WHO WE ARE:

VSA arts of Massachusetts is an organization that works with a consortium of school systems, cultural institutions, universities, and human service agencies to creatively leverage programs, services, policy, and events in three program areas:

- Create art programs in the schools to integrate students with and without disabilities

- Create sustainable opportunities in the arts for people with disabilities

- Create programmatic and physical access to cultural and other public facilities


MISSION

The mission guiding VSA arts of Massachusetts is to serve individuals with disabilities by creating opportunities for participation in the arts and integration into the cultural and educational mainstream of our communities. Through collaborative and proactive advocacy, VSA arts of Massachusetts helps people with and without disabilities make systemic change influencing the quality and accessibility of cultural and educational resources throughout the state and across the nation.


WHO WE WORK WITH

VSA arts of Massachusetts reaches close to 50,000 people annually through groundbreaking and effective statewide programs in the two broad areas of education and cultural access. Hundreds of thousands more benefit from the national components of these programs, including Internet users served each year through the organization's national cultural access web site, www.accessexpressed.net.


OUR HISTORY

VSA arts of Massachusetts represents part of an international network of VSA arts organizations serving all 50 states and nearly 70 other nations. VSA arts was founded in 1974 by Jean Kennedy Smith and remains an affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Formerly named "Very Special Arts," VSA arts changed its name in 1999, eliminating the use of the word "special" to honor the progress made by members of the disability community since the organization's inception. The letters VSA now reflect the Vision of an inclusive community, Strength in shared resources and Artistic expression that unite us all.


THE ARTS IN THE LIFE OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Through the arts, we are breaking new ground. For people with disabilities, the arts represent a world of resources and opportunities. Artistic expression provides an outlet for creative voice and unlimited possibilties for personal, academic, and professional success. By engaging in the arts, people with disabilities are able to contribute to our workplaces and communities, help extinguish old stereotypes regarding disabilities, and create a global culture truly representative of all people.

"The arts are a valuable impetus for healthy living. They provide education, enjoyment, sensory stimulation and a place to come together as part of mainstream society."
- Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, VSA arts founder

Visit www.vsamass.org for more info.