VSA arts Presents 2004 Affiliate Awards in Excellence

June 29, 2004

Affiliates are recognized for achievements in fundraising, community and school collaborations, and public awareness

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 29, 2004 - VSA arts, an international organization that provides opportunities in the arts for children and adults with disabilities, held its annual meeting on June 9. Affiliates from across the nation came together in the nations capital to share accomplishments and exchange ideas on various topics affecting the arts, education, and disability communities. As part of this annual gathering, Awards in excellence and leadership were presented to affiliates. Individuals were also honored for exemplary contributions to the mission of VSA arts and the success of their local affiliates. Award categories included: fundraising, school collaboration, public awareness and advocacy, and leadership and community collaboration.

"The work that we do would not be possible without our affiliates -- they connect us to the millions of people that we serve throughout the nation. Their efforts create a greater awareness and understanding of the power of the arts to change people's lives, especially people with disabilities," said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts.

VSA arts of Hawaii-Pacific received the Award of Excellence in Public Awareness and Advocacy for its Artists Mean Business Legislative Summit and the grand opening of Artsplace -- Center for Creative Industries. The summit encouraged a movement to positively impact the lives of 240,000 Hawaiians with disabilities, focusing on creative career opportunities.

VSA arts of Texas received the Award of Excellence in School Collaboration for its partnership with the Ysleta Independent School District. The ultimate shared goal of VSA arts of Texas and its educational partners is to integrate arts, pre-literacy skills, language arts and reading in the classroom for every child, every day.

VSA arts of Iowa received the Award of Excellence in Fundraising for their Red Carpet Gala and Mayfair events. Both events raised crucial funds for VSA arts of Iowa operations while providing a renowned and public venue for artists with disabilities.

There were two recipients for the Award of Excellence in Leadership and Community Collaboration: Hope McMath, curator of education, Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and the Cummer Museum of Art, (nominated by VSA arts of Florida), and Carolyn White, director of special education, Highland Park Community Schools (nominated by VSA arts of Michigan).

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 with disabilities participate in VSA artsprograms every year through a network of affiliates nationwide and in over 60 countries.

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