VSA arts of Utah
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230 South 500 West, #125 |
Ruth A. Lubbers |
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Tel.: 801-328-0703 |
Website: |
Organizational Profile:
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Full-time Staff: 2 |
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Through its Art Access programming, VSA arts of Utah is committed to providing quality arts activities for adults and children with disabilities as well as for those who represent other underserved communities. It seeks to create enthusiasm for, understanding of, and awareness of the importance and benefit of the arts for all persons. The arts are truly a universal and essential language that challenges people to look beyond themselves and celebrate diversity. VSA arts of Utah believes that participation in the arts promotes acceptance and inclusion in all aspects of life.
Programming Partners and Other Funders:
VSA arts; Utah State Office of Education: Special Education Services Unit; Utah School Districts Statewide; Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind; State of Utah Department of Health; Salt Lake Gallery Association; Utah Museum of Fine Arts; Paradigm Dance Project; Valley Mental Health; TURN Community Services; Nizhoni Bridge, Inc.; Canyonlands Arts Council; Utah Arts Festival; The Kimball Art Center; The Road Home; Kindred Spirits; The National Ability Center; The Work Activity Center; Neighborhood House Children and Adult Day Services; Easter Seals SHARE Program; First Step House; Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks Tax; Utah State Office of Education: Special Education Services Unit; Utah Arts Council; Utah Arts Council: Arts Education Program; Utah Humanities Council; Salt Lake City Arts Council; Wells Fargo Bank; US Bancorp Foundation; Local Colors; Eskuche Foundation; Club 24 Foundation of the Rotary Club of Salt Lake City; B.W. Bastian Foundation; George S. & Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation; Marriner S. Eccles Foundation; Utah Office of Museum Services; Utah Arts Festival; Anonymous Foundation; Utah State Employees Charitable Fund; and Individual Donors
State Programs
Educational Programs and Artist Residencies
Teen Visual Arts Workshop Program
Since 1996, VSA arts of Utah has served teens with and without disabilities through a series of six twelve-hour workshops led by professional artists. Thirteen teens are accepted in each free workshop, keeping sessions small, thus insuring teens the opportunity to learn about new art forms and be exposed to new and diverse groups of students.
Visual Arts Workshops for Adults with Disabilities
Each fall the Art Access Gallery is turned into workshop space for adults with and without disabilities. Three Saturdays are chosen to accommodate up to twenty participants each. Taught by professional artists, workshops take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Desert Wanderings Adult & Teen Literary Arts Programs
These programs, in conjunction with community partners, consist of creative writing workshops taught by professional writers and held at partner venues where adults and teens with disabilities live or gather. Compositions from workshops and from the public are juried into the Desert Wanderings and Teen Desert Wanderings literary magazines. These programs provide opportunities for teens and adults to polish writing skills and share their voice and perspectives with the community.
Integrated Arts in Utah Schools
VSA arts of Utah has contracted with the Special Education Services Unit of the Utah State Office of Education since 1993 to provide artists in residencies and special projects in all arts mediums for children in grades K–12 who receive special education services. Professional artists collaborate with educators to develop programs in school districts statewide.
Artist Residencies for Adults with Disabilities
Throughout our fiscal year, as requested, artist residencies are available to groups of adults living in institutions or using community social services, such as rehabilitation centers, care centers, senior centers and other community partner services.
Art Positive!
This series of visual arts workshops for adults who are HIV+ or living with AIDS is offered in partnership with the Utah Arts Council Arts Education Program. The workshops offer guidance from professional artists, as well as art supplies to participants. Resulting artwork is juried for an exhibit in observance of World AIDS Day and Day Without Art.
Professional Development and Technical Assistance
PARTNERS Visual Arts Mentoring Program
PARTNERS serves adult artists with disabilities that prevent them from fully participating in the mainstream arts community. Ten talented artists are matched with professional mentors on an individual basis. Their mentors assist them in developing technique, provide them with vital connections to the local arts community, and foster growth and hope for the future.
Cultural Access and Inclusive Arts Services
Everyone Welcome: Accessibility/Disability Training in Utah Museums
VSA arts of Utah, in partnership with the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, offers accessibility training to docents in Utah museums. Sessions consist of examining the language of disability, and attitudes and strategies for making persons with disabilities feel more welcome.
Cary Stevens Jones Art and Disability Resource Center
The VSA arts of Utah office has long acted as a resource center for teachers and artists. Beginning in FY2004 space was developed in the office to create a true resource center, meeting the needs of teachers, artists and parents regarding disability and art issues.
Public Awareness and Outreach
Art Access Gallery
The Art Access Gallery, in existence since 1991, provides opportunities for artists with disabilities to access the mainstream arts community through its inclusive philosophy. Although focus remains on artists with disabilities, artists without disabilities are also welcome, as are artists who represent other underserved communities. Through stimulating exhibits offered by the Gallery, artists with disabilities present their art on a level playing field, first and foremost as talented artists.
Artists Unlimited
Artwork created by adults with disabilities is purchased and collected by VSA arts of Utah and made available for loan and public display. Through this program, artists with disabilities have additional opportunities to share their skills at venues such as schools, libraries, and conferences. Disability organizations may borrow work for public display in their headquarters.
Festivals
Through a partnership with the Utah State Office of Education: Special Education Services Unit, VSA arts of Utah presents arts festivals in school districts and organizations statewide. Festivals provide opportunities for special education students to share their talents and joy of art with the larger community.
(F) 202-429-0868