Who We Are

VSA arts of Florida's mission is to create a society where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts.

Founded in 1981 by the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Department of State, VSA arts of Florida is housed at the University of South Florida, and incorporates an extensive network of program sites and partnerships. 

Milestones

VSA arts of Florida has a rich history of bringing the arts into lives of people with disabilities. Read more about our history in this list of highlights.

Program Sites

An extensive network of program sites and partnerships helps VSA arts of Florida bring arts into the lives of many people each year.

Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is made up of men and women from arts and disability communities all over Florida.

Sponsors
We'd be lost without our wonderful sponsors and partners! Find out how you can become part of this growing list by visiting our sponsorship page.

VSA arts

VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where all 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. Each year millions of people participate in VSA arts programs through a network of affiliates nationwide and in more than 60 countries around the world. VSA arts is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Guiding Principles for VSA arts Programs:

• All artists in schools and art educators should be appropriately prepared to include students with disabilities in their instruction.
• All children, youth and adults with disabilities should have complete access to community cultural facilities and activities.
• Every young person with a disability deserves access to appropriate arts learning experiences.
• All individuals with disabilities who aspire to careers in the arts should have the opportunity to develop appropriate skills.

Who We Serve

In 2005-2006 VSA arts of Florida served over a million people. Programs include:

• Arts festivals
• School/community programs
• Programs for youth in the juvenile justice system
• Start with the Arts programs for preschoolers
• Residencies for people in hospitals and other healthcare facilities
• Career development programs
• Adults at ARC facilities
• Artist Residencies in schools and ARC facilities

VSA arts of Florida also provides professional development for teachers in disability awareness, inclusion and adaptive art techniques, Start with the Arts and in conjuction with the department of Education Publication: Visual Arts for Student with Disabilities: Accomodations and Modifications.