The initial steps are currently being taken to expand the programme to Latin America, in order to offer thousands more children an inspirational lesson by stimulating their creative development and encouraging discussions on important themes from Vincent’s life, such as identity, pursuing dreams, and dealing with setbacks.
The DHL x Van Gogh Museum Heart for Art programme at Meyerland Performing and Visual Arts Middle School, Houston ISD. Photo: Ali Asher.
Valuable insights were gained during the first academic year, in which the educational programme was launched in New York, Detroit, Houston, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. To ensure teachers had all the materials needed, DHL provided full-service shipping and logistics coordination. Additionally, many local partnerships, including collaborations with New York Edge and Houston ISD, also played a pivotal role in the programme's success, highlighting the significance of collaboration in enhancing students' educational experiences.
Latin America
After the United States, the first steps are currently being taken to expand the Heart for Art programme to Latin America. The pilot period started in November together with local partner Asociación Amigos del Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, ‘Friends Association of the National Museum of Fine Arts Friends of fine Arts’. Educators from the Van Gogh Museum are training over 780 teachers in Buenos Aires, Argentina, via an online class so that they can offer lessons independently. The lessons, featuring high-quality 3D reproductions of Van Gogh's Almond Blossom, aim to inspire children through the lens of Vincent van Gogh's life story and masterpieces.
‘This transformative project serves as a conduit for bringing the enriching realm of art into the hands of every educator across our nation. We are honoured to embark on this educational journey with esteemed partners, the Van Gogh Museum and DHL, whose collaboration strengthens our commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of art and culture’ says Mariano Gilmore and Luz Arriaga.
Educators Mariano Gilmore and Luz Arriaga of Amigos del Bellas Artes in Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Buenos Aires.
Looking ahead, the Heart for Art programme is set to continue its impact in both Latin America and the United States, fostering a love for art and creativity among thousands of students. ‘I am so proud of how many children we have already reached with Heart for Art, and the enthusiasm of the teachers has been amazing,’ says Gundy van Dijk, Head of Education and Interpretation at the Van Gogh Museum.
‘It has been heartwarming to see the positive reception of the program among teachers and students in the U.S.,’ said Andrew Williams, CEO of DHL Express Americas. ‘We are thrilled to build upon that success by collaborating with Amigos del Bellas Artes and the Van Gogh Museum, enabling us to bring the transformative impact of art education to Latin America. Together with the Van Gogh Museum and Amigos del Bellas Artes, we are providing a platform that empowers children to become more creative, learn about self-expression, and have a better cultural understanding of our world.’
DHL x Van Gogh Museum
The multi-year Heart for Art programme embodies the joint ambition of DHL and the Van Gogh Museum to positively impact the lives of future generations. These efforts will draw on the Van Gogh Museum’s extensive educational experience while leveraging DHL’s global logistics expertise.