VSAI Mission

Our Story

For over twenty-five years V S A arts of Indiana (formerly Very Special Arts of Indiana) has led the movement to make the arts accessible to people with disabilities. V S A arts of Indiana (V S AI) offers a variety of opportunities for people with disabilities of all ages to engage the power of the arts as a means of education, creative self-expression, and personal and professional growth. As a result, V S AI promotes change in public perceptions and raises public awareness, emphasizing the abilities and accomplishments of people with disabilities; and advocates for increased accessibility and equity in providing arts experiences for all individuals.

V S A arts of Indiana is the Indiana affiliate of V S A arts, an international educational program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Founded as Very Special Arts in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, sister of John F. Kennedy, V S A arts offers comprehensive programs in dance, music, drama, creative writing, and visual arts for over 3.5 million people worldwide through affiliates such as V S AI. Recognizing an evolution toward greater community inclusion for people with disabilities, Very Special Arts changed its name in 1999 to V S A arts. The letters “V S A” now stand for the Vision of an inclusive society, the Strength of shared resources, and Access to artistic expression that unites us all.

The seeds for V S A arts of Indiana were planted in 1980 when an adaptive community arts festival for people with disabilities was developed by a teaching artist. This festival was soon packaged for other communities throughout Indiana and “Arts Unlimiting” was born. In 1982, Arts Unlimiting was incorporated and in 1986 the organization became the official state affiliate of V S A arts. VSAI began to train artists to work at festivals and schools, and to establish district offices throughout the state. A new state office and arts and training center was opened at the Harrison Center in Indianapolis in October 2000. This accessible space provides offices, arts studios, meeting spaces, and enROUTE Gallery.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, VSAI is governed by a statewide board of directors that meets quarterly. A President & CEO leads a staff of seven full-time and three part-time people who in turn manage teaching artists who conduct VSAI’s various programs. VSAI teaching artists are professional artists who have a commitment to facilitating learning and creative expression through the arts for all people, regardless of ability. Other people vital to the delivery of VSAI programs include local coordinators of our partner programs that are located in communities around the state.

Each year VSAI serves thousands of people through its various programs and services. Festivals, residencies at schools, community classes, and the Lolly Project are just a few of the special and ongoing programs offered. In addition, training programs are regularly planned for teaching artists and teachers. These and other VSAI programs and services are funded by a variety of federal, state, and local sources as well as fees from contracted services.

VSAI regularly works with and through a network of local, state, national, and international organizations; including educational and cultural institutions, social service agencies, health care and disability service organizations, universities, and arts agencies.   In doing so, it involves families, volunteers, educators, artists, health specialists, and other experts to develop skills, knowledge, understanding and talents in participants of all ages. A quarterly newsletter and web site help the many people and organizations associated with V S A arts of Indiana stay connected.

Recognition for the work of V S A arts of Indiana is widespread. In addition to funding from the Indiana Department of Education, Division of Exceptional Learners;  the National Endowment for the Arts; the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the Indiana Arts Commission (as well as others), V S AI was the 2001 recipient of the Indiana Governor’s Arts Award, a biennial  award for significant contribution to the arts in Indiana.  In addition, VSAI’s current President & CEO, James Nulty, has received the Pauley Award from Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson for Lifetime Achievement in Advocacy for Disability Issues. The Indiana Rehabilitation Association has also honored Nulty by awarding him the Beacon Award for Distinguished Service.

V S A arts of Indiana programs strengthen and enrich Indiana communities by providing important and unique resources through arts, education, and accessibility services. 

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