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VSA arts of Ohio/Cleveland Service Division

VSA arts (formerly Very Special Arts), the international organization based in Washington D.C., is dedicated to the idea that individuals with mental and physical disabilities deserve opportunities to participate in the arts. An educational affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, VSA arts has grown from a national association to an international family. Yet, VSA arts maintains a personal, caring sense through support and participation on state and local levels. VSA arts strives to nurture and stimulate the creative potential of people who are disabled and to highlight their accomplishments. Individuals are encouraged to take part in ongoing projects and festivals, which involve them in drama, dance, music and the visual arts. 

About VSA arts of Ohio/Cleveland Area Service Division

The mission of VSA arts of Ohio/Cleveland Area Service Division is to assure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in arts programs and to provide opportunities for the integration of people with disabilities into society. In addition, VSA arts of Ohio/Cleveland Area Service Division will:

• support the initiation and expansion of arts related programs, culminating in a VSA arts festival(s), which provides experiences to enhance learning and enrich the lives of people with disabilities;
• increase local awareness and understanding of the value of arts programs by, with and for people with disabilities among the general public and the arts and education communities by providing places and events for people with disabilities to display and sell their work;
• develop and implement programs and services in the arts by, with and for people with disabilities;
• provide information, training and technical assistance to agencies and individuals who provide services in the arts to people with disabilities.

The Festival

The annual Cleveland Area VSA arts festival began in 1981. The daylong schedule of performances and activities is designed to create hands-on arts experiences for individuals with and without disabilities. Stations throughout the festival feature experiences in various art media, dance, movement, drama and music. A wide variety of students and professionals perform during the festival. Musicians, dancers, actors, choirs and many more contribute to the enriching atmosphere. An art exhibit features works by artists with disabilities from around the county.
For years the festival was held at one location. With the growing awareness and interest in VSA arts, the festival has spread to several sites in Cleveland and the surrounding area.

Making Great Art

January 2004 marked the beginning of a unique collaborative effort between VSA arts of Ohio/Cleveland Area Service Division and the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood. This program brings together adult visual artists with special needs for a creative multimedia arts experience. Art Makers, taking place at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, is the culmination of years of planning and efforts in presenting a variety of arts related programming to the community. Classes meet once a week for 45 minutes. Semester sessions dates and tuition varies. For details, visit www.beckcenter.org and click on the “Classes and Programs” link or contact Tara Griest at 216-521-2530 ext.34 for details. 

Funding

Cleveland Area VSA arts is funded by donations from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Cuyahoga County Fair, NASA Glenn Research Center and VSA arts of Ohio. The nonprofit organization relies on support from fundraisers, area businesses and individuals. Any donation is gratefully accepted and all contributions are tax-deductible.

For information about VSA arts Ohio/Cleveland Area Service Division, contact (216) 344-1761.

Register now for the 2011 Festival!