Cost: Free
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Revolution Starts in the Streets Opening
April 27, 2019 @ 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Revolution Starts in the Streets is a temporary public art installation of a replica Berlin Wall on the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library campus. A common theme in revolution is the presence of art as a form of peaceful protest. To honor these street artists and the right to freedom of expression, this wall will serve as a collaborative, public art space and promote a community conversation about the fall of communism in Europe in 1989.
Join us for the opening of this installation on April 27th as we unveil this public art space. At this event, we are honored to be joined by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic to the United States, Ivan Korčok, who will speak about his personal experience under communism and the Berlin Wall. Representatives from the Smithsonian also will be in attendance to continue the celebration of our Smithsonian Affiliation.
Program will be held in front of the replica Berlin Wall on NCSML’s South lawn, weather permitting. Reception in Rozek Grand Hall to follow. (Rain Location: Rozek Grand Hall)
Revolution Starts in the Streets is presented by Aegon Transamerica with contributing sponsorship by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Program Fund.
The replica Berlin Wall is constructed in collaboration with students from Metro High School STEAM Academy and IowaBIG, with direction from Atlas EPS, Carpenters’ Union Local 308, North Liberty Transportation, Dave Schmitt Construction, M2B Structural Engineering, Neumann Monson Architects, and Terracon.
Education Partners:
Revolution Starts in the Streets was marketed by Iowa BIG, another local project-based learning initiative. Iowa BIG students learned design, art, and history, as well as practical marketing tactics through the school year as they worked on Revolution Starts in the Streets.
The Berlin Wall is being constructed by Metro High School as a project-based learning initiative in their Metro STEAM Academy. This work would not be possible, nor would the project be as fulfilling for the students, without the community partners who have all been incredibly generous with their time and resources.
