Newsroom
Newsroom Home
Nearly 10,000 Schoolchildren From 200 New York City Public Schools to Visit Matisse Picasso and Further Explore Exhibition in the Classroom
MERRILL LYNCH SERVES AS CORPORATE SPONSOR
NEW YORK, February 26, 2003 — Merrill Lynch and The Museum of Modern Art announced today that nearly 10,000 schoolchildren from 200 New York City public schools will attend the Matisse Picasso exhibition for free as part of a comprehensive educational program.
The program, designed by MoMA's Education Department will give students from underserved schools and their teachers free guided tours of the exhibition, which charts the unique relationship between Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. In addition, teachers will receive educational materials, including teaching guides, slide packets and books to help them explore with their students in the classroom two of the most famous artists of the 20th century. The exhibition, including the catalogue and accompanying educational program, is sponsored by Merrill Lynch.
"We are delighted that Merrill Lynch's generosity and commitment to education will enable so many public school students in New York City to enjoy the Matisse Picasso exhibition free of charge," said Glenn D. Lowry, director, The Museum of Modern Art. "The Merrill Lynch support underscores the Museum's central mission to bring art education to as wide an audience as possible."
"At Merrill Lynch, we believe that an integral part of corporate leadership is strong corporate citizenship," said Stan O'Neal, chief executive officer, Merrill Lynch. "That means investing in the communities where we live and work. Through our support of MoMA's Matisse Picasso exhibition, we are able to help broaden the educational opportunities of our children and also support New York City's strong tradition as one of the world's leading cultural capitals."
Groups of 25 students from different grades and their respective teachers will have guided tours of Matisse Picasso, where they will learn how to view and experience art, as well as learn about the dynamic relationship the artists shared. The schools will participate in either one- or three-part programs. For the three-part program, museum educators will meet with the students prior to the museum visit and accompany them to the exhibition and join the students again for follow-up discussions in their classrooms.
Teachers and principals from every public school in the five boroughs were also invited to attend one of two open houses, being held on 26 March and 15 April, where they will learn more about theeducational opportunities for Matisse Picasso and future programs. Teachers will tour galleries and have the opportunity to ask questions of educators.
The program and materials for the Matisse Picasso program were not designed for one particular age group, but were devised so that the teachers could translate the information for their students in an age-appropriate manner. The materials are divided into three sections. The first section prepares teachers for how to utilize the materials, how to use the slide set and provides an example of slide comparison. The second section concentrates exclusively on key works by Matisse and Picasso and then compares the two artists through a selection of paired images. The final section comprises summary questions and activities and various exhibition-related documentation. The materials also provide relevant contextual information with each slide and a series of questions that teachers can use for discussions with their student, as well as suggestions for research projects and art activities.
Merrill Lynch is the corporate sponsor for Matisse Picasso, one of the first major international loan exhibitions to be presented at MoMA QNS in Long Island City, Queens. The exhibition brings together 132 works by Matisse and Picasso, focusing primarily on painting, with sculptures and works on paper. Merrill Lynch also provided the funding that made the catalogue and educational program possible.
About Merrill Lynch's Philanthropy
In 2002, Merril Lynch's giving totaled nearly $40 million. Increasing educational opportunities for underserved children and youth is the primary focus of the firm's grant making, receiving the largest share of 2002 grants at over $14 million. For more information on Merrill Lynch's global philanthropy, visit http://philanthropy.ml.com. For more information on Merrill Lynch, please visit www.ml.com.
About The Museum of Modern Art
Founded in 1929 as an educational institution, The Museum of Modern Art is dedicated to being the foremost museum of modern art in the world.
Through the leadership of its trustees and staff, The Museum of Modern Art manifests this commitment by establishing, preserving, and documenting a permanent collection of the highest order that reflects the vitality, complexity, and unfolding patterns of modern and contemporary art; by presenting exhibitions and educational programs of unparalleled significance; by sustaining a library, archives and conservation laboratory that are recognized as international centers of research; and by supporting scholarship and publications of preeminent intellectual merit.
Central to The Museum of Modern Art's mission is the encouragement of an ever deeper understanding and enjoyment of modern and contemporary art by the diverse local, national, and international audiences that it serves.
Contact Dan Klores Communications:
Rachel Carr/Dave Donovan 212.685.4300