Take us where we’ve never been before!

VSA arts and Volkswagen of America are seeking artwork from young artists with disabilities, ages 16-25, living within the United States. “Destination Anywhere” challenges artists to consider the picture plan as a destination, a place where the viewer might take a trip they never expected. Fifteen finalists will be awarded a total of $60,000 during an awards ceremony on Capitol Hill and artwork will be displayed in a nation-wide touring exhibit that will debut at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Artwork may illustrate a destination. Abstract work that relates to feelings or emotions, or an experience of living with a disability and its role in shaping or transforming the destination is also encouraged. Art must be an original work that has been completed in the last 3 years. Eligible media includes: paintings, drawings, fine-art prints, photography, computer-generated prints, and mixed media. Artwork must be presented in two dimensions and should not exceed 60 inches in either direction. All entries should be postmarked July 14, 2006. There is no application fee.

Visit www.vsarts.org/VWcall for additional information and entry instructions, or contact Jennifer Colaguori, Visual Arts Coordinator, at jenniferc@vsarts.org or 800-933-8721 ext. 3885 (Voice). Alternative formats of the call for entries are available upon request.

Background: VSA arts, an affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where all people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. VSA arts (formerly called “Very Special Arts”) provides educators, parents, and artists with resources and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities. VSA arts showcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year millions of people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in more than 60 countries around the world.

Dateline: April 2, 2006