About VSA Orange County
About VSA Orange County
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VSA Orange County's mission is to provide arts, education, and cultural opportunities by, with and for people with disabilities, making the arts accessible to people of all abilities.
VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, was founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to provide arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities and increase access to the arts for all. With 52 international affiliates and a network of national affiliates, VSA is changing perceptions about people with disabilities around the world. Each year, 7 million people of all ages and abilities participate in VSA programs, in every aspect of the arts - from visual arts, performing arts, to the literary arts.
VSA Orange County was founded in 1976 by a grant from the National Committee, Arts for the Handicapped to the Orange County Department of Education. It became an independent non-profit organization in 1982.
Our Goals:
Our Goals:
To develop and broaden quality year-round arts programs that include and promote individuals of all abilities.
To foster and maintain collaborations among schools, organizations, and individuals in the development of arts programs, and opportunities for persons of all abilities.
To provide arts-related training and technical assistance to constituents.
To increase public awareness as to the need for, and benefits of, arts opportunities and training for persons of all abilities.
Our Programs
Our Programs
Small Paintings Project
Small Paintings Project
Under contract with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, this project brings an arts residency into selected schools in Orange County.
VSA Festival
VSA Festival
An annual countywide festival celebrating the artistic accomplishments of individuals with disabilities that serves over 2,000 participants in the visual and performing arts.
A Collaboration with Laguna Playhouse
A Collaboration with Laguna Playhouse
Features student art displayed in the theater lobby throughout the run of Youth Theater Productions.
Laguna Beach Festival of Arts
Laguna Beach Festival of Arts
Student artwork is chosen for this prestigious art show and is exhibited in the Student Art Gallery.
Special Appropriations
Special Appropriations
Mini-grants to instructors to provide unique and beneficial programs in the arts.
Professional Development for instructors
Professional Development for instructors
Offering workshops to share current practices and teaching techniques in the intersection of arts and special education.
Arts on the Move
Arts on the Move
A traveling art exhibit in collaboration with various businesses and organizations that showcase the work.
For additional information, or to volunteer, please contact:
For additional information, or to volunteer, please contact:
Marleena Barber
Consultant, Visual & Performing Arts
VSA Festival Coordinator
s.mbarber@ocde.us
Annabel Arreola
Administrative Support
Visual & Performing Arts and VSA
aarreola@ocde.us
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