As part of its long-term partnership with The Museum of Modern Art and MoMA PS1, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. has supported the development of the museum’s online education programme since 2011. The launch of a new online course in Mandarin, “Seeing Through Photographs,” underlines MoMA’s pioneering role in cultural education. To date over 300,000 people from more than 180 countries on six continents have enrolled to MoMA’s online courses.
“With Volkswagen’s longstanding partnership, MoMA has been able to provide people worldwide the opportunity to develop their abilities to look critically at photographs, a necessary 21st century skill in a world that communicates more through visual imagery than ever before”, said Wendy Woon, The Edward John Noble Foundation Deputy Director for Education at MoMA. “Using MoMA’s extraordinary photography collection and the insights of artists, this new version breaks down language barriers and welcomes Mandarin-speaking students in many countries to learn new skills.”
“Seeing Through Photographs” aims to address the gap between seeing and truly understanding photographs by introducing a diversity of ideas, approaches, and technologies that inform their making. The free course consists of six modules and can be accessed via the Coursera online platform (www.coursera.com). It provides the user with insights of the works from MoMA’s collection of 48 artists who have had a lasting effect on the evolution of photography over the past 180 years.
“As Lead Partner of MoMA’s education programme, Volkswagen is commited to supporting forward-looking and innovative ways of learning. Using the advantages of the connected world, MoMA’s online courses provide an international audience with convenient access to the museum’s expertise and collection, and this superbly reflects our belief that art and culture can inspire many people’s lifes”, said Benita von Maltzahn, Head of Cultural and Social Engagement, Volkswagen Group Communications.
Volkswagen Group of America has been supporting the work of MoMA and MoMA PS1 since 2011 within the scope of a multi-year partnership. The collaboration has enabled the creation of more than 30 projects including exhibitions, panel discussions, concerts and creative workshops.
Volkswagen Group of America also serves as Lead Partner of MoMA’s education programme supporting the museum’s efforts in fostering a deeper understanding of modern and contemporary art. Founded as an educational institution, MoMA is among the globally leading cultural institutions offering state-of-the-art learning initiatives which are accessible to people of various ages and backgrounds. Supported by Volkswagen, the current education offering includes MoMA Teen courses, the VW Fellows programme, family-focused experiences, the Prime Time programme for older adults and wide-ranging collaborations with community organizations.
Course enrollments can be made via http://www.coursera.org/learn/sheying