Arts Organizations for Individuals with Disabilities - Arts and Culture Resources - Information listed by New Horizons Un-Limited

Arts Organizations

State Listings: AZ / CA / CO / FL / GA / IL / MN / MO / NJ / NY / OR / WI
(Official USPS State Abbreviations)

International

Mouth and Foot Painting Artists of the World MFP Artists present themselves to the public through a short biography and selection of their work. The MFPA supports up-and-coming mouth or foot painting artists by granting scholarships. Located in the Principality of Liechtenstein, the site is available in a variety of languages.

The Art of Autism is an international collaboration of talented individuals who have come together to display the creative abilities of people on the autism spectrum and others who are neurodivergent. Their mission is to provide a forum to connect with those who wish to employ these abilities. The Art of Autism has annual art contests with cash prizes, museum, gallery and festival exhibits, and a portfolio of blogs from autistic people, parents, siblings, and professionals. They have partnered with entities such as Apple Computer to create a gallery of digital art, Mainly Mozart for exhibits, and many other entities. The Art of Autism accepts many art forms, including blog posts, art, poetry, video submissions and requests for book and film reviews. We seek diverse viewpoints including those from autistic people, parents, siblings, therapists, and others. They look to partner with organizations with similar goals for awareness, acceptance, educational events and the provision of opportunities for our participants. For more information, email Debra Muzikar info@artautism.com

The Kennedy Center - Department of Very Special Arts and Accessibility, (VSA) the international organization on arts and disability, was founded more than 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to provide arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities and increase access to the arts for all. With 52 international affiliates and a network of nationwide affiliates, VSA is providing arts and education programming for youth and adults with disabilities around the world. VSA offers opportunities for students, teachers, and artists to participate in annual programs, including the Playwright Discovery Program, International Young Soloists Program, and calls for visual art and resources on accessibility. Each year, 7 million people of all ages and abilities participate in VSA programs, in every aspect of the arts, from visual arts, performing arts, to the literary arts. Four principles guide VSA programs and affiliates:
Every young person with a disability deserves access to high quality arts learning experiences.
All artists in schools and art educators should be prepared to include students with disabilities in their instruction.
All children, youth, and adults with disabilities should have complete access to cultural facilities and activities.
All individuals with disabilities who aspire to careers in the arts should have the opportunity to develop appropriate skills.

National

Actors with Disabilities in Film/Hollywood blog article by Carina J., on the Octane seating company blog, provides in-depth information on disabilities and how they're portrayed in the world of acting, actors who have disabilities in film and Hollywood, and why it is important to have this type of representation in cinema. The movies that portray disabilities, especially when actors with disabilities themselves are given the opportunity to play these roles, are powerful types of representation that create support, inclusion, and awareness for the many individuals that live with a disability. Although there is a point of contention in cinema, where actors without disabilities play characters with a disability, both activists and audiences are working to create a more welcoming and open-minded place in Hollywood and film for actors living with disabilities to thrive in. This blog also includes the films and actors involved, famous actors and their disabilities. The 2018 film, "A Quiet Place," is an example of the trend to hire actors with disabilities for their acting ability, their disability incidental to their role.

Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts is the nation's leading advocate for full diversity as a key to the vitality and dynamism of American theatre, film, and television. They promote authentic dialogue about race, culture, and disability that embraces the complexity of underlying social and historical issues. Principal programs include the Advocacy, Consulting and Information Program; the Disability Initiative, which includes Disability in Entertainment and Arts Link (DEAL); and the National Diversity Forum. Through these activities, Inclusion in the Arts has become the primary catalyst for and facilitator of increased diversity and inclusion on a national level. Their website lists opportunities for performing artists, Opinion Pieces request from leaders in the field of diversity and inclusion, and other resources including an excellent glossary of disability terms on their Deal program pages.

Americans for the Arts: Engaging And Welcoming People With Disabilities To Our Arts Organizations This webinar explores misconceptions, assumptions and fears we have about disability. If we want to welcome people with disabilities to our arts organizations, then we need to better understand the barriers they encounter, the attitudes they face and other issues that prevent their full participation. This webinar will consider disability from a community/multi-cultural perspective, providing suggestions on how to create relationships with different segments of the disability community. You must login to view webinar.

