Educational Outreach Program

Educational Goals

Breakthrough Art Organization engages in educational outreach to students of all ages and the general public by bringing them together with artists to engage in a dialogue around art and key values such as freedom of expression, courage, truth, optimism, endurance, commitment and risk-taking. Educational learning modules are available on the Breakthrough website.

Educational Program Format

The program is generally one hour and is tailored to the group’s particular needs or interests. Thus it can focus on broader themes at the nexus of society and art, or more specifically on issues relevant to students of history, art, sociology, law, philosophy, business and languages. Students meet with the artists, view their artwork, and engage in a group discussion after watching a 12-minute film (also available on the website) which provides an excellent basis for the discussions, highlighting the challenges and perspectives of the dissident artists both before and after their time in East Germany. Afterwards the students are free to continue individual conversations with the artists. If more convenient, Breakthrough artists will meet with students at their place of learning.

In Washington DC Breakthrough worked with the Newseum to develop learning programs for school-age children, and Breakthrough’s educational modules are now part of the Newseum’s permanent educational resource library. Additionally, Breakthrough has had successful programs in other US cities including: The International Teen Outreach Program at Cameron Middle School in Nashville; the Duke Ellington School of Performing Arts in Washington DC; the Washington, D.C. Youth Leadership Foundation’s Program for Academic and Leadership Skills for girls (PALS), the Brackenridge High in San Antonio, and others.

Breakthrough’s Educational Programs are free-of-charge.

On the Educational Program…

"My students were impressed and touched… They had lots of questions and actually understood a part of history in a way that a book can never explain. They were able to connect with the situations depicted in pictures, with the feelings expressed by phrases in a painting, with the painful memory of leaving a place which used to be called home because of the dire situations they had to face… I commend… the artists… for sharing their stories and their time. [T]hose chances are key to help youth grow… and… show them that with determination and hard work they can reach their goals and stave off all the negative pathways surrounding them in life."
- Vanessa Lazón, International Teen Outreach Program, Cameron Middle School Nashville

Mission and Background of the Breakthrough Art Organization

Breakthrough Art Organization provides a platform for communication, collaboration and motivation among artists and others around the globe who, through engagement with art, aim to overcome economic, political, social, personal and other challenges.

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of German Unification, Breakthrough aspires to instill in others a deeper appreciation of the benefits, responsibilities and challenges inherent in “freedom,” most particularly freedom of expression. We also hope this project inspires others to consider art as one of the “islands of support” that our Breakthrough artists from former East Germany have often described: a safe haven, a place of shelter from the storm, an oasis where one can gather both personal and creative strength, courage, and determination – and then move ahead.

The Breakthrough Exhibit

90 pieces of artwork from the 10 Berlin Breakthrough artists were selected for the exhibit due to their relevance to the Breakthrough topics of freedom of expression, risk-taking, courage, determination, and hope. While some of the artwork is clearly associated with these themes, others “come to life” when audiences discuss with the artists why such pieces were selected. For example, Frank Roedel’s painting of eagles, and his three works on Masada, depict the extremes of freedom and slavery that he pondered in depth while imprisoned for three years in former East Germany.

On the Exhibit…

"Breakthrough! is an extraordinary exhibition from both an artistic and historical perspective. The artwork is revelatory -- displaying an exciting new generation of German painters, sculptors, and photographers of enormous energy and assurance. Each time I went back into the galleries I experienced the same thrill of discovery and engagement. But the exhibition also captures an essential story of modern history by showing how creativity insists on freedom even under political repression."
- Dana Gioia, Chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts from 2003-2009
and current Director of the Aspen Institute's Harman-Eisner Arts Program