VSA arts of Rhode Island is pleased to announce the availability of Access the Arts Grants to provide artist-in-residence programs that benefit students with disabilities and IEPs, grades K through 12, in both mainstream and self contained classroom settings.
 
VSA arts of Rhode Island is a statewide nonprofit arts and education organization providing programs and opportunities for persons with disabilities to actively participate in the Rhode Island cultural community. As an educational affiliate of The Kennedy Center, VSA arts of RI provides educators, parents and artists with resources to support accessible and inclusive arts education in schools and community sites.
 
The purpose of the Access the Arts Grants is to provide students with disabilities the opportunity to explore their creative talents, work with professional artists in intensive “hands on” art experiences, and participate more fully with their peers in their communities. Projects in all art forms: drama, dance, visual arts, creative writing, music etc. are appropriate.
 
VSA arts of Rhode Island’s Access the Arts program is funded by a grant from the RI Department of Education/Office of Diverse Learners, and designed to improve both the quality and quantity of arts experiences available to students with disabilities while reinforcing the curriculum and educational goals of the participant schools.
 
All Rhode Island public and private schools serving students with disabilities and IEPs are eligible. Prospective applicants, artists, and school personnel are invited to attend an orientation workshop for assistance in planning, designing and completing an application for funding on Thursday, October 15, 2009 from 4 to 5:30 pm at Independence Square, 500 Prospect Street, Pawtucket.