VSA Utah
|
230 South 500 West, #125 |
Ruth A. Lubbers |
|
Phone/TTY: (801) 328-0703 |
Website: |
Organizational Profile:
|
Full-time Staff: 2 |
 |
VSA Utah provides equal opportunities to inclusive arts programming for Utahns with disabilities and those with limited access to the arts. Through its Art Access programming, VSA Utah is committed to providing quality arts activities for adults and children with disabilities as well as for those who represent other underserved communities. We seek to create enthusiasm for, understanding of, and awareness of the importance and benefit of the arts for all persons. The arts are truly a universal and essential language that challenges people to look beyond themselves and celebrate diversity. VSA Utah believes that participation in the arts promotes acceptance and inclusion in all aspects of life.
Programming Partners and Other Funders:
VSA; Utah State Office of Education: Special Education Services Unit; Utah School Districts Statewide; Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind; Primary Children’s Hospital Residential Treatment Center; Murray Adult Transition; Salt Lake American Muslim; Salt Lake Gallery Association; Utah Museum of Fine Arts; TURN Community Services; Canyonlands Arts Council; Utah Arts Festival; The Road Home; Kindred Spirits; Work Activity Center; Neighborhood House Children and Adult Day Services; TURN Community Services S.H.A.R.E. Program; SLC Film Center; Disability Law Center; Wasatch Canyons Residential Treatment; Utah Independent Living Center; Tri-County Independent Living Center; Utah Council of the Blind; Murray Heritage Center; Southwest Behavioral Health Center; Utah Cultural Alliance; Utah Musuems Assocation; Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts, and Parks Program; Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Foundation; Utah Arts Council; Utah Arts Council Arts Education Program; Salt Lake City Arts Council; Wells Fargo Bank; U.S. Bancorp Foundation; Chase Bank; Deluxe Corporation; Fieldstone Foundation; B.W. Bastian Foundation; George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation; Marriner S. Eccles Foundation; Utah Office of Museum Services; An Anonymous Foundation; Utah State Employees Charitable Fund; Lawrence T. and Janet T. Dee Charitable Foundation; and individual donors
Educational Programs and Artist Residencies
Teen Workshops Program
Since 1996, VSA Utah has served teens with and without disabilities through a series of six 12-hour workshops led by professional artists. Thirteen teens are accepted in each free workshop. The small class sizes ensure that students have the opportunity to learn about new art forms and are exposed to diverse groups of peers.
Adult Workshops Program
VSA Utah conducts workshops for adults with and without disabilities. The workshops are held on five Saturdays each spring, accommodating up to 13 participants. Taught by professional artists, each workshop takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
Desert Wanderings Adult and Teen Literary Arts Programs
This program, in conjunction with community partners, consists of creative writing workshops taught by professional writers and is held at partner venues where adults and teens with disabilities live or gather. Compositions from workshops and from the public are juried into the Desert Wanderings and Desert Wanderings Teen Edition literary magazines. The program provides opportunities for teens and adults to polish writing skills and share their voices and perspectives with the community.
Integrated Arts in Utah Schools
Since 1993, VSA Utah has contracted with the Special Education Services Unit of the Utah State Office of Education to provide artist residencies and special projects in all arts mediums for children in kindergarten through twelfth grade who receive special education services. Professional artists collaborate with educators to develop programs in school districts statewide.
Artist Residencies for Adults with Disabilities
Throughout the fiscal year, artist residencies are available to groups of adults living in institutions or using community social services, such as rehabilitation centers, care centers, senior centers, and other community partner services.
Professional Development and Technical Assistance
PARTNERS Visual Artist Mentoring Program
PARTNERS serves adult artists with disabilities in gaining access to full participation in the mainstream arts community. Eight talented artists are matched with professional mentors on an individual basis. Mentors assist artists in refining techniques, provide them with vital connections to the local arts community, and foster growth and hope for the future.
Cultural Access and Inclusive Arts Services
Everyone Welcome: Accessibility/ Disability Trainings in Utah Museums
VSA Utah, in partnership with the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, offers accessibility trainings to docents in Utah museums. Sessions consist of examining the language of disability and attitudes and strategies to help persons with disabilities feel more welcome.
Public Awareness and Outreach
Art Access Gallery
The Art Access Gallery, in existence since 1991, provides opportunities for artists with disabilities to access the mainstream arts community. Although focus remains on artists with disabilities, artists without disabilities are also welcome, as are artists who represent other underserved communities. Through stimulating exhibitions offered by the gallery, artists with disabilities present their art on a level playing field, first and foremost as talented artists.
Artists Unlimited
Artwork created by adults with disabilities is purchased and collected by VSA Utah and made available for loan and public display. Through this program, artists with disabilities have additional opportunities to share their work at venues such as schools, libraries, and conferences. Disability organizations may borrow artwork for public display in their headquarters.
Festivals
Through a partnership with the Utah State Office of Education, Special Education Services Unit, VSA Utah presents arts festivals in school districts and organizations statewide. Festivals provide opportunities for special education students to share their talents and joy of art with the larger community.
(F) 202-429-0868