnership opportunities, please
contact Aga Khan Foundation Canada at info@bridgesthatunite.ca or 1-800-267-2532
MEDIA ARE INVITED TO CONTACT:
Jennifer Morrow, AKFC
Telephone: 613 237 2532 x107
Email: jennifer@akfc.ca

Angela Olano, The Children’s Museum
Phone: 519 749 9387 x235
Email: Angela.Olano@TheChildrensMuseum.ca

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

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