Ottawa, April 20, 2016 — The Canada Science and Technology Museum today launched a national contest inviting students aged 4 to 19 to celebrate the role of creativity and the arts in science by submitting an original work of art that answers the question How Does Science Inspire You?
Delivered in collaboration with the expertise of local urban art organization House of PainT, the contest reflects an evolution in the Museum’s core themes of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, known as STEM, to include the arts, thus becoming STEAM. This shift recognizes that creativity and the arts are often the inspiration for advances in the science spectrum. The contest offers Canadian youth an opportunity to be part of the renewal and modernization of the Museum, scheduled to reopen in fall 2017. The Museum will be the point of entry and inspiration for Canadians to explore ideas and innovations in science and technology in an interactive and engaging way.
The contest was launched on the grounds of the Museum by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, together with Alex Benay, President and CEO of the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation.
Local graffiti artists will replicate and integrate the five winning submissions into a larger mural on the hoarding walls surrounding the Museum’s construction site. Installed in stages throughout May and June 2016, the larger mural will illustrate modern visions of science and technology through the eyes of established and fledgling graffiti artists.
Each contest winner also receives a technology-based prize valued at $1,000.
Quotes
“The How Does Science Inspire You? mural contest is a powerful way to show how creative and artistic thinking can make important and unique contributions to science and technology. It also taps into the fresh ideas and skills of our youth, which is in keeping with the spirit of Canada’s Innovation Strategy.”
— The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“This initiative presents an excellent opportunity to inspire creativity among students — a chance for them to combine imagery and innovation. Events like this also help promote a culture where young people and the public are encouraged to engage in all aspects of science, including the art of science.”
— The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science
“The mural contest is an invitation to Canadian youth to play an active role in the renewal of the Museum. It is also an example of our commitment to inspire creative thinking and cultivate its growth among youth in our community and beyond. When the mural is completed, it will illustrate our vision for the Museum as a place where science and art meet.”
— Alex Benay, President and CEO, Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation
Associated links
To learn more visit contest.techno-science.ca
About the Canada Science and Technology Museum
The Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa, Ontario, is one of the three museums comprising the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation, which is responsible for preserving Canada’s scientific and technological heritage and promoting and sharing knowledge about it. The three Museums — the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum — tell the stories of Canadian ingenuity and achievement in science and technology, and demonstrate how these accomplishments have contributed to the transformation of Canada. For more information please visit cstmuseum.techno-science.ca
-30-
Media Contact
Caroline Boutin
Media Relations Officer
Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation
cboutin@techno-science.ca
613-410-5943