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FIRST POETIC SOCIAL MISSION IN SPACE Moscow, June 4th, 2009
Guy Laliberté, founder of Cirque du Soleil and the ONE DROP Foundation, has begun training at the Yu. A. Gagarin State Scientific Research-and-Testing Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City, Russia for his POETIC SOCIAL MISSION to the International Space Station (ISS). Travelling on board the Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft with Expedition 21 from the Russian Federal Space Agency (FSA) with crew members Russian cosmonaut, Maksim Surayev (Commander) and NASA astronaut Jeffery Williams (Flight Engineer), Laliberté will become the first Canadian private explorer. His journey will be the first social/artistic mission in space. The launch is scheduled for September 30, 2009. "Guy Laliberté will bring an innovative and creative perspective to the crew of Expedition 21, said Mr. Alexey Krasnov, Head of Human Space Flight of FSA. We believe that the objective of his Poetic Social Mission to raise awareness of water issues facing the world is part of what space exploration needs to do. We welcome him as a team member and will offer all the support he needs to achieve his mission. We are also very impressed with the humanitarian objectives of the ONE DROP Foundation, founded by Guy Laliberté. With the theme Water for all, all for water, it wishes to raise awareness to water issues in the world, ensure that access to clean water is available to all and putting in place education programs using art. The strong humanitarian values put forward by ONE DROP Foundation and Guy are shared by the FSA". "I have been described as many things throughout my 25 years with Cirque du Soleil. Fire-breather, entrepreneur, street smart, creative," says Laliberté. "I am honored and humbled today with my new job description: humanitarian space explorer. Traveling has always been my way of life and I have been researching the possibilities of space travel with Space Adventures Ltd since 2004. But I needed it to be the right time and for the right purpose. This is the time. And the purpose is clear: to raise awareness on water issues to humankind on planet earth. My mission is dedicated to making a difference on this vital resource by using what I know best: artistry. This will be the first poetic social mission in space. This is also a very symbolic time for me to join my colleagues of Expedition 21 at Star City since , after 25 years, this is the year that Cirque du Soleil will be introduced to Russia after so many years! The timing could not be most appropriate!"
The Canadian Space Agency salutes Guy Laliberté's initiative as Canada's first private space explorer. The agency will advise Laliberté and he will meet with Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk while at ISS. "Canada's leadership role in space exploration is at the forefront of our mandate," said Dr. Steve MacLean, president of the Canadian Space Agency. "This humanitarian mission, imagined by a leading entrepreneur and artist, demonstrates the talent, imagination and dedication that Canadians are recognized for worldwide." Eric Anderson, President and CEO of Space Adventures Ltd. added, "I have known Guy for many years and is a member of our Orbital Mission Explorers Circle. His approach to his first spaceflight was always original. Since our first discussions in 2004, he has wanted to travel in space for a purpose and to express his unique vision. I believe that his Poetic Social Mission truly realizes his intentions and we are proud to be able to help him to make it a reality." About Guy Laliberté Since the very beginnings of Cirque du Soleil, Guy has insisted on having a social approach as part of the development of the company. Keenly aware that Cirque could play a role as agent of change, over 15 years ago, he created Cirque du Monde, an arts education programme for street kids all over the world. He also chose to set up the International Headquarters and creative studios of Cirque du Soleil in the St. Michel district of Montreal, one of the poorest neighbourhoods in North America, to stimulate a sense of local pride and ensure the revitalization of the area through artistic stimulation. This paved the way to TOHU, Cité des arts du Cirque, a project he initiated in the same neighbourhood. Since early on he has also dedicated 1% of all revenues generated by Cirque du Soleil to social and cultural programs worldwide. Guy was the first to orchestrate the marriage of cultures and artistic and acrobatic disciplines that is the hallmark of Cirque du Soleil. Since 1984, he has guided the creative team through the creation of every show and contributed to elevating the circus arts to the level of the great artistic disciplines. In October 2007, Guy Laliberté entered into a second lifetime commitment by creating the ONE DROP Foundation to fight poverty around the world by providing sustainable access to safe water. This new initiative stems from the knowledge that the right to water is key to the survival of individuals and communities all over the world. It is inspired by the values which have been at the heart of Cirque du Soleil since its inception: the belief that life gives back what you have given and even the smallest gesture will make a difference. Awards and Distinctions About ONE DROP Foundation The initial funding of ONE DROP was provided by Guy Laliberté with a 100 million $ commitment. In addition to the commitment of its Board of Directors, the ONE DROP Foundation benefits from the expertise of a Scientific Committee, two Programme Management Committees (one for developed countries, the other for countries in development), a Financial Ethics and Governance Committee and a Philanthropic Development Committee. These committees work together to guide the Foundation in its strategic planning and the implementation of its projects. Important partners have contributed to ONE DROP: Oxfam International, RBC (Royal Bank of Canada), the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation as well as Cirque du Soleil which supports and promotes the activities of the ONE DROP Foundation, whose offices are located at Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters in Montreal (Canada). About Cirque du Soleil Cirque du Soleil has thrilled close to 90 million spectators in more than 200 cities on five continents. In 2009, the organization will have 20 different shows playing around the world. The success of Cirque has been recognized with a number of awards, notably the Emmy, Drama Desk, Bambi, ACE, Gémeaux and Félix, as well as the coveted Rose d'or de Montreux. Information: |
