VSA arts and MetLife Foundation Announce The Awards of Excellence in Arts Access

July 15, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. - VSA arts and MetLife Foundation are pleased to announce the 2003 Awards of Excellence in Arts Access. The awards recognize four arts organizations that produce enduring and accessible arts programs.

"It is critical to distinguish arts organizations that successfully involve people with disabilities in all aspects of access and programming," says Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts . "We are delighted to partner with MetLife Foundation to celebrate four organizations that have greatly increased access to the arts for people of all abilities."

"The arts not only provide an important outlet for creative expression, but can teach us about ourselves and others," says Sibyl Jacobson, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. "We're pleased to recognize organizations for creating opportunities for all to experience cultural events to the fullest."

The following recipients will receive $5,000 each and will be honored in a ceremony at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on August 6, 2003:

The Museum of International Folk Art, Santa Fe, NMThrough the Spectrum program, the museum shows its commitment to education

and the needs of diverse audiences. Specifically targeting adults with physical and mental disabilities, Spectrum offers multi-sensory art experiences to give participants the chance to learn new skills and meet new people. Activities are tied to museum exhibits, such as a ceramics exhibition followed by a hands-on clay project. The program also trains museum docents, professionals, and members of the public in working with people with disabilities.
Wang Center for the Performing Arts , Boston, MAThe Center has developed partnerships and dialogues with members of disability communities to make sure inclusive practices offer what people need. Among the improvements are a barrier-free entrance and drop off areas; wheelchair and companion seating locations in all price sections; volunteers fluent in American Sign Language at all performances; and educational partnerships with organizations such as The Perkins School for the Blind, The Learning Center for Deaf Children, and the National Birth Defects Center.
Arts for All, Inc. , Tuscon, AZThe Third St. Ensemble Company offers children and young adults with and without disabilities the opportunity to be part of a high-caliber stage production. It is also the

only accessible arts program in the Tucson area with a comparable range of offerings, from therapeutic' and creative activities to professional training.

The company performs about twice a month in Arizona, and also travels to countries such as Mexico, Australia, Hong Kong, and the Czech Republic. Exposure to other countries and cultures has been an additional benefit of the program, which has led to better communication and motor skills, higher self-esteem, and an increased sense of camaraderie among the participants.
Paper Mill Playhouse , Millburn, NJPaper Mill offers its patrons open captioning, allowing the theater to address the needs of its diverse audiences. Open captioning helps theater patrons who are hard of hearing by projecting dialogue onto a large digital screen displayed on the left side of the auditorium. Through initiatives such as open captioning, the Paper Mill Playhouse positions itself as a leader in outreach and accessibility programming.

MetLife Foundation was established by MetLife to support various educational, health, civic and cultural organizations across the country. Recognizing the arts' contribution to the health, vitality and development of our communities, the Foundation is committed to increasing access to the arts and promoting diversity and inclusion. For more information about MetLife Foundation, please visit www.metlife.org .

VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Jean Kennedy Smith to promote education and lifelong learning opportunities in the arts for people with disabilities. Nearly 5 million people participate in VSA arts programs annually through a worldwide network of affiliate organizations across the United States and in more than 60 countries. VSA arts will present the 2004 International VSA arts Festival from June 9-12, 2004 in Washington, D.C. Artists from around the world will perform and exhibit at locations such as The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Union Station, and The Smithsonian Institution.

Contact:
Tanya Travers
VSA arts
202-628-2800
pr@vsarts.org

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