VSA arts and MetLife Foundation Announce “Arts Connect All” Grant Opportunity

September 17, 2007

Washington, September 17, 2007- VSA arts and MetLife Foundation today announced their 4th annual “Arts Connect All” grant opportunity for arts organizations to create or enhance inclusive educational programs through partnerships with local public schools. A maximum of 10 grants of up to $15,000 each will be awarded to the programs. The application deadline is December 7, 2007.

VSA arts and MetLife Foundation invite proposals from arts institutions whose programs incorporate the following: inclusive teaching practices; access to students with all types of disabilities; development of social, cognitive, and artistic skills; involving people with disabilities in planning and implementation; building staff, teacher and/or artist knowledge and skill of inclusive practices; and collaboration with public schools that engages students, parents and school administrators.

“‘Arts Connect All’ enables students with and without disabilities to sit side-by-side in an inclusive learning environment,” said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts. “VSA arts and MetLife Foundation are proud to support institutions that are increasing access to the arts for everyone.”

“The arts play a vital role in the creative and overall development of young people,” said Sibyl Jacobson, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. “MetLife Foundation supports initiatives to help ensure that children have the opportunity to make the arts part of their lives. We are pleased to partner with VSA arts to support inclusive arts education at an early age.”

Nonprofit performing and exhibiting arts institutions, including museums, theaters and multi-disciplinary arts presenters, who are creating or have established educational programs are encouraged to apply. Arts organizations in the following cities are eligible: 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; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; Kansas City, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; Charlotte, North Carolina; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Portland, Oregon; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Providence, Rhode Island; Nashville, Tennessee; Houston, Texas; and Seattle, Washington.

Entries will be reviewed and evaluated by an independent panel of professionals with and without disabilities who work in accessible arts programming and education. For more information regarding eligibility and selection criteria and to download an application, please visit http://www.vsarts.org/x273.xml.

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 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 around the world. VSA arts is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, visit www.vsarts.org

Media Contact:

Stephanie Taylor/VSA arts
(202) 628-2800 ext. 3883
SKTaylor@vsarts.org