VSA arts of South Carolina is a nonprofit organization that provides children, youth and adults with disabilities quality arts experiences. Incorporated in 1986, the organization is one of VSA arts' network of state and international affiliates.

What is VSA arts?

VSA 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 stands for Vision, Strength and Access.

Vision of an inclusive community
Strength in shared resources and
Access to artistic expression that unites us all

Our mission

VSA arts of South Carolina works to promote quality and accessible art experiences for people with all types of disabilities throughout the state of South Carolina.

The organization works with South Carolina artists, educators, arts administrators, and health, human and social service professionals to establish inclusive communities for people with disabilities by creating spaces and programs dedicated to the arts that are accessible and available to people with disabilities.

Examples include developing public school arts programs that are designed for students with disabilities, and working to ensure that societal attitudes and governmental regulations will not deter people with disabilities from pursuing the arts as a career or recreational pursuit.

Partners

VSA arts of South Carolina is managed through state and national programming and funding partners.

Partners include:

• National Endowment for the Arts
• South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs
• South Carolina Department of Education
• VSA arts
• South Carolina Arts Commission
• South Carolina Arts Alliance
• South Carolina Arts Foundation

The South Carolina Arts Commission provides operational support for VSA arts of South Carolina with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves GREAT ART!