VSA arts of Ohio
|
Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts |
Kimberly Murray |
|
Tel.: (614) 241.5325 |
Website: |
Organizational Profile:
|
Full-time Staff: 1 |
 |
VSA arts of Ohio works to empower people with disabilities, creatively and inclusively, through the arts. Since 1986, VSA arts of Ohio has provided unique opportunities for artists with diverse abilities to share their creativity through teaching partnerships in schools and juried exhibitions and awards programs. Additionally, activities reach out to enhance the lives of all Ohioans through arts integration, disability awareness, and accessibility, building awareness of the abilities present in all of us.
Programming Partners and Other Funders:
Ohio Department of Education, Office for Exceptional Children; Ohio Arts Council; KeyBank Foundation; Ohio’s State Based Collaboratives Initiative; Target; more than 50 schools, recreation centers, camps, galleries, and other activity sites in the state
Educational Programs and Artist Residencies
Adaptation, Integration, and the Arts (AIA)
In conjunction with the Ohio Department of Education, Office for Exceptional Children, VSA arts of Ohio supports sites throughout the state where an artist with a disability works in partnership with a general classroom teacher to reinforce learning and provide an alternative teaching style for students with special needs. Artists working in the program receive professional development services in conjunction with Ohio’s State-Based Collaboratives Initiative, as well as through workshops provided for teachers on the topics of integrating and adapting the arts for students with special needs.
Professional Development and Technical Assistance
Accessible Expressions Ohio (AEO)
Accessible Expressions Ohio (AEO) is a juried traveling visual arts exhibition featuring more than 60 artists and 75 works of art. The primary goal is to provide artists with opportunities to pursue their art as a vocation. Most of the exhibited works are for sale, with the proceeds going primarily to the artist. The AEO exhibition reaches a wide range of potential buyers and displays various artists’ styles to an audience that may be interested in commissioning an artist’s work. The annual exhibition travels to sites around the state including public forums, private galleries, and conference presentations such as the Avon Lake Public Library and the Beck Center for the Arts.
Careers in the Arts
A Careers in the Arts project was begun in 2005 and continues with the distribution of a workbook that serves as a tool for artists, service providers, mentors, and family members to guide effective career development.
Artists Training and Information Center (ATIC)
Most recently, VSA arts of Ohio has established the Artists Training and Information Center, or the ATIC, to provide artists with disabilities and/or their families with access to the technology needed to complete online grant applications, create a Web site, or research opportunities online. The designated computer and peripherals, as well as coaching services, are available to artists and family members who may not have access to technology or need assistance in using it.
Cultural Access and Inclusive Arts Services
Phoenix Partnership
Along with the Phoenix Theatre for Children, VSA arts of Ohio makes it possible for students from the Ohio State School for the Blind and the Ohio School for the Deaf to attend live theater performances, enjoying the shows through the inclusion of American Sign Language or audio description.
Public Awareness and Outreach
Festivals
Under the VSA arts of Ohio umbrella is a series of events presented each year by local committees known as Service Divisions. Programming ranges from one-day festivals to theater events and project partnerships where schools and arts centers work together to provide ongoing, community-based programming for youth and adults with and without disabilities.
Web Site
VSA arts of Ohio’s Web site features artwork and note cards for sale, announcements for workshops and exhibitions for artist participation, information about VSA arts of Ohio programs and activities, and links to other arts organizations in the state and nationwide.
VSAO Voice Newsletter
VSA arts of Ohio publishes a newsletter, VSAO Voice, three times a year. The VSAO Voice features updates on VSA arts of Ohio programming and opportunities for artists.
Conference Presentations
VSA arts of Ohio presents and displays information at conferences and other events including the Brain Injury Association of Ohio Conference, the Ohio Advocates for Mental Health Conference, and convenings of the Ohio Arts Education Association, and the Ohio Music Educators Association, among others.
Young Soloists
Each May, VSA arts of Ohio presents one of its most popular events, An Evening with the Young Soloists. During an awards program held earlier in the year, three artists, proficient in vocal or instrumental music, are selected to receive prizes and perform an the event held in their honor.
(F) 202-429-0868