Arts Midwest- Accessibility provides resources for art organizations to assist them to make their organization more accessible to people with disabilities. Find laws, handbooks and checklists for your art organization.

Disabled Artists Network is a large network of independent self employed disabled artists. The organization offers technical assistance and no start up fee to assist disabled artists to place their artwork on-line. If an artist sells their work then a commission is charged. This organization offers a great opportunity for the artist who is just starting to sell their work. You may buy art directly from the artist. This site promotes Disability Arts and Organizations involved in new research, treatments, and cures for disabling conditions.

ReelAbilities Film Festival brings together the community to promote awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with different abilities. ReelAbilities Film Festival showcases films, conversations and artistic programs to explore, embrace, and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience.

National Arts and Disability Center at UCLA�s mission is to provide full inclusion for artists and audiences with disabilities in all facets of the arts. Their website lists organization in the U.S. and many other parts of the world that regularly include artists and audiences with disabilities. They also provide grants and many other resources for artists and for arts organizations.

The U.S. Handicapable Square Dance Association sponsored the First U.S. Handicapable Square Dance Convention in 1988. This Convention was held in Chickasaw, Alabama (a suburb of Mobile, Al). The Convention was started to bring Handicapable Clubs together for a convention planned exclusively for them. The majority of the dancers consist of mentally retarded people from young adults to senior citizens. They also have wheelchair clubs of non-retarded adults who attended our first two conventions, and remain in close contact with our organization. Anyone who enjoys square dancing and having a good time is welcomed into their clubs. Friends, families, and interested people provide support and participate in our activities. The conventions are now held every other year. The U.S.H. Convention is held on the fourth Friday & Saturday of July (in even numbered years). However, sometimes they have had to move the convention up or back a week in order to get facilities. For more information email: ush@ushandicapable.org

State Listings

Arizona

Arts for All�s mission is to provide accessible education, training and experiences in the Arts for children, particularly those with special needs. Arts for All has remained steadfast in serving those with the greatest need. They include persons with physical disabilities, visual limitations, hearing impairments, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, mental illness, behavior problems, autism, and seizure disorders. Phone: (520) 622-4100 Fax: (520) 624-0303 or write 2520 N Oracle Rd Tuscon, AZ 85705.

California

De Colores is a non-profit arts organization with a focus on building inclusive communities through the arts. We do this by show-casing the individual artistic talents of those with a wide range of abilities. De Colores believes art, in all forms, has a transformative influence. We transmit our ideas, emotions and deep held beliefs through the power of music, dance and visual arts. Art also informs, educates and exposes different perspectives, change opinions, promote acceptance, and encourage positive change in both individuals and communities. De Colores is a place where all are accepted. The skills learned in various programs enrich the surrounding community and have a lasting impact on those involved. De Colores promotes inclusive and integrated programs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. e Colores Arts has joined hands with The Miracle Project� to bring its dynamic performing arts program, specially designed for individuals with disabilities as well as those who are typically-abled, to Redwood City. TMP has been proven effective in supporting social and communication skills, easing anxiety and strengthening relationships. HBO�s EMMY Award winning film, Autism: The Musical, documented the TMP process. For questions, please feel free to email them at: info@decoloresarts.org or call (415) 578-0410.

National Arts and Disability Center (NADC) is a leading consultant in the arts and disability community, and the only center of its kind. Their information is aimed at artists with disabilities, arts organizations, arts administrators, disability organizations, performing arts organizations, art centers, universities, and arts educators. The NADC is a program of the Tarjan Center at the University of California, Los Angeles - Semel Institute. Its programs are supported by UCLA and federal, state, and private grants and contracts. The mission of the (NADC) is to promote the full inclusion of audiences and artists with disabilities into all facets of the arts community. The information, technical assistance, and evaluation services of the NADC aim to: 1. Strengthen the capacity of the mainstream arts community to include artists and audiences with disabilities, and 2. promote the professional development of artists with disabilities through access to educational, vocational and community activities, suppprts and networks. There is a directory of California Artists and grant opportunities for artists with disabiities and art organizations who serve artists with disabilities.

