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 promotes the arts, education, and creative expression, involving children and adults with disabilities, thereby strengthening the human spirit and improving the quality of life for all.
Programming Partners and Other Funders:
Adult Care Services; Albemarle County Parks and Recreation; Catherine McGinnis Foundation; Chesterfield County Public Schools; City of Charlottesville Parks and Leisure Services; Frederick County/Clark County Parks and Recreation; Hanover County Parks and Recreation; Henrico County Parks and Recreation; Hilliard House; 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; MLK, 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
State Programs
Educational Programs and Artist Residencies
VSA arts of Virginia Theatre
VSA arts of Virginia is renowned for its theatre programs. Three districts (Loudoun County, Richmond and Virginia Beach) operate theatre programs. The programs blend the talents of professional actors, artists and volunteers with the talents of more than 120 performers with and without disabilities. Program participants learn their craft, and instructors learn to approach the form differently.
The Da Vinci Project
VSA arts of Virginia’s flagship visual arts program, the DaVinci Project, gives artists with disabilities access to professionally staffed and equipped studios. DaVinci artists mount numerous public exhibitions throughout the year. DaVinci visual arts programs operate in Richmond, Charlottesville, Loudoun County, and Virginia Beach.
Poetry Book Program
In Charlottesville, a group of forty writers compiles an annual collection of poetry and creative writing that is widely distributed in Central Virginia. Each year the quantity of submissions increases and the quality of submissions improves. The Poetry Book Program has significantly increased exposure for artists with disabilities. Poetry readings are held at the Blue Ridge Clubhouse, Visually Impaired Group at the Downtown Recreation Center and the annual picnic at Pen Park. At least three of the writers have had work published in magazines this year, and two have published their own books of poetry. One of the artists was selected to read her work at the 2004 VSA arts International Festival. Two are now workshop presenters and do public readings at events including City Council meetings. One writer started volunteering at the Independence Resource Center to help participants with creative writing; another is volunteering at the Region Ten Community Services Dual Recovery Program teaching creative writing teaching; and yet another has begun motivational speaking on disability awareness. Writing for inclusion in the book has helped participants articulate ideas and feelings about themselves and their communities.
Bell Tone/Chime Choirs
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. Ten-week classes are offered in the fall, spring and summer. The Bell choirs have performed at the Virginia’s Governor’s Mansion and the White House.
Professional Development and Technical Assistance
Teacher Training Institutes — Start with the Arts, Express Diversity
VSA arts of Virginia conducts Teacher Training Institutes using “Start with the Arts” and “Express Diversity!” Workshops provide an objective-based thematic approach that actively engages young children in the process of learning and reinforces the idea that artsrelated activities are beneficial to learning. Artists participate in the training and serve residencies at participating schools to reinforce concepts presented.
Artist Led Workshops
Former program participants and professional artists with disabilities are invited to instruct others in their crafts. 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
In August 2004, VSA arts of Virginia began serving area cultural and performing arts organizations that wanted to make their programs and facilities more accessible to all audiences. We encourage arts and cultural organizations to plan for the participation of people with disabilities. The state serves as a resource clearinghouse for institutions and organizations planning to include people with disabilities in programs and activities.
VSAVA Exhibitions Program
Up to 20,000 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 calls for entry are distributed through the district coordinators.
Public Awareness and Outreach
Arts Festivals
Each year James Madison University students mount an arts festival to offer children with disabilities opportunities to experience and enjoy the arts. Through a large group of volunteers, the two-day festival offers workshops and performances that provide hundreds of school age children with disabilities opportunities to experience the arts.
Reach for the Stars
The Reston Community Center has held the annual Reach for the Stars festival since 1983. Each year hundreds of children with disabilities come from area schools to participate in a two-day arts festival including performances by Smithsonian folk artists, music, visual arts, dance and more.
Newletters 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
VSA arts of Virginia - Charlottesville administers a therapeutic component of the Virginia Festival of the Book. People with disabilities and disadvantaged children express themselves through writing workshops, and their works are displayed and recited at an annual festival.
(F) 202-429-0868