Mission
VSA Massachusetts promotes the involvement of people of all abilities in the cultural life of our communities.
We achieve this mission by:
1) Developing multi-sensory arts-integrated teaching strategies in our schools, creating new experiences for all students
2) Sponsoring exhibitions and performances by artists of all abilities
3) Helping families and communities understand and celebrate the transformative effect of art making over time
History
VSA Massachusetts is part of an international network of VSA organizations serving all 50 states and over 60 other nations. VSA was founded at the time that the national center for the performing arts was dedicated to President John F. Kennedy and remains affiliated with The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Originally known as the National Committee Arts for the Handicapped and 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 Lives 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 possibilities 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 founder
What's New?
- The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston announced a number of upcoming American Sign Language and ASL interpreted events to be held from January 22 through April 26, 2012.
- Fundraising consultant Benovon will hold an introductory session Friday March 2, 2012 from 9 - 10:30 am. Hosted by VSA Massachusetts and Third Sector New England, the session will take place in The Non-Profit Center's Community Room at 89 South Street, Boston.
- The Open Door Gallery presents Jon Sarkin: Line by Line January 9 through March 9, 2012. Sarkin's work has been featured in The New Yorker, The New York Times, ABC Primetime, This American Life, GQ, ArtNews, The American Visionary Art Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum.
- The Boston Jewish Film Festival presents REELAbilitiesBoston February 2 through 8, 2012 which includes six films from around the world about people with disabilities.
- The Senses Askew Company is currently seeking script submissions, under fifteen minutes in length, for workshop productions in the 2012/2013 season. Submissions will be accepted through March 1, 2012 and may be an excerpt from a full length play, an one act play, or a scene.
- We've started a new Student of the Month initiative! VSA will celebrate the accomplishments of students who have exhibited significant artistic, social, or academic growth throughout their participation in a VSA Massachusetts residency program. Sheila Richards from the Adams Elementary School was named the December Student of the Month.
- The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston has introduced a Handheld Multimedia Guide with an American Sign Language Option to be held each month. MFA ASL Guide Leon Jerfita will guide visitors through a tour of the museum collections with a different focus each month. The free, drop-in tours will take place the second Wednesday of each month except July at 6:00 p.m. Just ask any cashier for an admission ticket anytime after 4:00 p.m. and meet Leon at the Sharf Visitor Center before 6:00 p.m. For more information contact Valarie Burrows Tuesdays and Wednesdays, or Friday mornings, 617-369-3302 Voice, 617-267-9703 TTY, vburrows@mfa.org, www.mfa.org/visit/accessibility.
- American Repertory Theater announced details of upcoming American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted and audio described performances December 11, 2011 through March 4, 2012.
