VSA arts of New Jersey
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703 Jersey Avenue |
Vanessa Young |
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Tel.: (732) 745-3885 |
Website: |
Organizational Profile:
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Full-time Staff: 1 |
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The mission of VSA arts of New Jersey is to enrich the lives and promote the creative power of people with disabilities. VSA arts of New Jersey fosters artistic growth, lifelong learning, and personal excellence through multidisciplinary arts programming. Founded on the principles of accessibility and artistic excellence, the organization is a leader in serving New Jersey residents with disabilities through the arts.
Programming Partners and Other Funders:
Alcoa Foundation; Bayshore Jointure Commission; Chancy Memorial Foundation; College of St. Elizabeth; Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation; Edison High School; Educational Information and Resource Center; Forum School; LEGO Children’s Fund, MagyarBank Charitable Foundation; Mercer County Office for the Disabled; Mercer County Special Services School District; Middlesex County College; Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission; New Jersey Department of Community Affairs; New Jersey Governor’s Awards in Arts Education; New Jersey State Council on the Arts; United Way of Central Jersey
Educational Programs and Artist Residencies
Mercer County Arts Institute and Mentor Program
This comprehensive year-round program provides visual and performing arts workshops for students with disabilities in Mercer County. Through after-school enrichment activities designed to teach and reinforce the fundamentals of different art forms, students develop an understanding and appreciation of the arts, enhance their self-esteem, and learn positive social skills. Mentoring opportunities support the development of young people and foster their continued involvement in the arts.
Parent-Child Workshops in the Arts for Children with Autism
This statewide program aims to supplement and support the educational development of young people with autism. Simultaneously it enhances their creative abilities and fosters the family experience of the visual and performing arts. Participants are exposed to the fundamentals of the art forms as they develop behavioral, cognitive, and motor skills essential to academic success and personal growth. In addition to skill development, the workshops foster an increased bond between family members through the arts experience. Inclusive arts workshops provide opportunities for children with autism to interact with their peers without disabilities in a creative arts environment that fosters mutual respect and the encouragement of strengths.
Residencies
VSA arts of New Jersey offers artist residencies that are aligned with and reinforce school curricula. Residency programs provide students with opportunities to learn from artists whose professional backgrounds and teaching expertise lead to exceptional classroom experiences.
Professional Development and Technical Assistance
Arts Achievement Recognition Program
Through the annual recognition program, VSA arts of New Jersey honors students with disabilities, ages14–21, for outstanding achievement in and dedication to the arts, and recognizes educators and administrators who develop quality arts programming for young people with disabilities. Award recipients become candidates for the New Jersey Governor’s Awards in Arts Education.
Unlimited Potential Theater Company (UPTCo)
UPTCo is an inclusive theater company that provides opportunities for adults with and without physical disabilities to be actively involved in all aspects of the performing arts. Components include workshops led by master artists, annual statewide writing awards programs, and performances.
Art Gallery, Artist Registry and Exhibitions
In April 2007, VSA arts of New Jersey opened a gallery to showcase the work of established and emerging artists with disabilities. The organization’s first permanent exhibition space also features special shows focused on particular themes and student displays. VSA arts of New Jersey also welcomes artists with disabilities to become part of its artist registry. The organization sponsors touring exhibitions held in collaboration with other cultural and community organizations.
Professional Development for Educators
VSA arts of New Jersey is a registered provider of professional development with the New Jersey Department of Education. Programs are designed to meet specific training needs related to engaging students in and through the arts. Options include Start with the Arts™, a program that promotes the development of basic literacy skills and offers engaging arts activities that teachers can apply in all curricular areas.
Cultural Access and Inclusive Arts Services
Cultural Access Network of New Jersey
The Cultural Access Network assists New Jersey cultural organizations in achieving compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Composed of individuals with expertise in accessible programming and facilities, the network provides training and technical assistance to the cultural community as it implements structural and programmatic changes, develops programs that include people with disabilities, and engages in sensitivity training.
VSA arts of New Jersey Access Services
Programmatic access services are provided at performances, workshop series, and other public events. The organization also is available to provide technical assistance to individuals and organizations seeking information or presentations on cultural access.
Public Awareness and Outreach
Festivals
Festivals provide enriching and accessible arts workshops, exhibitions, and performances that promote the involvement of people with disabilities in the arts and the integration of people with and without disabilities in celebration of the arts. Students have the opportunity to engage in interactive and cooperative learning activities that support the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in the visual and performing arts.
Dare to Imagine Awards
The Dare to Imagine Awards recognize those who have made a significant impact on the lives of people with disabilities. Award candidates must have made an impact that relates to one or more of the following focus areas: corporate and organizational responsibility; education, training, and enrichment opportunities; accessibility; and personal commitment and volunteerism.
Art Par Excellence
On a biennial basis, VSA arts of New Jersey holds an exhibition of artwork by students with disabilities in grades K–12, which tours to prestigious sites throughout the state.
VSA arts of New Jersey Web Site
VSA arts of New Jersey hosts a Web site (http://www.vsanj.org) designed to provide information on available programs and services.
(F) 202-429-0868