VSA Kennedy Center Empowering Artists with Disabilities

VSA is a distinguished international organization dedicated to the intersection of arts, education, and disability. Founded in 1974 by former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Jean Kennedy Smith, the organization is headquartered in Washington, DC. Originally known as Very Special Arts, VSA's core mission is to provide individuals of all ages living with disabilities the opportunity to learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts.

Evolution and Affiliation with the Kennedy Center

Over the decades, VSA has expanded its reach and institutional support. On September 28, 2005, the Board of Trustees of the Kennedy Center and the Board of Directors of VSA arts announced a formal affiliation to strengthen arts education programs for children, families, and people with disabilities globally. This partnership allowed for the sharing of resources and programming, eventually evolving into a full merger in 2011. Today, it operates as the Office of Accessibility and VSA at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Guiding Principles and Philosophy

VSA operates under four primary guiding principles to ensure equity and access in the creative world:

• Every young person with a disability deserves access to high-standard arts learning experiences.
• Artists and art educators in schools and communities should be equipped to include students with disabilities in their instruction.
• Children, youth, and adults with disabilities must have complete access to cultural facilities and activities.
• Individuals with disabilities aspiring to creative careers should have the opportunity to develop their talents and professional skills.

The organization believes that accessibility means "all means all," asserting that the arts offer a vital means of expression, communication, and independence, fostering lifelong learning and discovery.

Notable Programs and Impact

Access/VSA sponsors a variety of impactful programs designed to nurture talent and provide professional pathways, including:

• VSA Program Sites: Local hubs for arts engagement.
• International Young Musicians: Showcasing global talent.
• Playwright Discovery: Encouraging disabled voices in theater.
• Emerging Young Artists: Supporting the next generation of creators.

Beyond these programs, VSA offers numerous internships and apprenticeships at the Kennedy Center and across the United States, bridging the gap between education and professional creative careers. Additionally, founder Jean Kennedy Smith co-authored Chronicles of Courage: Very Special Artists, a book profiling 16 artists with disabilities and the positive impact the arts had on their lives.

Influence on the Arts Community

VSA has been supported by and has collaborated with numerous notable artists. This includes figures such as deaf singer/songwriter Mandy Harvey, painter Chuck Close, and sculptor Mark Di Suvero, all of whom embody the spirit of creative resilience and excellence that VSA promotes.