Our Misson

VSA Kentucky is a statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting arts, education and creative expression for all, with an emphasis on persons with disabilities.

How it all started. . .

Founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, VSA Kentucky was formed on the belief that the arts are central to our lives and that the arts belong to everyone. VSA Kentucky was incorporated in 1987, and since then has provided many arts opportunities throughout the Commonwealth for thousands of children, youth and adults with disabilities. We are an affiliate of VSA headquartered in Washington, DC.

Our Service. . .

VSA Kentucky provides arts education and inclusion programs for children and adults with disabilities throughout the state and offers an under-served population equal opportunity to explore the arts in a way that is fully accessible. Through participatory involvement with trained professionals and volunteers, people with disabilities learn new creative and social skills that open doors to new opportunities in the arts. Programming and initiatives are guided by four essential principles:

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