VSA arts and MetLife Foundation say “Arts Connect All”

September 22, 2005

Funding initiative encourages inclusive arts education

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 22, 2005 – VSA arts and MetLife Foundation today announced their 2nd annual Arts Connect All funding opportunity for arts organizations. Arts Connect All was developed to encourage arts organizations to create or enhance inclusive, accessible education programming that strengthens partnerships with local public schools.

A maximum of ten grants of up to $15,000 each will be awarded to the winning arts organizations for programs such as: expanding accessibility programs into educational efforts, providing professional development in inclusive practice for education and support staff, and improving outreach to education and disability service providers.

The eligible cities with arts organizations that involve public schools are Phoenix, Arizona; Los Angeles, California; San Diego, California; San Francisco, California; Denver, Colorado; Hartford, Connecticut; Tampa, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; Detroit, Michigan; Kansas City, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; Charlotte, North Carolina; Portland, Oregon; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Providence, Rhode Island; Nashville, Tennessee; Houston, Texas; and Seattle, Washington.

Arts Connect All projects enable more students with disabilities to experience social, cognitive and cultural skills development through arts learning. The goal is to create educational access in the arts for students with disabilities by acting as a catalyst and then document the contributions of arts organizations to inclusive education in the public schools.

“Students with and without disabilities interacting in activities together in the classroom creates awareness, understanding and respect,” said Soula Antoniou, VSA arts President. “That’s the beauty and wisdom of an inclusive education. Arts Connect All wouldn’t be possible without the support and leadership of the MetLife Foundation.”

Non-profit 501(c)3 performing and/or exhibiting arts organizations including museums, theaters, and multi-disciplinary arts presenters that are creating or have an established educational program, are eligible to apply. Entries will be reviewed and evaluated by an independent panel of education professionals. To obtain an application for the VSA arts MetLife Foundation Arts Connect All RFP please visit www.vsarts.org. Questions about Arts Connect All should be directed to: artsconnectall@vsarts.org. The deadline for proposals is December 16, 2005.

About MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation was established by MetLife to carry on its long-standing tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Grants are made to support health, educational, civic and cultural organizations and programs throughout the country. Recognizing the vital role the arts play in building communities and educating young people, MetLife Foundation contributes to the arts and culture by focusing on increasing opportunities for young people, reaching broader audiences through inclusive programming and making arts more accessible for all people. For more information about the Foundation, please visit its Web site at www.metlife.org.

About VSA arts

VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where all people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. VSA arts provides educators, parents and artists with resources to support arts based teaching and learning in schools and communities. VSA arts’ programs showcase the talent of artists with disabilities, promote increased access to the arts and support key national education goals. Each year millions of people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in more than 60 countries. For more information visit www.vsarts.org.

Media Contact

Marcia Rhodes, VSA arts, 202/742-3883
marciar@vsarts.org

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