VSA arts and MetLife Foundation Issue 2004 Call for Entries: Award for Excellence in Arts Access

March 11, 2004

Art organizations to be recognized for accessibility to the arts

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 2004 - VSA arts, an international organization that promotes education and lifelong learning opportunities in the arts for people with disabilities, and MetLife Foundation have issued a call for entries for the Award for Excellence in Arts Access. The Award recognizes presenting organizations and museums for their innovative and exemplary programs that increase access to the arts for all people.

"With foresight and planning, venues may enable people with disabilities to have the same opportunities to richly experience the arts," said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts. "We are proud to be partnering with MetLife Foundation once again to recognize arts organizations who have made access a priority. In addition to honoring the outstanding organizations, these awards raise an awareness that the arts are for everyone."

"Making cultural facilities and programs more accessible for all people is an integral part of MetLife Foundation's commitment to inclusion," stated Sibyl Jacobson, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. "We applaud organizations across the country for working to increase opportunities for participation in the arts for people of all abilities."

Since 2000, VSA arts and MetLife Foundation have presented arts organizations that have established long-range accessibility goals with a $5,000 cash award. Arts organizations in the United States with a presenting facility open to the general public, including museums, theaters, and performing arts centers are eligible to apply for this award. The program should be marketed to people of diverse abilities, even if the intended audience is a specific segment of the disability community. The program should have taken place since January 1, 2002 and be completed by the time of submission. For organizations seeking more information, please write to accessaward@vsarts.org or visit http://www.vsarts.org/programs/metlife/index.cfm.

Applications must be received by April 9, 2004 and there is no fee to apply. Award recipients will be announced during the 2004 International VSA arts Festival, held June 9 - 12, in Washington, D.C.

About MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife to support various educational, health and welfare, and civic and cultural organizations across the country. Recognizing the arts' contribution to the health, vitality, and development of our communities, the Foundation is committed to increasing access to the arts and promoting diversity and inclusion. For more information about MetLife Foundation, please visit www.metlife.org.

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 arts programs every year through a worldwide network of affiliates. For more information, please visit www.vsarts.org.

VSA arts will present the 2004 International VSA arts Festival from June 9-12, 2004, in Washington, D.C. Artists from around the world will perform and exhibit at locations such as The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Union Station, Georgetown Waterfront Park, and the Smithsonian Institution. For more information, please visit www.vsartsfestival.org.

Media Contacts

Marcia Rhodes, VSA arts, 202-628-2800, marciar@vsarts.org
Chris Hill, The Rasky/Baerlein Group, 202-530-7702, chill@rasky.com

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