The Art of Autism is a California-based nonprofit that empowers autistic people and their families through the arts. The Art of Autism has annual art contests with cash prizes, museum, gallery and festival exhibits, and a portfolio of blogs from autistic people, parents, siblings, and professionals. They have partnered with entities such as Apple Computer to create a gallery of digital art, Mainly Mozart for exhibits, and many other entities. The Art of Autism accepts many art forms, including blog posts, art, poetry, video submissions and requests for book and film reviews. We seek diverse viewpoints including those from autistic people, parents, siblings, therapists, and others. They look to partner with organizations with similar goals for awareness, acceptance, educational events and the provision of opportunities for our participants. For more information, Email Debra Muzikar info@artautism.com The Art of Autism, 855 S. Main Ave., Ste K. #313, Fallbrook, CA 92028

Colorado

Access Gallery features exhibits of art that is accessible for all and provides year-long programming: ArtWorks bringing economic opportunity to artists with disabilities, Community Workshops bringing artistic exploration to underserved populations, and Access Education teaching inclusive practices. Phone: (303) 777-0797 or write: 909 Santa Fe Dr. Denver, CO 80204.

Florida

The ArtThread Foundation makes art and creative expression more available to those impacted by illness, physical limitations, or social consequence. The Foundation partners with other non-profits to help them fulfill their mission by providing empowering tools for people to communicate via art. For more information contact them at 4104 Alpine Dr., Gainesville, FL 32605, or Phone: (352) 256-6351.

Georgia

VSA arts of Georgia, Inc: Arts in Community has been in the community for more than 40 years. They work with artists and organizations to fulfill our vision of an inclusive community that encourages everyone to enjoy and participate in the arts. They help provide access to the arts for people with disabilities and those living with low income. VSA arts of Georgia, Inc. believes that regular access to arts and culture are essential to a life fully lived, and that all the arts are for all the people, all the time. Arts for All Gallery is a program of VSA arts of Georgia that brings the work of artists with disabilities to the patron public. They do this by sponsoring artists at Mason Fine Art, our for-profit location partner and by arranging exhibits and partnerships around the state. If you are an artist interested in working with them, visit their application online. VSA arts of Georgia is located at 415 Plasters Avenue NE, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30324 or Phone: 1-404-221-1270.

Illinois

The Arts of Life advances the creative arts community by providing artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities a collective space to expand their practice and strengthen their leadership. Creating. Sharing. Growing. Chicago Studio, 2010 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60612, or Phone (312) 829-2787. North Shore Studio, 1963 Johns Drive, Glenview, IL 60025, or Phone (847) 486-0808.

Minnesota

Upstream Arts uses the power of the creative arts to activate and amplify the voice and choice of individuals with disabilities. They will change mindsets about ability and disability and promote more connected and engaged communities by increasing intentional opportunities for shared creative experiences. Contact them at Upstream Arts, Inc., 3501 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407, phone (612) 331-4584 or send email to: info@upstreamarts.org

Connect WC: Activities provides information about several art organizations (including art, dance, music, theatre and meaningful play) in Washington County, Minnesota. Connect WC (Washington County, Minnesota) sponsors this page and is a place for self-advocates, families, friends and community members. They connect self-advocates, parents, guardians, caregivers, family and other interested community members to create inclusive and meaningful civic and daytime activities, employment opportunities, and community experiences with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) through partnerships with existing service providers and nonprofit organizations.

The MNAA (Minnesota Access Alliance) is an alliance of arts and culture organizations dedicated to sharing knowledge and resources about accessibility in the state of Minnesota. MNAA provides services, information and occasional funding opportunities to artists with disabilities living in the state who seek to advance their artistic pursuits. In October 2019, the MNAA took over operation of the Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar when VSA Minnesota ceased operation in September 2019. This includes:
Exhibiting opportunities;
Performing opportunities;
Access to groups of artists with disabilities around the state;
Access to organizations that provide arts programming for individuals with disabilities.

This calendar should assist individuals who are active in visual arts, music, writing, acting, dance and photography.

This calendar only lists events that provide explicit accommodations for people with disabilities. Information about the accessibility of the event location and provided accommodations is a requirement in order to be listed.

