FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT:
Bill O’Brien (818) 762-2998 Deaf West Theatre
Marcia Rhodes (202) 628-2800, ext. 3883 VSA arts

VSA arts and MetLife Foundation Award Deaf West Theatre an “Arts Connect All” Grant
Deaf West Theatre advances inclusive education program for students with disabilities

Los Angeles, Calif., March 31, 2005 -- VSA arts and MetLife Foundation today announced that they have awarded the Deaf West Theatre (DWT) an “Arts Connect All” grant. This initiative is a funding opportunity designed to encourage arts organizations to strengthen partnerships with local public schools through the creation or enhancement of accessible education programs. The goal is to develop teaching practices that enable more people with disabilities to experience the social development and artistic opportunities provided through arts learning.

Deaf West Theatre Company, Inc., based in North Hollywood, Calif., will receive a $15,000 grant for “In-School Workshops and ASL Story Time,” programs that promote cultural and theatrical experiences that are culturally relevant, linguistically appropriate, and fully accessible for deaf and hearing children from all walks of life. DWT, founded in 1991 by Ed Waterstreet, was the first resident theatre in America to be led by a Deaf administrator. DWT has a national presence and is currently touring the country with its critically acclaimed production, “Big River.” To learn more about Deaf West Theatre, visit www.deafwest.org.

“Deaf West Theatre is thrilled to be able to assure increased growth and inclusiveness for its ongoing educational programs, ASL Story Time and In-School Workshops, through this funding from VSA arts and MetLife Foundation,” said Bill O’Brien, managing director of Deaf West Theatre. “The organization strongly identifies with the core values and aims of Arts Connect All and looks forward to providing high quality and fully accessible educational programming throughout the greater Los Angeles region.”

A distinguished panel of professionals, Ann-Ellen Lesser, director, AE-L Projects; Gordon Sasaki, artist educator, Museum of Modern Art; and Barbara Shepherd, director of national partnerships – education, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, reviewed and evaluated the entries.

“It is important to recognize, applaud, and support organizations that successfully involve all students in programs designed to foster an environment that creates awareness, understanding, and respect for everyone,” said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts.

“We are happy to support organizations that create opportunities for everyone to experience and learn through the arts. We join VSA arts in applauding the winning organizations for their commitment and exemplary work and commend VSA arts for its national leadership in promoting arts access and inclusion,” commented Sibyl Jacobson, president of MetLife Foundation.

About MetLife Foundation
MetLife Foundation was established by MetLife to support various educational, health and welfare, and civic and cultural organizations across the country. Recognizing the arts’ contribution to the health, vitality, and development of our communities, the Foundation is committed to increasing access to the arts and promoting diversity and inclusion. For more information about MetLife Foundation, please visit www.metlife.org.

About VSA arts
Founded in 1974 as an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the participation of people with disabilities in the arts and society. VSA arts provides educators, parents, and artists with resources and tools they can use to support arts programming in their schools and communities; showcases the accomplishments of visual and performing artists with disabilities; and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Currently, five million people participate in VSA arts programs each year through a network of affiliates nationwide and in more than 60 countries around the world. To learn more about VSA arts, visit www.vsarts.org.