OUR MISSION is to create a culture of inclusion where artists and patrons of all ages with disabilities have seamless access to education, opportunity, commerce and community. VSAW is a member of the international network of VSA arts, an affiliate of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
We work in the public school system throughout Washington State to bring students, teachers and teaching artists together. We develop curricula, train teachers and offer an annual ArtSpring! Arts Festival for K-12 students and teachers.
We help capable teachers create confident students. We help adult artists thrive.
GOAL: Beyond High School: Professional Development for Adult Artists
After graduation, support for artists and programs fades, leaving talented contributors adrift. We provide studio space, business and portfolio training and continuing art education to adult artists statewide. Equipment, opportunity and business skills help artists achieve personal and professional milestones that might otherwise be out of reach.
Adult artists with disabilities have unrestricted access to continuing arts education and professional development.
Dancers need a stage, singers need an audience and painters need an exhibit: art cannot be created or enjoyed in a vacuum. We offer online, rotating and traveling gallery shows throughout Washington State, support performance opportunities for children and adults and ADA-compliant access for patrons wishing to experience every art form in our State.
GOAL: Showcase for Artists’ Work: Exhibits and Performances
We bring artists and patrons together – a vital component to a rich cultural experience.
Artists with disabilities are regularly shown in juried exhibits nationwide, online and in private galleries.
Public Awareness and Advocacy
As the leaders in arts access for artists and patrons with disabilities, we know how important our work is. NO ONE ELSE is focused on this issue in our State. From legislative work to consultation on construction of new arts venues, we have the expertise and experience it takes to create sustainable change.
We eliminate the barriers between art and artists with disabilities across our state – for good.
GOAL: Arts and accessibility funding is restored and retained as a valued part of the State of Washington’s arts, education and job development policy.
Board of Directors
Creative Activities/VSA Washington is governed by its own Board of Directors consisting of volunteer individuals and organizations with the common interest of creating a culture of inclusion where artists and patrons of all ages with disabilities have seamless access to education, opportunity, commerce and community.
President
Deborah Witmer
Executive Director, Creative Activities/VSAW
Vice President/Treasurer
currently vacant
Secretary
Mary Sabetto Davis
Employment Specialist, Work Opportunities
Directors of the Board
Saron McKee
ADA Coordinator, Seattle Housing Authority
We would like to thank our major Angels (clicking on a logo will take you to that sponsor’s site):
VSA Washington is a member of the international network of VSA, an affiliate of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.