VSA arts and Volkswagen of America offer $60,000 in Cash Awards for Young Artists with Disabilities

March 15, 2005

Artists between 16-25 years of age are invited to apply for a national juried exhibit “Shifting Gears”

Washington, D.C. - Volkswagen of America, Inc. and VSA arts are proud to partner together for the fourth year to present an unprecedented opportunity for young artists with disabilities. The program, meant to encourage and recognize emerging talent in the visual arts, is made possible through the generous financial assistance of Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Young artists with disabilities are asked to submit artwork in the form of slides for consideration in a touring exhibit that will debut at the S. Dillon Ripley Center, Smithsonian Institution. Finalists will be selected on aesthetic merit alone by a distinguished jury panel to be named in March. Standing jury member Professor William A. Newman of the Corcoran College of Art + Design expresses, “It’s really hard to be an artist, and it’s really hard to be disabled. It’s even harder to be both.”

As in the past, entries are encouraged to evoke a particular theme. This year’s theme “Shifting Gears” challenges artists to reflect on a pivotal moment in life that led to a greater understanding of themselves in relation to their art and/or their disability.

Applicants are eligible for a total of $60,000 in cash awards. Fifteen finalists will be chosen and the grand prize finalist will receive $20,000 -- the largest award presented to a young artist in the United States. Finalists will be honored at an awards ceremony on Capitol Hill during late September 2005.

The postmarked deadline for entries is Friday, July 15, 2005. All applicants will be notified by Friday, August 26, 2005. Visit the VSA arts Web site for further information and to download guidelines and application forms. RFP link: http://www.vsarts.org/x267.xml.

“As a company that values diversity and inclusion, we look for ways to highlight the extraordinary creativity and talents of young Americans with disabilities,” said Steve Keyes, Director Corporate Communications. “We were fortunate to find a wonderful partner in VSA arts.”

About VSA arts

VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith. VSA arts is creating a society where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. Nearly five million people participate in VSA arts programs every year through a network of affiliates nationwide and in over 60 countries worldwide. www.vsarts.org.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Volkswagen believes that the “heartware” is equally as important as the “hardware.” For people with disabilities, the automobile provides both freedom of mobility and self-expression. Volkswagen. All drivers wanted. www.vw.com.

Media Contacts

Marcia Rhodes, VSA arts, 202-628-2800 ext. 3883, marciar@vsarts.org
Joel Epstein, Marx Layne & Co., 248-855-6777

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