VSA arts and Volkswagen of America Partner for a Second Year to Offer Unique Opportunity for Young Artists with Disabilities

May 7, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. - VSA arts and Volkswagen of America have issued a call for artists with disabilities, ages 16-25 living within the United States, to participate in a juried exhibit entitled "Road Trip: A Journey of Discovery." Fifteen finalists will be awarded a total of $30,000 and will be honored in a public exhibition in Washington, D.C. in October 2003. Deadline for entries is August 15, 2003.

The distinguished jurors who served on last years panel will return to select the following awards: $10,000 Grand Prize; $5,000 First Award; $3,000 Second Award; and twelve $1,000 Awards of Excellence. Those jurors include: Dr. Jonathan P. Binstock, Curator of Contemporary Art, Corcoran Gallery of Art; Ms. Phyllis Rosenzweig, Curator of Works on Paper, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution; Mr. Chris Bradley, Vice President-Creative Director, Arnold Worldwide; and Professor William Newman, Corcoran College of Art and Design.

The theme "Road Trip: A Journey of Discovery" invites artists to take the viewer on a pictorial journey, imaginary or real, and to evoke the feelings associated with the experience through their work. Entries may be abstract or representational, and may also depict how living with a disability affects the artists journey.

Stephanie Moore, director of artist services, remarked on the importance of this exhibit: The call reaches students who are deciding whether or not to pursue the arts as a career. By offering a support network through VSA arts, financial awards from Volkswagen, review by distinguished curators, and a high-profile exhibit in a prominent D.C.-based locale, the exhibit gives impressionable young artists confirmation that they may not otherwise receive. These are the budding artists of tomorrow, said Moore.

Twenty thousand copies of the call have been sent throughout the country to high school and college administrators, art teachers, independent living centers, and art and disability organizations. All entries will be archived within the VSA arts Artists Registry, a membership directory that identifies artists with disabilities for professional opportunities.

This is the second year that Volkswagen of America, Inc. has teamed with VSA arts to celebrate the accomplishments of these emerging artists. In 2002, ten finalists were chosen for an exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution. That exhibit may be found online at www.vsarts.org/gallery/exhibits/vw/index.html. VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities through the arts for people with disabilities. VSA arts programs are successful avenues for increasing independence and self-confidence, realizing and nurturing talents, and launching professional careers.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Volkswagen believes that the heartware is equally as important as the hardware. For people with disabilities, the automobile provides both freedom of mobility and self-expression. Volkswagen. All drivers wanted.

Artists who are interested in having their work considered for "Road Trip: A Journey of Discovery" can download entry forms at www.vsarts.org/gallery/callsforarts/vw/ index.html.

You can read about last year's winners and about this year's call by picking up a copy of the June/July 2003 issue of Ability Magazine, our Official Media Sponsor for "Road Trip: A Journey of Discovery." www.abilitymagazine.com

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