History
The Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, in partnership with Young Audiences of Connecticut, a VSA arts Affiliate, held a statewide forum on careers in the arts for individuals with disabilities and arts and service organizations on November 15, 2008.
Our primary objective was threefold: 1) to promote dialogue and exchange, 2) identify artists with disabilities and organizations that employ and serve people with disabilities and 3) to stimulate a statewide arts and disability network in the state.
On November 15, 2008, over 170 individuals participated in Connecticut’s first statewide forum on careers in the arts for people with disabilities. Of the 170 participants, 61 were artists with disabilities and 84 worked with people with disabilities. Held at Saint Joseph College in West Hartford, the day included keynote presentations by Paula Terry of the National Endowment for the Arts and Stephanie Moore of VSA arts national. Claudette Beaulieu, Deputy Commissioner of the CT Department of Social Services, and members of her Bureau of Rehabilitation Services staff made presentations. Three concurrent breakout sessions focused on 1) Arts as Business, 2) Supports for Successful Employment, and 3) Transitioning from School to Career. Poet Ekiwah Adler-Belendez and actor Aaron Kubey (National Theatre of the Deaf) performed. A panel of four artists with disabilities shared their success stories. The forum concluded with a discussion of the three essential questions facilitated by Stephanie Moore. Throughout the day, we exhibited the work of 27 artists with disabilities including several live demonstrations. Ricky Alfonso Jazz Quintet and Little Theatre of the Deaf performed in the evening. Both ensembles included artists with disabilities.
Our key findings/recommendations were drawn from the artists and non-artist surveys as well as from the participant answers to the three essential forum questions. Top key findings were: 1) Artists with disabilities need opportunities to share their work with others; 2) Mentorship is needed for artists with disabilities; and 3) Advocacy should be a part of every project that we work on so that awareness will be raised among the general public, arts organizations, schools and those who may employ individuals with disabilities.
Current Statewide Initiatives
The Statewide Advisory Committee is currently acting on these recommendations. Four Visual Art Exhibits featuring the work of artists with disabilities will be held in Connecticut beginning June 2010. Each exhibit opening will showcase the work of performing artists wth disabilities providing opportunities for both visual and performing artists to share their work.
Please contact Judith Mortensen: email jmortensen@yaconn.org phone: 203 230 8101 x15, if you are interested in joining the Statewide Advisory Committee in furthering these recommendations.