Missouri

The Disability Project is an ensemble that engages in conversation, writing, sound, movement and theatrical exercises to develop performance material around the culture of disability. With both disabled and non-disabled participants, from 18-70 years of age, the Project endeavors to empower individuals, honor their stories, spark imaginations, foster community and enhance public awareness about disability. Some of the challenges facing the participants have included spinal cord injury, blindness, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, AIDS, alcoholism, asthma, epilepsy, cancer, Polio, stroke, amputation and depression. They meet most Saturday mornings from 10am to 1pm at The Washington University School of Medicine Program in Occupational Therapy, 4444 Forest Park Blvd., in the Central West End. For more information about this or any other at Uppity Theatre Company production,4466 West Pine Blvd., Suite 13C, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, or Phone: 314.995.4600, Fax: 314.534.6591 or please e-mail Director@UppityCo.com.

New Jersey

Artistic Realization Technologies (A.R.T.) is a non-profit organization that create systems that enable the uncompromised creative self-expression of people with the most severe physical challenges. Most of their clients do not speak or have the use of their hands. As a consequence, their thoughts and feelings remain locked within. The key to their liberation lies in the power of Art, not as therapy or recreation, but as a critical means of articulate self-expression. For the past six years, A.R.T. has developed and tested tools and techniques that allow a person with the most minimal ability to move to create subtle, exacting works of art. Their systems currently include drawing, painting, sculpture, and photography. Carefully trained studio facilitators, "trackers, act as neutral arms, executing the visions of the physically challenged through laser-guided tracking and other exacting technologies. Clients indicate precise selections concerning tools, materials and placement of these materials, and trackers follow these directions with absolute fidelity. The works produced are sophisticated, rich and stylistically consistent. The high quality of the art has been recognized through numerous exhibits and awards, and garnered national media attention. To contact Artistic Realization Technologies write to 11 Whippoorwill Way, Belle Mead, NJ 08502, call (908) 359-3098, fax (908) 359-9206 or email at info@artrealization.org

New York

Hands On provides access to arts and cultural programs for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. They offer the information and services needed to ensure their active participation in New York�s vibrant cultural mainstream. Today, Hands On produces 20 to 30 interpreted performances annually, with a track record of over 500 shows to date. It maintains an active web site, which features its monthly Cultural Calendar, Resource Directory, and generates input from Deaf people around the world. Contact Hands On, 159-00 Riverside Drive West, Suite 7F, New York, NY 10032, Voice: (212) 740-3087, Fax: (212) 740-4157, or send Email to: info@handson.org

Oregon

Disability Art and Culture Project (DACP) is to further the artistic expression of people with both apparent and non-apparent disabilities. They view disability as a natural and valuable variation of the human form. They believe affirmative disability identity is intertwined with racial, gender, social, and economic justice. DACP accomplishes this mission by supporting the creative expression of people with disabilities. DACP utilizes the performing arts as a method of examining disability in relation to society. DACP also supports established and emerging artists, as well as the community at large, in developing knowledge and expression of disability culture and pride.

Wisconsin

Encore Studio for the Performing Arts offers an innovative, inclusive, and professional environment where all people work together in the pursuit of artistic and theatrical excellence. Encore actively promotes an environment where each individual's talents, skills and abilities can be fostered and developed to reach their goal of having a career as a performing artist. Encore has since traveled all over the state of Wisconsin and beyond with a full performance schedule. With a troupe of 18 resident actors and 7 staff, Encore has produced more than 50 original works to date, with many more to come. Contact: Kelsy Schoenhaar, Executive Director, 1480 Martin Street – Suite B, Madison, Wisconsin 53713, or call 608-255-0310, or e-mail kelsy@encorestudio.org

Country Listings

United Kingdom

Disability Arts International Promoting increased access to the arts for disabled artists and audiences around the globe. is a website and regular digital newsletter developed and coordinated by the British Council. Disability Arts International aims to promote the work of the exciting generation of excellent disabled artists, disabled-led companies and inclusive arts organisations. It also aims to share the ways arts organisations are increasing access to the arts for disabled people as audiences and visitors. Contact them at British Council, 10 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2BN, United Kingdom, or send email to: info@disabilityartsinternational.org

Disabled Photographers Society Enabling photographers with disabilities in the United Kingdom. This is a gallery with 150 artists, 450 albums and 4000 some images.