[Vision2020] Young artist with disabilities art contest

[Janesta D. Carcich]

Good Afternoon,

If you know, or are aware of any young artists who have cognative, 
physical or mental disabilities, 16-25 years of age, please pass this 
information on!

Thank you so much!
Janesta

VSA arts and Volkswagen of America offer $60,000 in Cash Awards for 
Young Artists with Disabilities

March 15, 2005

Artists between 16-25 years of age are invited to apply for a national 
juried exhibit  “Shifting Gears”

For Immediate Release

Washington, D.C. -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. and VSA arts are proud 
to partner together for the fourth year to present an unprecedented 
opportunity for young artists with disabilities. The program, meant to 
encourage and recognize emerging talent in the visual arts, is made 
possible through the generous financial assistance of Volkswagen of 
America, Inc.

Young artists with disabilities are asked to submit artwork in the form 
of slides for consideration in a touring exhibit that will debut at the 
S. Dillon Ripley Center, Smithsonian Institution. Finalists will be 
selected on aesthetic merit alone by a distinguished jury panel to be 
named in March. Standing jury member Professor William A. Newman of the 
Corcoran College of Art + Design expresses, “It’s really hard to be an 
artist, and it’s really hard to be disabled. It’s even harder to be 
both.”

As in the past, entries are encouraged to evoke a particular theme. 
This year’s theme “Shifting Gears” challenges artists to reflect on a 
pivotal moment in life that led to a greater understanding of 
themselves in relation to their art and/or their disability.

Applicants are eligible for a total of $60,000 in cash awards. Fifteen 
finalists will be chosen and the grand prize finalist will receive 
$20,000 -- the largest award presented to a young artist in the United 
States. Finalists will be honored at an awards ceremony on Capitol Hill 
during late September 2005.

The postmarked deadline for entries is Friday, July 15, 2005.  All 
applicants will be notified by Friday, August 26, 2005.  Visit the VSA 
arts Web site for further information and to download guidelines and 
application forms. RFP link: http://www.vsarts.org/x267.xml.

“As a company that values diversity and inclusion, we look for ways to 
highlight the extraordinary creativity and talents of young Americans 
with disabilities,” said Steve Keyes, Director Corporate 
Communications. “We were fortunate to find a wonderful partner in VSA 
arts.”

VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by 
Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith. VSA arts is creating a society where 
people with disabilities can learn through, participate in, and enjoy 
the arts. Nearly five million people participate in VSA arts programs 
every year through a network of affiliates nationwide and in over 60 
countries worldwide. www.vsarts.org.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn 
Hills, Michigan. Volkswagen believes that the “heartware” is equally as 
important as the “hardware.” For people with disabilities, the 
automobile provides both freedom of mobility and self-expression. 
Volkswagen. All drivers wanted. www.vw.com.

Media Contacts:
Marcia Rhodes, VSA arts 202-628-2800 ext. 3883 marciar at vsarts.org
Joel Epstein, Marx Layne & Co. 248-855-6777

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