VSA arts of Iowa
|
400 East 14th Street |
Stephanie Jessen |
|
Tel.: (515) 281-3179 |
Website: |
Organizational Profile:
|
Full-time Staff: 1 |
 |
VSA arts of Iowa promotes the creative power of Iowan's of all abilities through arts experiences. VSA arts of Iowa uses the arts to improve the capabilities of children and adults with disabilities to learn and express themselves. Businesses, organizations and individuals have been instrumental in helping VSA arts of Iowa's growth plan for providing arts opportunities to an increasing number of people while expanding services for children and adults.
Programming Partners and Other Funders:
Iowa Department of Education; Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and the Iowa Arts Council; Knights of Columbus; Variety the Children’s Charity; Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino; The Principal Financial Group; Wellmark BlueCross BlueShield, Principal Financial; Greater Des Moines Community Foundation
State Programs
Educational Programs and Artist Residencies
Artist Residencies in Education Settings
Through the Arts for Children Education Program, professional artists with disabilities are trained to work with children in classroom settings ranging from pre-k through 12th grade. These residencies occur throughout the school year in all 15 of Iowa's Area Education Agencies. They integrate the arts into the public school curriculum, which facilitates effective teaching of academic subjects in an inclusive environment and provides meaningful employment for artists with disabilities. The residencies foster increased awareness by bringing students and artists with disabilities together.
Arts in Healthcare Initiative
The Arts in Healthcare Initiative is a collaboration between VSA arts of Iowa and the Child and Adolescent Behavioral Department at Iowa Health systems. Through the collaboration, VSA arts of Iowa is seeking to expand and differentiate programming that will enhance healing and the overall well- being of patients and their families.
New Visions Dance Class
The New Visions Dance Class provides year-round dance sessions for youth with disabilities. In addition to attending classes, New Visions students give several performances at different local events, from shopping malls to collegiate level half-time performances. Students learn to interact with each other, express themselves and feel comfortable in a setting that is usually exclusive.
Professional Development and Technical Assistance
The Arts for Children Education Program Teacher Training
The Arts for Children Education Program Teacher Training is VSA arts of Iowa’s sole program dedicated to professional development and technical assistance. This teacher training features two full days of workshops at each of Iowa’s 15 Area Education Agencies. The training focuses on effective methods of integrating the arts into academic curriculum. The target population for this program is composed of more than 300 classroom teachers who are expected to complete the training over the 2004-2005 school year.
Cultural Access and Inclusive Arts Services
Cultural Access Services
VSA arts of Iowa provides statewide services for cultural organizations in a variety of components including ASL interpretation, audio description, large print format, and other adaptations.
The Accessibility Clearinghouse
The Accessibility Clearinghouse provides accessibility information for performing arts facilities, art centers and other places where the arts abound.
Public Awareness and Outreach
The Red Carpet Gala
This is the newest annual fundraiser for VSA arts of Iowa. In its first year it generated over $5,000. The Red Carpet Gala invites ,members of the community to "dress up" and watch the Academy Awards on a theater screen. As a part of the Gala, there is also an auction of donated movie-related items. Many different local restaurants donate food to represent the five movies in the best movie category.
Mayfair
Mayfair is an annual fundraiser that usually generates between $25,000 and $35,000 for VSA arts of Iowa. Held in donated space in downtown Des Moines, Mayfair allows attendees to bid at an auction of donated items, sample local cuisine, and socialize in a lively atmosphere.
The Mayor’s Cruise
The Mayor’s Cruise is an annual fundraiser that features classic cars and bikes. With support from the mayor of Des Moines and other mayors from surrounding areas, it attracts a great deal of media attention given the spectators and support from influential donors.
The Governor’s Very Special Arts Festival
This Festival features a total of 120 performances and exhibitions from 80 professional artists with disabilities all across Iowa. Held every year since 1980 as part of the Iowa State Fair, the Festival attracted a combined audience of approximately 250,000 in 2005, making it the most popular festival for artists with disabilities in the United States. The popularity of the Festival and the media exposure that it generates make the Festival a uniquely effective program for advancing the careers of artists with disabilities.
Integrated Arts Initiatives
The Integrated Arts Initiatives is a statewide call for art. One initiative features work submitted by adolescents. Each submission is incorporated into a mosaic tile mural that will be permanently displayed at the Department of Education in the Grimes State Office Building on the State Capital Complex.
The VSA arts of Iowa Artist Roster
The artist roster provides artist services to 208 performing and visual artists from around the state. These services include training for the VSA arts of Iowa "Arts for Children" education program, sponsorship of exhibits and art fairs, transportation, advocacy, consultation, material discounts, and professional referrals.
The Young Soloist Program
The Young Soloist Program is an annual search for youths up to age 25 who are gifted in vocal or instrumental music and who have disabilities. The state winner is eligible to compete for a $5,000 scholarship awarded to two artists from the United States.
VSA arts of Iowa Presentations
The VSA arts of Iowa Presentations increase awareness of the organization. VSA arts of Iowa has spoken at numerous Rotary Clubs, Breakfast Clubs, Kiwanis, and other service organizations. As a result, we have received volunteers, donations, and support.
Community Arts Opportunities
Community Arts Opportunities are integrated arts experiences for all art forms through the following venues: Des Moines Arts Festival, Kids Fest, Festival of Trees, Iowa Arts Jam, and Building Bridges. VSA arts of Iowa's exposure markets the artists’ work, generating potential sales and employment opportunities.
(F) 202-429-0868