VSA arts and MetLife Foundation Join Together for “Arts Connect All” Program

September 29, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 29, 2006 – VSA arts and MetLife Foundation today announced the 3rd annual ‘Arts Connect All’ opportunity for arts organizations. ‘Arts Connect All’ encourages arts organizations to strengthen partnerships with local public schools to create or enhance multi-session, inclusive education programs.

A maximum of ten grants of up to $15,000 each will be awarded to arts organizations for programs such as:
• Expanding accessibility programs into educational efforts.
• Developing new inclusive educational programs.
• Offering knowledge and skill building of inclusive practices for staff, teachers, and artists.
• Improving outreach to education and disability service providers.

This funding opportunity is available only to nonprofit arts organizations located in and partnering with public schools in the following cities: 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’ enables more students with disabilities to experience social, cognitive, and cultural development through arts learning alongside their peers without disabilities. The goal is to create educational access in the arts for students with disabilities and to document the contributions of arts organizations toward inclusive education in public schools.

“An inclusive learning environment benefits every student,” said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts. “Every year, with the continued support of MetLife Foundation, a greater variety of arts programming for students with and without disabilities is available.”

Visit www.vsarts.org to obtain an application for the VSA arts MetLife Foundation ‘Arts Connect All’ RFP and for questions contact artsconnectall@vsarts.org. The deadline for proposals is December 8, 2006.

Nonprofit 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 arts and education professionals.

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 and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities. VSA arts showcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year millions of people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in more than 60 countries. VSA arts is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For more information visit www.vsarts.org.

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.

Media Contact

Marcia Rhodes / VSA arts (202) 628-2800 ext. 3883, marciar@vsarts.org