Milestones
VSA arts of Florida has a rich history of bringing the arts into the lives of people with disabilities. As a state affiliate of VSA arts, the organization traces its roots back 25 years. Here are some of the highlights.
| 2006 | Jonathan Mayer of Longwood, Florida is named the winner of the 2006 Playwright Discovery Award. His play Mistakes, Inc will be performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on September 28. |
| 2004 | VSA arts of Florida begins artist in residency programs for pre-kindergarten students, elementary students with disabilities, pediatric patients in a hospital setting, adults with disabilities and youth in juvenile justice centers. VSA arts of Florida collaborates with performing arts centers to establish programs to increase patronage by people with disabilities. |
| 2003 | VSA arts of Florida expanded its programs to include adults with disabilities. VSA arts of Florida began "To See is To Believe", a Touring Program that showcases performers with disabilities. |
| 2002 | VSA arts of Florida holds first series of professional development workshops on adaptation and inclusion for the classroom. -Matthew Krawchek, Florida Student, wins first place in VSA arts Volkswagen International Competition. |
| 2001 | VSA arts of Florida hosted Annual International Meeting of VSA arts (first time meeting outside of Washington D.C.). |
| 1999 | Very Special Arts announces its new name -- VSA arts -- and Very Special Arts Florida becomes VSA arts of Florida. The celebration at the International Festival in Los Angeles features guest artists Jenna Feci, of Palm Harbor, Svetlana Volkanskaya, of Jacksonville, and Ivan Dobranic, of Sarasota. -Vsa arts of Florida holds Institute Statewide Meeting for Arts and DJJ. |
| 1998 | Very Special Arts of Florida establishes a Resource Center at the University of South Florida, Tampa. |
| 1997 | Monica Wrobel, a 15-year-old playwright from Dunedin, receives the Playwright Discovery Award for Excellence in Playwriting, an honor created to encourage literacy skills in young people with disabilities. Monica's work, Dirty Dishes, is one of two chosen that year to be performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. |
| 1995 | The Very Special Arts of Florida Gallery/Gift Shop opens at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. |
| 1994 | Dade County students perform Wind that Blew, a multi-arts production based on their experience with Hurricane Andrew, at the International VSA Festival. |
| 1991 | Accessibility Training Conferences help arts and cultural professionals serve people with disabilities and their families. |
| 1989 | Leon County students perform their play, Friends, at the White House and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. |
| 1981 | Orlando and Clearwater follow, bringing together children with disabilities, artists, educators, volunteers, families and friends. |
| 1977 | Miami holds the state's first arts festival celebrating the work of students with disabilities. |
3500 E. Fletcher Avenue, Suite 234 Tampa, Florida 33613
Telephone 813-975-6962 Toll-free 888-844-ARTS
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