VSA arts to Affiliate with the Kennedy Center
September 28, 2005
Arts in Education Organization to Share Programs and Resources
with the Nation’s Center for the Performing Arts
The Board of Trustees of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Board of Directors of VSA arts announced today their formal affiliation effective, October 3, 2005. This will enable both organizations to expand and strengthen their arts education programs to better serve children, families and all people with disabilities around the world.
VSA arts programs showcase the talent of artists with disabilities, promote increased access to the arts and support key national education goals. Currently, five million people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in more than 60 countries.
The Kennedy Center’s commitment to arts education was highlighted with a five-year $125 million initiative announced earlier this year. Every year more than 11 million people nationwide take part in innovative and effective education programs created by the Center—performances, professional development for teachers, Internet based resources, residencies, master classes, and career development for artists and arts administrators.
“VSA arts and The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts are both committed to enhancing the quality of all lives by providing the opportunity to participate in and enjoy the arts,” said VSA arts founder Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith. “President Kennedy said, ‘I look forward to an America which will steadily raise the standard of artistic accomplishment and which will steadily enlarge cultural opportunities for all our citizens.’ This affiliation between VSA arts and the Kennedy Center will bring us closer to that goal.”
“The Kennedy Center’s extensive education programs will benefit greatly from the superb work VSA arts does all over the country and the world,” said Center Chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman. “The Kennedy Center has had great success with affiliations with other arts organizations. Our mutually beneficial relationship with the National Symphony Orchestras is a model for our enhanced involvement with VSA arts.”
“This is a great opportunity for both organizations,” said Soula Antoniou, President of VSA arts. “ VSA arts and the Kennedy Center have worked closely over the years and now through the enormous reach of the Kennedy Center, millions more -- children with disabilities, teachers, artists and families -- will benefit from VSA arts programs.”
“The sharing of resources will allow both the Kennedy Center and VSA arts to pursue our complementary programming initiatives more effectively,” said Center President Michael M. Kaiser. “ By sharing resources, networks, and staffs, we will be able to offer high quality educational programming to many more people than we can on our own.”
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 and tools to support accessible and inclusive arts education in schools and communities. For more information visit www.vsarts.org.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., is America’s living memorial to President Kennedy. Under the guidance of President Michael M. Kaiser, the seven theaters and stages of the nation’s busiest performing arts facility with audiences totaling 2 million; Center-related touring productions, television, and radio broadcasts welcome 20 million more. Now in its 34th season, the Center presents the greatest examples of music, dance, and theater; supports artists in the creation of new work; and serves the nation as a leader in arts education. For more information about the Kennedy Center visit www.kennedy-center.org.
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