Who is VSA arts of Delaware?
vsa history | our mission | our vision | focus | the future
VSA arts of Delaware was established in the first state in 1988 as an affiliate of the national office, which was founded by Jean Kennedy Smith in 1974. We are a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization under the leadership of an Executive Director and an active Board of Directors.
In 1999 the national headquarters and the Delaware affiliate decided to launch an initiative to offer more programs and expand arts training and opportunities to individuals with disabilities. The initiative began with the development of our new name. Formerly Very Special Arts, we became VSA arts of Delaware. The letters stand for Vision of an inclusive community, Strength in shared resources, and Artistic Expression that unites us all.
VSA arts of Delaware recognizes the need for children and adults with disabilities to be provided with opportunities to participate and achieve in the area of performing and visual arts. As valuable learning tools, the arts should be fully accessible by all individuals, regardless of age. We are unique: we are the only organization in Delaware with a sole mission devoted specifically to enhancing the capabilities, confidence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing life-long learning opportunities in the arts.
Our vision is to continue to enlighten and raise awareness among all people in Delaware through the strength of an all-inclusive, cooperative effort involving national and international affiliates and partners, as well as friends and supporters, artists and audiences.
Our participants range in age from three to 101. They inspire us through their artistic expression as demonstrated through a wide variety of media: dance, drama, music, literature and the visual arts. We fund programs throughout the state of Delaware including Artists in Residency (AIR) art training projects, Start With the Arts, Express Diversity, VA/VSA project, as well as early childhood through senior center programs.
Since its inception, VSA arts of Delaware has been the only organization of its kind. Our goal is to continue to foster greater community involvement and collaboration. We look forward to making even more progress in the development of specialized arts training, inclusion sites, cultural awareness and diversity of programming throughout Delaware.
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