VSA arts of Virginia
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Zero East Fourth Street, Studio 50 |
Erin Hickey |
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Tel./TTY: (804) 230-0246 |
Website: |
Organizational Profile:
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Full-time Staff: 1 |
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VSA arts of Virginia (VSAVA) provides arts, education, and cultural opportunities by,for, and with people with disabilities.
Programming Partners and Other Funders:
Adult Care Services; Albemarle County Parks and Recreation; CarMax Foundation; Catherine McGinnis Foundation; Chesterfield County Public Schools; Children's Museum of Richmond; City of Charlottesville Parks and Leisure Services; Frederick County/Clark County Parks and Recreation; Hanover County Parks and Recreation; Henrico County Parks and Recreation; Jackson Foundation; KOVAR (Knights of Virginia Assistance for the Retarded); Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce; Loudoun County Parks and Recreation; Lynchburg County Parks and Recreation; Martin Luther King Jr. Performing Arts Center; Piedmont Foundation; Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center; Positive Vibe Café; Richmond Arts Council; Richmond First Unitarian Universalist Church; Richmond Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee; Shenandoah University; SkillQuest; St. Mary’s Hospital; Target Foundation; University of Virginia; Virginia Beach Foundation; Virginia Beach Public Schools; Virginia Board for People with Disabilities; Virginia Commission for the Arts; Weinstein Jewish Community Center; Winchester/Frederick County Parks and Recreation; Young Audiences
Educational Programs and Artist Residencies
VSA arts of Virginia Theater
VSA arts of Virginia is renowned for its theater programs. Three districts (Loudoun County, Richmond, and Virginia Beach) operate theater programs. The programs blend the talents of professional actors, artists and volunteers with the talents of 140 performers with and without disabilities.
The Da Vinci Project
VSA arts of Virginia’s flagship visual arts program, the Da Vinci Project, gives artists with disabilities access to professionally staffed and equipped studios. Da Vinci artists mount numerous public exhibitions throughout the year. Da Vinci visual arts programs operate in Richmond, Charlottesville, Loudoun County, and Virginia Beach.
Poetry Book Program
In Charlottesville, a group of 40 writers compiles an annual collection of poetry and creative writing that is widely distributed in Central Virginia. Poetry readings are held at the Blue Ridge Clubhouse, Visually Impaired Group at the Downtown Recreation Center, and the annual picnic at Pen Park. Writing for inclusion in the book has helped participants articulate ideas and feelings about themselves and their communities. Several of the participants have gone on to publish work, lead workshops, and act as motivational speakers.
Bell Tone/Chime Choirs Music Programs
The Bell Choir program features ensembles in Virginia Beach, Winchester, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Henrico, and Hanover Counties. The programs offer youth and adults with physical and developmental disabilities opportunities to learn traditional bell compositions and perform publicly. The bell choirs have performed at the Virginia’s Governor’s Mansion and the White House. Other VSA arts of Virginia music programs allow children with disabilities an opportunity to be members of performing ensembles in the larger community.
Professional Development and Technical Assistance
Outside the Lines
Outside the Lines Arts Project—VSA arts of Virginia’s newest program—serves people with disabilities and other underserved populations who have a passion and talent for making art and who would like to work at becoming professional artists. Making visual art in an entrepreneurial context creates pathways to the world of business systems and self-employment. In addition to making visual art, Outside the Lines participants learn how to prepare their work professionally for show and participate in the application process. Participants will learn how to document and photograph their work, prepare a package for submission to a show, promote their own works, and become familiar with how their local art communities operate.
Artist Led Workshops
Each district maintains a list of artists who are available for residencies, workshops, and teaching or speaking engagements.
Cultural Access and Inclusive Arts Services
Cultural Access Program
VSA arts of Virginia encourages arts and cultural organizations to plan for the participation of people with disabilities rather than complying out of obligation or afterthought. The state office serves as a resource clearinghouse for institutions and organizations planning welcome all audiences. During 2006, the executive director renewed this commitment to access by working with the Virginia Commission for the Arts to begin developing a framework for building a comprehensive multi-year cultural access plan. In the last year the executive director has also taken the opportunity to speak with state arts agencies and other non-profits outside of Virginia about strategies that have worked. Publications, materials, ideas, and contacts were collected in order to inform VSA arts of Virginia’s work.
VSAVA Exhibitions Program
Up to 15,000 people view the artwork of Virginia artists with disabilities each year. All VSA arts of Virginia districts are prepared to direct artists to viable exhibition opportunities. Currently, most VSA arts of Virginia exhibitions are organized by the Richmond and the Charlottesville districts. Statewide and nationwide calls for entry are distributed through the district coordinators.
Public Awareness and Outreach
Arts Festivals
Each year, James Madison University students organize an arts festival to offer children with disabilities opportunities to experience and enjoy the arts. With the help of a large group of volunteers, the two-day festival offers workshops and performances that provide hundreds of school-aged children with disabilities opportunities to experience the arts.
Newsletters and Web sites
VSA arts of Virginia newsletters and Web sites connect the many individuals in Virginia who are working to improve access to the arts. Publicizing the accomplishments of participants raises awareness of the capabilities of participants and encourages inclusion and equal access.
Virginia Festival of the Book The Charlottesville/Albemarle district administers a therapeutic component of the Virginia Festival of the Book. People with disabilities and disadvantaged children display and recite at an annual festival.
(F) 202-429-0868