Exhibition features 100 striking and dramatic images
ROM will complement show with wildlife and photography-themed events
World-renowned exhibition opens at the Museum on November 22, 2014
TORONTO, September 3, 2014: The world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPY) exhibition returns to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) this fall. The exhibition, on tour from the Natural History Museum in London, makes its North American debut and begins its Canadian engagement at the ROM on November 22, 2014. Featured in the exhibition are 100 awe-inspiring images from fascinating animal behaviour to breath-taking wild landscapes that bring visitors face to face with the power and beauty of nature. Now in its 50th year, this internationally recognized annual photography competition draws entries from around the globe from amateur and professional photographers alike. The winning entries which are featured in the exhibition are selected by a panel of international judges based on their creativity, artistry and technical complexity.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition will be on display in the ROM’s Garfield Weston Exhibition Hall. Each image in the show is installed with custom LED light box frames creating a dramatic display that gives visitors a glimpse of the natural world as they have never seen it. Images cover 11 adult categories, four special award categories, and three children’s categories. The exhibition also includes biodiversity themed digital activations and a ROM-designed WPY Family Trail Guide that highlights fun facts and information for kids.
"The ROM is delighted to welcome back the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition for a second engagement. During our Centennial year the ROM has been highlighting the many ways we connect visitors to their world. This exhibition shows the stunning beauty of nature and we hope will inspire visitors to learn more about the world around us,” said Janet Carding, Director and CEO of the ROM.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year was founded in 1965 and is co-owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Worldwide. In its inaugural year, WPY received 361 entries. Today, the competition receives 42,000 entries from 96 countries.
The exhibition is on display at the ROM until March 23, 2015. Ticket information is available at rom.on.ca.
ROM Wildlife Photographer of the Year Programming
November 21, 2014 ROM Friday Night Live Get Wild
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
FNL Get Wild! Eat, drink and dance the night away. Join the ROM for special artist performances and conversations with photographers; come celebrate nature and the wild side of culture.
November 22, 2014 EVC Student Showcase, Earth Rangers Studio
Graduates from the ROM’s Environmental Visual Communication Program (EVC) will present their top enivornmental and conservation themed photos and videos during the WPY’s Opening Weekend. Also featured are ROM programs on the diversity of animal life, wildlife photography skills and more.
Weekdays (Mon-Fri) WPY Program for School Groups
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
$10/participant
Students use wildlife photography to better understand our natural environment and how to protect it through an activity guide and dynamic multimedia presentation led by trained facilitators.
Saturdays (Oct 18-Dec 6) Saturday Morning Club
Join us for an inspiring selection of activities designed to nurture the next generation of wildlife enthusiasts. Included is ROM’s Shutterbugs, a program that teaches kids photography skills, including how to shoot and edit digital images, print images using darkroom methods and more.
November 29, 2014 Wildlife Wonders Family Workshop
Get a one-of-a-kind tour of the ROM’s Schad Gallery of Biodiversity and the WPY exhibit from ROM educators. Get up-close with rarely seen specimens from the Museum’s zoology collections and create masterpieces using the designs, colours, and textures found in the natural world!
The Members’ preview of WPY opens on November 21, 2014 from 10:00 am -12:00 pm and features exclusive opportunities to connect with ROM experts. To purchase a ROM Membership visit www.rom.on.ca/members or call 416.586.5700. Admission to WPY is free for Members.
- 30 -