Did You Know?
VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. VSA arts provides educators, parents, and artists with resources and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities. VSA arts showcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year millions of people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in 55 countries around the world. VSA arts is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For more information visit www.vsarts.org
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VSA helps disable disabilities with art.
Art helps brain development and decision making skills in young people at a crucial crossroad in their lives. It can make the difference between a positive, contributing life and a life of poverty.
Brain development in young people has two distinct stages. Ages 0-12 when the two hemispheres of the brain are growing and ages 12-21 when the brain is developing associative patterns between the hemispheres and decision making skills. In both stages there is one common activity which fosters growth and development - the arts.
This is why VSA is so important for students with disabilities.
VSA brings students with disabilities together with artists and art projects.
Art breaks down many of emotional and psychological barriers that hold students back by building self-confidence and personal satisfaction.
Art accomplishments advance learning skills, improve classroom behavior and show students that they are more self-sufficient and capable than they thought. Their new confidence produces new personal breakthroughs.
The confidence and the breakthroughs help them move from at risk students who usually drop out of school to successful young people who can make a positive contribution to our greater Grand Rapids community.
VSA is the largest non-profit organization in Michigan bringing artists, art projects, teachers and students with disabilities together. VSA arts of Michigan- Grand Rapids ("VSAMI-GR") has been a part of the Kent County landscape since 1986. Last year VSA helped nearly 4,000 individuals celebrate, succeed and grow with art. And since its inception, VSA has benefited over 20,000 individuals with disabilities from throughout West Michigan. We are a member of the Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids.
VSAMI- GR is a district affiliate of the VSA arts of Michigan. Located in Detroit, VSA Michigan provides programming support through ten district affiliates state-wide.