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Forums for visual artists with disabilities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Deb Cooperman,
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
(973) 731-6582 x14
e-mail: dcooperman@njtheatrealliance.org
May 2010
The Cultural Access Network, New Jersey Theatre Alliance
and VSA arts of New Jersey present
Building Bridges for EmployABILITY in the ArtsA Statewide Forum for
Visual Artists with Disabilities
(West Orange) The Cultural Access Network, the New Jersey Theatre Alliance and VSA arts of New Jersey are partnering on Building Bridges for EmployABILITY in the Arts forum for visual artists with disabilities and potential employers. The event is the being held at Middletown Arts Center on May 25th from noon – 4pm. The event is free but registration is required.
This event will offer cultural employers and visual artists of all abilities the opportunity to network and participate in a series of sessions designed to provide them with tools and resources to heighten the awareness of each others needs. The day will include a panel discussion entitled Strengthening the Relationship between Employers and Visual Artists with Disabilities; networking opportunities, including one-on-one discussions with experts in technology, curating, portfolio review and social security; and an exhibit of artwork by artists with disabilities.
The event will also feature a keynote address from Margaret Bodell. For over 25 years Margaret Bodell has been a pioneer in the movement of inclusion in the art world and championed creative vocations for persons with disabilities. She has launched and developed community based galleries and projects such as NYC’s Pure Vision Arts and Brooklyn’s LAND gallery in an effort to create opportunities and career development for those who wish to pursue professional careers as artists and artisans.
Margaret Bodell, panel moderator; panelists: Katro Storm, Vito Bonanno, Leigha Cohen, Javier Robles“The New Jersey Theatre Alliance is thrilled to partner with VSA arts of New Jersey on this forum,” says Alliance Executive Director John McEwen. “This event is vitally important because it not only gives a face, voice and platform to visual artists with disabilities, but it also brings an awareness to industry professionals and potential employers that these artists offer a wealth of talent and shared humanity that people of all abilities are hungry to see.”
"Uniting artists with disabilities and cultural arts employers through meaningful dialogue about opportunities in the field is critical,” adds Vanessa Young, VSA arts New Jersey’s Executive Director. “VSA New Jersey is proud to continue working with our fellow cosponsors on expanding professional development for artists with disabilities and raising awareness of a widely untapped source of incredible talent."
Cultural employers and artists of all abilities will have an opportunity to network and participate in a series of sessions that will provide them the tools and resources to heighten the awareness of the artist abilities and the employers’ needs. Event highlights include:
- Strengthening the Relationship between Employer and Visual Artists with Disabilities ... a panel discussion
- Networking Opportunities – one-on-one discussions with experts in technology, curating, portfolio review, finance and social security
- An exhibit of work from artists with disabilities
- Lunch reception – network with peers and meet artists. Light fare and drink will be provided.
Panelists will include representatives from Grounds for Sculpture; Javier Robles, digital media artist and former Deputy Director of the NJ Division of Disability Services; Michael Turner, watercolor artist and member of VSA arts New Jersey; and Leigha Cohen Photographer.
The Forum is free, and takes place at Middletown Arts Center—36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ on Tuesday, May 25th from noon - 4pm. Advance registration is required; contact Robert Carr at the New Jersey Theatre Alliance: rcarr@njtheatrealliance.org; NJ Relay 771, or 973-731-6582 ext 15.
For more information, please visit www.culturalaccessnetwork.org.
Funding for the Building Bridges for EmployABILITY in the Arts forum for performing artists with disabilities and employers is made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and The Kessler Foundation. The Cultural Access Network is a co-sponsored project of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance. Additional support provided by The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, The F.M. Kirby Foundation, and The Prudential Foundation.
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