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Funding for science
12/02/2009
An exhibition aiming to immerse families in the world of science will be part of this year's Edinburgh International Science Festival, thanks to the Scottish Government's Expo Fund.
Culture Minister Michael Russell today announced the award of £120,000 for the interactive Wee Wonder World exhibition - created by Scottish based designers, writers and scientists - at the launch of the Science Festival.
Mr Russell said: 
"I am delighted to provide this support for the Edinburgh International Science Festival. This funding has enabled the production of the Wee Wonder World - a fantastic interactive exhibition which will present difficult scientific concepts in new and exciting ways, encouraging interactive learning between young children and adults.
"Scotland has an amazing history of invention and innovation which continues to shape our lives today. It is vitally important that we nurture this heritage, investing in future generations to help maintain Scotland's enviable position as one of the most creative and innovative nations.
"The Edinburgh International Science Festival, the oldest science festival in the world, is a powerful platform to showcase and celebrate great Scottish-based talent and to inspire us all."
The Edinburgh International Science Festival is a key event in the Homecoming Scotland 2009 programme, with £30,000 funding supporting two elements of the festival programme - an expert panel discussion on Scotland's innovative future and an interactive exhibition highlighting our pioneering role in the renewable energy industry.
Mr Russell continued:
"2009 is a big year for Scotland. We have invited the many millions of people around the world with Scots ancestry or an affinity with Scotland to come home and join our celebrations that started in spectacular fashion over Burns weekend. Homecoming celebrates Scotland's contributions to the world and a key theme is 'Great Scottish Minds and Innovation'. With its Homecoming events the Science festival is playing an important role in this celebration."
Director of the Edinburgh International Science Festival, Simon Gage said:
"The support we've received through the Expo fund has helped us to launch a magical new and mysterious world for very young children called Wee Wonder World. Through a partnership with BBC Scotland's popular TV children's show Nina and the Neurons, we send kids on an adventure around a quirky and unexpected house where they get caught up in all sorts of science investigations. Although barely recognised at home, Scotland excels at science communication and this new project, which we expect to tour internationally, will showcase the nation's contemporary talent in this new and expanding form of popular culture."
The planned expenditure for the Edinburgh Festivals Expo fund is £6 million over three years (2008-2009 to 2011-2012).
Resources of £1.308 million have been allocated in 2008-09. The assessment process and funding is administered by the Scottish Arts Council.
The Expo fund is available to all 12 Edinburgh Festivals to support the development of Scottish-based work and talent.
The main role for coordinating and delivering the portfolio of Expo projects falls to Festivals Edinburgh, led by Faith Liddell. A panel comprising members of the Thundering Hooves steering group and Festivals Forum recommended the projects for funding in 2008-09.
The Wee Wonder World exhibition will launch at the 2009 Science Festival, re-appearing in the 2010 and 2011 Festivals and touring to science centres and festivals in the UK and internationally.
The Science Festival has received £30,000 from Homecoming Scotland. This funding has been used to support two key elements of the festival programme: Scotland: Hotbed of Genius - an expert panel discussion on Scotland's innovative future; and Scotland: Powerhouse of Genius - an interactive exhibition that will look at Scotland's pioneering role in the renewable energy industry.