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ABOUT US:

WHO WE ARE...

VSA California is the statewide nonprofit arts and education organization, established in 1986 as the official affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington DC. As the “state organization on arts and disability” VSA California is recognized as a leader in provision of programs, projects and service that focus on opportunities for individuals of all abilities to find opportunity through creative arts based education, professional training, talent recognition, career based preparation, advocacy, and the basic joy of expression.

VSA, at a national and international level, is a pioneer in the field of arts and disability and has been a leader in changing society’s attitudes toward people with disabilities. As society evolves, the attitudes and language used by the disability community also evolves. When founded in 1974,by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith (sister of President Kennedy), the organization was named the National Committee - Arts for the Handicapped. In 1985 the name changed to Very Special Arts. Since words such as “special” and “handicapped” do not reflect current language trends in the United States and many other countries, in 1999 we became VSA arts to reflect these changing language trends.  In 2010, we became simply VSA – The International Organization on Arts and Disability.

VSA California makes the arts accessible to people of all abilities through providing arts, education and cultural opportunities by, with and for people with disabilities. Our guiding principles and beliefs include: respecting people and focusing on their abilities; utilizing the arts to promote understanding and communication between all people; expanding artistic and creative opportunity inclusive of all students and educational populations; promoting and informing educational leadership and classroom instruction through training in an arts based models; promoting accessibility within the community, cultural facilities and workplaces to create least restrictive environments; and helping to ensure that everyone who aspires to a career have the opportunity and ability to use their skills and talents in the arts to the maximum of their potential.

VSA California firmly believes that:

  • A quality “world class” education includes quality arts education

  • Every child in California deserves a “world class” education

  • Every child has the right to learn, expressive themselves and develop talents to the utmost of their potential 

  • A 21st century education, is fully inclusive and nurtures the creative being within each individual

  • The arts change lives

VSA California has determined that the best way to accomplish our vision and mission is through building partnerships and collaborations with school districts, organizations, businesses, community leaders,  service/professional organizations and municipalities throughout the state and nationally. Through our programs, projects, events and services, we build an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and talents of our communities. 

WHAT WE DO…

VSA California specifically provides PROGRAMS that focus within four defined areas of:  Teaching Artist Training; Professional Development; Cultural Access and Inclusive Arts Services; and Public Awareness and Outreach. Each program is defined as directly tied and relevant to statewide service, provision of opportunity to service for K-16 educational needs, and working alongside our official sites and regional partners, to build a stronger network through building alliance for arts based educational opportunity.

Within the program of Public Awareness and Outreach, VSA California has identified 10 regions within the state of California. Each region operates as an “official state site” designated as such by the state office, with one of the major criteria being the operation of a regionally based VSA Festival celebrating the talents and accomplishments of their local school and community based disabled students and artists in and inclusive environment. Currently there are seven quite successful and impactful festivals happening around the state in Yuba- Sutter, Merced, Sacramento, Marin, San Mateo, Los Angeles, and Orange County. Tens of thousands of children, parents, teachers, professional artists and family members annually look forward to these wonderful events and celebrations of remarkable talent.

PROJECTS within the format of VSA California are competitions, recognition and special events which help draw attention to, and develop awareness for the talents and accomplishments of individuals or small groups of talented artists.  Within this category we sponsor, throughout the state such projects as: National Playwright Discovery Project for budding young playwrights; the Call for Writing Project, which focuses on creative writing and poetry; All Kids Can Create, an international visual arts competition and exhibit sponsored by CVS; and the prestigious International Young Soloist Award which recognizes exceptional talent in instrumental and vocal performance. These projects are provided annually, open to talented young people and pre professional artists throughout the state.

SERVICES are events, community building, donor/friend attraction events and outreach opportunities where VSA California may bring expertise, share information or build collaborations with other organizations, community service providers and related agencies, business and community leaders.

VSA California is dedicated to making California a better place to live, learn and create for EVERYONE.  We know that the long term effect of an arts enriched education and a society where everyone’s creative voice is not only heard but encouraged, will make us stronger, better prepared to meet the challenges and realities of the 21st century.