VSA arts Announces National Awards for Excellence for Its Affiliates

April 3, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. - VSA arts announced its 2009 National Awards for Excellence during its annual affiliate meeting in Washington, D.C. VSA arts works with a network of affiliate organizations across the country. Each year, VSA arts recognizes affiliates for their dedication to their work of increasing opportunities within the arts for people with disabilities.

Affiliates coordinate comprehensive programming across their respective states, providing arts education opportunities in the classroom and in the community, as well as support and encouragement for professional artists with disabilities.

“VSA arts affiliates work tirelessly throughout the year to open the doors of access and bring opportunities in the arts to both children and adults with disabilities,” said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts. “It’s an honor to recognize their work and reward them for a job well done.”

The 2009 award recipients are:

VSA arts of Montana received the Excellence in Educational Programming Award for far-reaching and visionary programming with diverse and substantial funding. Artist-in-residency programs are offered throughout the state, in schools and community sites, to a variety of ages in every artistic discipline, most in inclusive settings.
VSA arts of Ohio received the Excellence in Professional Development Award for the Artist Technology and Information Center, a dedicated computer station for use by artists with disabilities to learn to use technology, create Web sites, research opportunities, complete online grant applications or simply update a resume or cover letter. An artist services specialist offers one-to-one coaching as well.
VSA arts of Vermont received the Excellence in Professional Development for Teachers and Teaching Artists Award for providing VSA arts Start with the Arts educational resource to 48 home-based child-care providers throughout the state and throughout the year. Training includes ongoing supervision and site visits.
VSA arts of Iowa received the Excellence in Public Awareness and Outreach Award for the Governor’s VSA arts Festival and its role within the Iowa State Fair. The festival boasted more than 70 artists with disabilities who displayed art and performed before an audience of 200,000 plus people over the course of the 11-day fair.
VSA arts of Wisconsin received the Excellence in Organizational Management Award for strong business practices that not only keep the wheels of the organization turning, but also propel it forward. The organization has a diverse resource base, strong community partnerships, and well-recognized and supported programs for people with and without disabilities. Solid planning and a broad base of income sources that includes foundations, public funds, successful event revenues, and fee-for-service programs has resulted in the affiliate’s financial stability.

The following individuals received a Dedication to Service Award for 10 years of service:

Jennifer Gunther, Executive Director, VSA arts of Delaware
Glen Henry, Executive Director, VSA arts of Oklahoma
Celia Hughes, Executive Director, VSA arts of Texas
Brad Melloy, Vice President for Finance, VSA arts of Indiana
Mimi Smith, Executive Director, VSA arts of Pennsylvania

About VSA arts
VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. VSA arts provides educators, parents, and artists with resources and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities. VSA arts showcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year millions of people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in 55 countries around the world. VSA arts is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, please visit www.vsarts.org

Media Contact:

Stephanie Taylor/VSA arts
(202) 628-2800 ext. 3883
SKTaylor@vsarts.org

General Information:

(202) 628 -2800
(TTY) 737-0645
www.vsarts.org