National Endowment for the Arts Awards $25,000 Grant to VSA arts

August 14, 2003

VSA arts launches research on using the arts in creating inclusive learning environments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. - Through the support of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), VSA arts will initiate the next step in a comprehensive research agenda by joining five affiliated organizations in exploring the inclusive practice of teaching in and through the arts. Through this grant from the NEA, VSA arts expands its involvement in the arts in education community that is actively documenting the critical link of art to learning.

Research on effective teaching practice in the arts as a strategy for creating inclusive classrooms will be the main focus of this project. Through research findings, VSA arts will be able to document the links between arts and learning, and encourage state and local policymakers to recognize the arts as a strategy for reaching educational goals for all students, particularly students with disabilities. The first year of the project will outline a long-term action research initiative on the inclusive practice of teaching artists.
This is a tremendous validation of the research efforts of VSA arts, said James E. Modrick, vice president of affiliate and education services. There is some new research and published information on arts in learning and students with disabilities. However, it is widely acknowledged that there is a lot to be learned and shared about the practice of teaching artists. The grant from the NEA will fuel our efforts in gathering and disseminating this much needed information. Initial findings will be presented at the International Research Symposium hosted by VSA arts during the 2004 International VSA arts Festival in Washington, D.C., June 9-12. Partnerships with leading arts organizations and institutions help further our commitment to demonstrate the power of the arts in the learning process, said Modrick. Findings will also be submitted to arts, education, and educational research journals.

The National Endowment for the Arts provides national recognition and support to significant projects of artistic excellence, thus preserving and enhancing our nation's diverse cultural heritage. The Endowment was created by Congress and established in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. This public investment in the nation's cultural life has resulted in both new and classic works of art reaching every corner of America.
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 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, and The Smithsonian Institution. For more information, please visit www.vsarts.org.

Contact:
Tanya L. Travers
VSA arts
202-628-2800
pr@vsarts.org

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