When you’re a small
organization working with a lot of people who don’t have much
money, you must be creative in collaborating with others to accomplish
your mission.
In its aim to “create a community where people with disabilities
can learn through, participate in and access the arts,” VSA
arts of Minnesota engages with artists, educators, disability advocates
and the private sector. Here are two examples happening this summer
of how these collaborative projects benefit Minnesota.
LEAD Conference
Minnesota arts
administrators involved with ADA and accessibility issues will join
national conferees August 16-19 at the Guthrie Theatre. The Kennedy
Center’s annual Leadership Exchange in Arts & Disability
(LEAD) Conference is a collaboration with VSA arts of Minnesota,
the State Arts Board and Guthrie. It is a superb opportunity for
box office and house managers, outreach and education coordinators,
visitor services managers, volunteers, board members and others to
learn how to enhance arts experiences for patrons with hearing, vision,
mobility, cognition or hidden disabilities.
Workshops will cover
new technologies; access for under $100; service animals; way-finding;
effective volunteer & staff
training; audio description and access issues for museums, exhibits
and outdoor spaces; policy writing; Web site accessibility; and more.
Special LEAD events
include a keynote talk by Minnesota humorist Kevin Kling; presentation
of the 2007 Excellence in Accessibility Leadership Awards; and
accessible performances such as “1776,” “Private
Lives” and “Sherlock’s Last Case.” Local
consumers with disabilities will serve as panelists and volunteers.
Registration priority is given
to those directly responsible for making cultural arts programs and
facilities accessible to people with disabilities. For a brochure
(cover design by Minnesota graphic artist William Homan) or more
information, contact VSA arts of Minnesota or go to www.kennedy-center.org/accessibility/lead/conference.html
Arts Access Awards Nominations
Wanted
You can join VSA arts of Minnesota
in recognizing artists, educators, volunteers, arts venues and producing
or performing organizations that enable more people with disabilities
to participate in the arts. Nominations for the 10th annual Arts
Access Awards are being taken until August 24. Send up to two pages
about the nominee and nominator and why the award is deserved. News
clippings or photos may be attached. A form is available at www.vsaartsmn.org Awards
will be presented September 23 at VSA’s Autumn Auction and
Cabaret at Macy’s
Skyroom in Minneapolis. ![]()
For more info on how
VSA arts of Minnesota works with individuals and organizations
to use the arts to enhance the lives of people with disabilities,
call 612-332-3888 or 1-800-801-3883 (V/TTY) or
info@vsaartsmn.org
