Media Room - VSA arts of Wisconsin

Name | Mission | Who we are | Contact | History | Affiliation | Who we serve | VSA in the news

NAME: VSA arts of Wisconsin

Vision of an inclusive community
Strength through shared resources
Access to artistic expression that unites us all
(We no longer go by Very Special Arts for any programming.)

MISSION: The mission of VSA arts of Wisconsin is to expand the capabilities, confidence and quality of life for children and adults with disabilities by providing programming in dance, drama, creative writing, music and visual art.

WHO WE ARE: VSA arts of Wisconsin has a statewide staff of 12 and a volunteer board of directors.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
VSA State Office
Address: 4785 Hayes Road, Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 608-241-2131
Fax: 608-241-1982
VSA Art Center: 608-241-7583

HISTORY: VSA arts of Wisconsin incorporated as a nonprofit in 1985. VSA programs began in Wisconsin with a one-day Festival for school-aged children. More than 20 years later, our statewide initiatives now include pre-schoolers as well as adults with disabilities.

AFFILIATION: VSA arts of Wisconsin is a member of the international network of VSA arts, an affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. VSA arts (formerly known as Very Special Arts) was founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith.

VSA PARTICIPANTS: VSA annually serves approximately 3,500 individuals, the majority with disabilities. An additional 250,000 individuals are impacted through special events, art exhibits and celebration ceremonies. Those served include individuals with disabilities from birth through senior populations and across all disability categories including physical, emotional, behavioral, visual, hearing, cognitive, learning, and mental illness.