VSA arts announces Selected Artists for 2004 International VSA arts Festival

August 22, 2003

Professional Jury selects 210 international visual, performing, media and literary artists from 47 countries worldwide to participate in Washington, D.C. Festival.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. (August 22, 2003) - VSA arts, the premier organization in the world dedicated to showcasing the artistic excellence and extraordinary talent of people with disabilities, announces the selection of 210 visual, performing, media and literary artists who will participate in The 2004 International VSA arts Festival, to be held in Washington, D.C., June 9-12, 2004.

Artists from around the world were invited to submit entries, which were evaluated by a jury of professionals in the art world. A total of 723 pieces of artwork were judged in the following categories: painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, fiber, glass, pottery, mixed media, computer-generated art, ceramics, dance, music, theater, and literary arts. Categories were further divided into children (under 11), youth (age 11-21), and adult (21+).

"All of us at VSA arts were overwhelmed by the amount of entries we received for the Festival and greatly impressed by the time and effort each and every artist put into creating their wonderful works of art," said Soula Antoniou, executive director of VSA arts. "Were extremely proud to bring this array of talent to Washington, D.C. next June."

The Festival will take place June 9 12, 2004 in a variety of locations throughout Washington, D.C., including Union Station, the Smithsonian Institution, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the Millennium Arts Center.

The performing arts jury consisted of:
Rob McQuay, chairman of the Maryland governors advisory committee on careers in the arts for people with disabilities
Amy Parks, master of music in horn performance, Peabody Conservatory and former VSA arts Young Soloist
Garth Ross, program director for the Millennium Stage, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Krissie Marty, dancer and educator, Liz Lerman Dance Exchange

Adjudicating for the visual arts were:
Mark Parsons, artist and one of the Festival's 12 Fellows
Bill Wooby, founder and curator, Millennium Arts Center, Washington, D.C.
Felix Angel, curator, visual arts program for Inter-American Development Bank
Malik Lloyd, founder and CEO, Find Art Information Bank
Leanne Mella, program specialist, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. State Department

In the literary arts, the judges were:
Kenny Fries, author, playwright, and poet
Anne Finger, president, Society for Disability Studies

About VSA arts
VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Jean Kennedy Smith to promote education and lifelong learning opportunities in the arts for people with disabilities. Nearly 5 million people participate in VSA arts programs annually through a worldwide network of affiliate organizations across the United States and in more than 60 countries. VSA arts programs in music, dance, drama, creative writing, and the visual arts develop learning skills, encourage independence, and promote access and inclusion.

Contact:
Ellen Levy
2004 International VSA arts Festival
(202) 628-2800
ellenl@vsarts.org

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