Supported by Volkswagen Group of America, The Museum of Modern Art Expands its Online Course Offerings

WOLFSBURG, Germany/NEW YORK, March 22, 2017 /3BL Media/ – The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) further expands its range of online courses, offering a new course focusing on the materials and techniques of postwar abstract painting. As the Lead Sponsor of MoMA’s education program, Volkswagen Group of America has supported the creation of course content, and is enabling free access to the online courses, available on the Coursera platform.

The latest course offers insight into the materials, techniques and approaches in the art-making process of seven New York School artists: Willem de Kooning, Yayoi Kusama, Agnes Martin, Barnett Newman, Jackson Pollock, Ad Reinhardt and Mark Rothko. Further reading and additional resources will provide a broad cultural and social context about the creation of art after the Second World War.

“When we have asked MoMA visitors what they most want to know about the art, they most frequently respond ’artist's inspiration‘ and ’materials and processes.’ This course invites learners into the art-making processes of seven influential artists. You'll explore how they use making as as way of thinking through ideas, of posing new questions through the use of materials, to create groundbreaking abstract paintings. Volkswagen has been a great supporter and partner as we have continued to innovate and evolve courses over the past six years, bringing MoMA into homes, schools, and places of leisure and work, and welcoming people to learn with us anytime, anywhere” says Wendy Woon, The Edward John Noble Foundation Deputy Director for Education at The Museum of Modern Art.

"It is thrilling to see how MoMA´s online courses have expanded over time. Culture and arts are fundamental to a society, because they articulate vital questions and efforts, shaping creativity and innovation. With our commitment to MoMA´s programs, we hope to continue providing such incentives and impulses," notes Benita von Malzahn, Head of Cultural and Social Engagement at Volkswagen AG.

As Lead Sponsor of the MoMA education program, Volkswagen Group of America aims to establish the discussion of arts and culture in education and thus strengthen the creativity and innovation of individuals. Support by Volkswagen Group of America has helped MoMA expand its interactive online courses significantly. Since the beginning of the program, 375,000 users in 200 different countries and territories have already signed up for free access to the courses.

Volkswagen Group of America has sponsored the work of MoMA and MoMA PS1 as a multi-year partner since 2011. Support from Volkswagen has helped MoMA and MoMA PS1 introduce more than 35 projects, including exhibitions, panel discussions, concerts, and creative workshops. The cooperation is a key element of Volkswagen Group’s international commitment to arts and culture, highlighting the company’s comprehensive social responsibility.

Note: For more information, please visit coursera.org/learn/painting