VSA arts of Hawaii - Pacific
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VSA arts of Hawaii-Pacific Tel.: (808) 697-1202/227-3626 |
Wendy Kamai Mr. Chin Lee, Board of Directors Liaison Website: |
Organizational Profile:
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Full-time Staff: 1 |
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VSA arts of Hawaii-Pacific provides inclusive arts-based learning opportunities for persons with and without disabilities, and persons who are otherwise disadvantaged or at risk. Participation is made possible by providing performance, exhibition, and marketing opportunities at VSA arts of Hawaii-Pacific sponsored events; through the training of teachers, artists with and without disabilities, and other professionals to develop and expand quality arts education and creative career opportunities, primarily for persons with disabilities; and through a wide range of arts and public awareness programs in the community.
Programming Partners and Other Funders:
University of Hawaii system; State Departments of Health, Education, Labor, Business and Economic Development, Human Services, Education, Hawaii Small Business Administration; State Department of Labor Workforce Development Council; Small Business Development Center Network (SBD.C.N); the state Developmental Disabilities Council; Disability and Communication Access Board; State Foundation on Culture and the Arts; and the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant
State Programs
Educational Programs and Artist Residencies
Literacy through the Arts
What began as a single American Sign Language Class for students with little or no communication skills has developed over the past year into a full curriculum that centers on the symbiotic relationship of art and literacy. Using art as the basis for teaching literacy, student artists with disabilities develop reading and writing skills in a manner that feels comfortable to them. Students enroll voluntarily in the Literacy through Art courses that best suit their level of reading and writing. Through these courses, students have created works of art using words and literary works using art. The program has been recognized by a number of institutions – including the Hawaii State Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education as a viable method to teach literacy. Its core will continue unchanged, but the program will continue to evolve to meet the needs of its students.
Professional Development and Technical Assistance
Making Self-Employment Work
These 12-week courses for adult artists with disabilities will focus on assessment of training and job placement needs, and career development readiness related to employment placement, or creating a new business through the creative industries. Students will develop skills in areas identified as needing improvement and will prepare resumes and portfolios. They will also receive assistance in writing business plans and in seeking community-based business supporters and funding sources for micro-business start-ups.
The goal of this program is to give participants a working knowledge of the following: understanding personal and career goals; skills to access career opportunities, i.e., reading, writing, problem-solving, numeracy, and listening skills; tools needed for self-employment and to launch a micro-enterprise, including developing business plans; self-employment coaching; and benefits planning – learning how to retain Social Security and Medicaid benefits while working.
Public Awareness and Outreach
Development of a Center for Arts in Central Oahu
The Oahu Arts Center is scheduled for groundbreaking in 2006 through the collaborative efforts of VSA arts of Hawaii-Pacific and the Oahu Arts Center Board. The Center will focus on creative industries, fine arts, and education and use cultural preservation practices to promote and build community inclusion. VSA arts of Hawaii-Pacific and the Oahu Arts Center Board will work together to leverage their respective community and economic resources to craft sustainable longterm financial strategies and plans for the Center. The overarching objective of the Center’s activities will be to enrich the lives of children and adults, with and without disabilities, and the disadvantaged, by promoting inclusive opportunities in the cultural arts and creative industries --- openly, seamlessly, and with community pride. VSA arts of Hawaii-Pacific will be part of the planning team, ensuring that the Center is accessible to all who choose to use it.
Bark for Art Festival
In celebration of the “Year of the Dog,” the 2006 Bark for Art Festival, to be held in April, will showcase dog-related artwork and crafts created by the students of VSA arts of Hawaii-Pacific. Inspired by the dog-themed creations of one of VSA arts of Hawaii-Pacific’s student cartoonists, this festival will include a dog show, local dog celebrities, pet supply vendors, games, and entertainment on the grounds of VSA arts of Hawaii-Pacific. With the assistance of the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant team, the Hawaii Humane Society, local sponsors, and dog clubs from around the state, this venture promises to draw a large audience, bringing exposure to VSA arts of Hawaii-Pacific while giving the students of VSA arts of Hawaii-Pacific a the opportunity to display their artwork and interact with the community.
(F) 202-429-0868