VSA arts of Italy

Very Special Arts Italia c/o Opera Sante de Sanctis Via Ostriana, 8 00199 Rome, Italy	Ms. Elena de Sanctis Ms. Annamaria Puri Purini
Tel/Fax: 39-06-853003-16	muni.puripurini@libero.it http://www.vsa.it
AIAS Milano Via Paolo Mantegazza 10 20156 Milan, Italy	Mrs. Franca Tavazzani
Tel: 39-02-33020-21 Fax: 39-02-33020-250	franca.tavazzani@aiasmilano.it

Organizational Snapshot:

Very Special Arts Italia works to develop and promote the artistic abilities of children, youth, and adults with disabilities through formative courses ranging from dance and music to theater, literature, and painting. Additionally, the affiliate organizes regional exhibitions, festivals, and performances. Very Special Arts Italia receives support from the 100 year old Istituto Sante de Sanctis and works in collaboration with the its four Rome-based centers, one of which houses the affiliate.

Very Special Arts Italia is able to extend its reach to the northern region of the country through affiliation with AIAS-Milano (the Italian Association for Spastic Assistance). AIAS-Milano is an association of parents and friends of children with cerebral palsy that is dedicated to providing a full range of services to individuals and their families to better integrate them into their communities. AIAS-Milano established the VSA arts affiliate in Italy in 1984 and has continued to offer activities in music and the visual arts to assist people in developing self-expression and skills for independent living.