VSA and MetLife Foundation Announce “Arts Connect All” Grant Opportunity for Inclusive Arts Programs

VSA and MetLife Foundation announce their grant opportunity for arts organizations to strengthen partnerships with local public schools by creating or enhancing inclusive educational programs. A maximum of 10 grants of up to $15,000 each will be awarded to selected programs.

(Vocus) August 25, 2010 -- VSA and MetLife Foundation announce their 7th annual “Arts Connect All” grant opportunity for arts organizations to strengthen partnerships with local public schools by creating or enhancing inclusive educational programs. A maximum of 10 grants of up to $15,000 each will be awarded to selected programs. Application deadline is November 19, 2010.

“Arts Connect All” has three primary goals: to enable more students with disabilities to experience social, cognitive, and cultural development through arts learning alongside their peers without disabilities; to create educational access and inclusion in the arts for students with disabilities; and to document the contributions that arts organizations make to inclusive education in public schools and communities.

“This program puts the arts first; it supports arts organizations that make inclusive education programs a priority,” remarked Soula Antoniou, president of VSA. “Inclusion means ensuring that everyone who wants to participate can participate. Through this partnership with MetLife Foundation, our aim is to encourage and increase inclusive arts education in public schools so that all students -- whether they’re kindergarteners or seniors in high school -- can express their creativity.”

“MetLife Foundation is committed to accessibility in the arts for all students,” commented Dennis White, president and CEO, MetLife Foundation. “Through the arts, we can promote learning in our schools and enrich community life. The ‘Arts Connect All’ grant program ensures more students have the resources they need to succeed.”

VSA and MetLife Foundation invite proposals from arts institutions creating or enhancing inclusive educational programs that: incorporate inclusive teaching practices; provide access to students with all types of disabilities; develop social, cognitive, and artistic skills; involve people with disabilities in planning and implementation; build staff, teacher, and/or artist knowledge and skill of inclusive practices; and collaborate with public schools, actively engaging students, parents, and school administrators.

Non-profit performing and exhibiting arts institutions -- including museums, theaters, and multi-disciplinary arts presenters?that are creating or have established educational programs are encouraged to apply. Arts organizations in the following cities are eligible: Phoenix, Arizona; Los Angeles, California; San Diego, California; San Francisco, California; Denver, Colorado; Hartford, Connecticut; Tampa, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; Detroit, Michigan; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; Kansas City, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; Charlotte, North Carolina; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Portland, Oregon; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Providence, Rhode Island; Nashville, Tennessee; Houston, Texas; and Seattle, Washington.

Entries will be reviewed and evaluated by an independent panel of professionals with and without disabilities who work in accessible arts programming, arts education, and/or inclusive education. For more information regarding eligibility and selection criteria and to download an application, please visit www.vsarts.org.

About VSA
VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, was founded more than 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to provide arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities and increase access to the arts for all. With 52 international affiliates and a network of nationwide affiliates, VSA is changing perceptions about people with disabilities around the world. Each year, 7 million people of all ages and abilities participate in VSA programs, which cover all artistic genres. VSA is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, visit www.vsarts.org.

About MetLife Foundation
MetLife Foundation was established by MetLife to carry on its long-standing tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Grants are made to support health, educational, civic, and cultural organizations and programs throughout the country. Recognizing the vital role the arts play in building communities and educating young people, MetLife Foundation contributes to the arts and culture by focusing on increasing opportunities for young people, reaching broader audiences through inclusive programming, and making arts more accessible for all people. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Laura Broom/VSA
(202) 628-2800, ext. 3883   
ljbroom(at)vsarts(dot)org

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