Reflection
art educational exchange program
The Baltimore-Rotterdam Reflection art project is an international exchange, addressing issues that relate to globalization, cultural development of community, multiculturalism, and social change through community and contemporary art.
It incorporates an educational program, artist residencies, and commissioned artwork, aiming to foster dialogue between the people of these two unique yet complementary cities, and at the same time strengthen institutional partnerships.
The project started in spring 2006, with several public schools in Baltimore and Rotterdam. Students participate in workshops creating postcards that depict their impression of life in their own cities. They collage, paint, draw on the postcards, and add their thoughts.
Some of the student participants from Roland Park Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore.
(Photo: © George Hagegeorge)
Art guidelines, a kit, and training are provided to the teachers and students. The finished artwork is exchanged in a professionally installed exhibition on both sides of the ocean.
In April 2006, the inaugural exhibition was on display at the new Baltimore Visitors Center in the middle of the Inner Harbor, in conjunction with the Volvo Ocean Race and the Baltimore Waterfront Festival. A portion of the exhibit was also at Port Discovery, the Baltimore’s children museum.
A gala reception, sponsored by ABN AMRO Bank, was held at the Maryland Science Center. A delegation of students and teachers from Rotterdam traveled to Baltimore to join their counterparts at the reception, and to visit schools in Baltimore.
In summer 2006, the exhibit traveled to Rotterdam’s Villa Zebra Children’s museum and Baltimore’s Artscape festival.
In spring 2007, it was shown at Baltimore’s World Trade Center. A follow-up postcard project took place at one of the Baltimore schools.
A video documentary about the postcard project, produced by Cheryl Fair, is shown with the postcards.
Rotterdam’s Willem de Kooning Academie is now exploring follow-up activities with Baltimore and Rotterdam schools. We are also planning an artist exchange and residency program for 2008/2009, in partnership wth Baltimore’s Contemporary Museum.
Building Cultural Bridges
We are helping teachers in the Netherlands and America integrate art into their curricula, while encouraging students on both sides of the Atlantic to reflect and and actively engage in a greater understanding between the two cities and different cultures. Our long-term objective is to integrate this art program into the public school curricula in Rotterdam and Baltimore.
Reflection has the support of Baltimore’s Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), and Rotterdam’s Willem de Kooning Academy, both of whom have strong graduate programs in art education. It also has the support of Baltimore’s Mayor’s Office and the Baltimore City and Baltimore County Public Schools.
Artist Exchange
We have launched a new Artist Exchange program. Steve Bradley from Baltimore has a residency in Rotterdam. Arnold Schalks from Rotterdam will have a residency in Baltimore, in conjunction with the Contemporary Museum.
Participating students from Baltimore and Rotterdam walk in a parade to celebrate the inaugural Reflection exhibit, April 2006 in Baltimore.
(Photo: Max Glanville, MICA)