District of Columbia - WVSA arts connection

1100 Sixteenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20036

L. Lawrence Riccio, EdD
President and CEO

Tel.: (202) 296-9100, x217
TTY: (202) 261-0201
Fax: (202) 261-0218

Organizational Profile:

Full-time Staff: 44
Part-time Staff: 5
Volunteer Hours: 75 hours/month
Projected Total 2008
Income: $3,514,900
(including In-Kind Contributions)
Direct Participants: 285
Indirect Participants: 170

WVSA arts connection is a unique and dynamic nonprofit organization serving Washington, D.C. area children and young people with special needs, helping them achieve success for nearly 25 years. Employing the arts as an innovative method of education, WVSA arts connection serves youth with special needs through service-oriented programs using the arts as a tool to master educational, vocational, and other life skills. Our goal is to provide programs for individuals who battle substantial risk factors that may inhibit their potential.

Programming Partners and Other Funders:

Abell, The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, District of Columbia Public Schools, iGive.com, Meyer Foundation, Philip Graham Fund, Public Charter School Center for Student Support Services, United Arts Organization of Greater Washington, Inc., US Department of Education, US Department of Health and Human Services, United Way of the National Capital Area, VSA Arts, The Washington Post

State Programs

Educational Programs and Artist Residencies

ARTiculate Employment Training Program

The ARTiculate Employment Training Program provides employment and vocational training for youth ages 14-21 using a studio and technology setting. The program is a model for vocational and life skills training for students transitioning from school to work. Through an arts-based training format, the artist apprentices work a minimum of six hours per week in fully functional studios.

Professional Development and Technical Assistance

SAIL (School for Arts In Learning) Dissemination Program

WVSA arts connection’s public charter elementary school (K-6) has developed a professional development program including a manual called the "SAIL Effect." The goal of the program is to provide inclusive arts learning activities/arts programming for interested educators nationwide. WVSA arts connection has worked with other arts organizations that are interested in starting arts-infused charter schools.

Public Awareness and Outreach

ARTiculate Gallery

The ARTiculate Gallery offers monthly exhibits of artwork from participants in the ARTiculate Employment Training Program. This space is a public gallery open on weekdays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Bi-monthly, the gallery hosts an exhibit opening reception on a Wednesday night from 5:30 – 7:00 that is publicized to the local population, as well as WVSA constituents.