VSA Minnesota is moving ahead toward its Sept. 27 shutdown. Before then, celebrate with Minnesota’s longtime organization for the arts and disability, and plan for its transition.
The farewell celebration is 6-9 p.m. Wed, Sept. 19 at Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Mpls. ASL, AD and OC offered. The event is free, and all are welcome. FFI: 612-332-3888, [email protected]
One more round of Accessibility in the Arts workshops is planned, 1-4 p.m. Tue, Aug. 13 in Detroit Lakes at the Historic Holmes Theatre, 806 Summit Ave. and Tue, Aug. 20 in Grand Rapids at the Reif Arts Center, 720 NW Conifer Drive. Request any needed accommodations in advance.
The workshops are free, but preregister, by calling 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883 or emailing [email protected]. List name and organization, any need for accommodations and which workshop will be attended.
Learn about accommodations for people with disabilities, disability etiquette and emerging trends in the field of arts access. Electronic resource lists, internet links and suggested contacts will be provided along with refreshments. The sessions target arts administrators, board members and anyone interested in access to the arts for people with disabilities.
VSA Minnesota’s final Emerging Artists Exhibit and Reception is 6-8:30 p.m. Thu, Aug. 15 at Cowles Center for Dance & Performing Arts, 516 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. AD, ASL and OC offered. The event is free, and all are welcome.
Six Minnesota artists who received VSA/Jerome Emerging Artist Grants in 2018 will show their new work at a reception and program. Meet the artists and participate in activities and refreshments that evening. A 7 p.m. program will feature poetry, spoken word and comments by the artists. The exhibit will run through Thu, Aug. 22.
Artists whose works will be featured are D. Allen, Minneapolis — poetry, essay; John Lee Clark, Hopkins — poetry; Mike Harris, Jr., Minneapolis — painting; Harrison Halker Heinks, Edina — photography; Chris Juhn, Burnsville — photography and Shelia D. Nelson, St. Paul — photography. Juhn has photos in this month’s issue of Access Press.
VSA Minnesota administered these annual grants for 23 years to enable Minnesota VSA Minnesota staff members have worked for several months to rehome the organization’s programs. Minnesota Access Alliance is taking over the arts calendar. More information about that transition will be available in late August. The alliance also plans to add VSA resources to its website.
Springboard for the Arts will take on some services for artists with disabilities. COMPAS will add students with disabilities to its school residencies.
The Metropolitan Regional Arts Council is taking on the ADA Access Improvement Grant program for metro area arts organizations.
The Guthrie Theater accessibility office will loan out VSA’s caption display (as the theater does now with audio description equipment.
VSA Minnesota furniture, equipment and supplies will be made available to other nonprofits.
