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March 22, 2004

VSA Young Artists Call for Entries

From: D.E.A.F Media Inc. - Mar 22, 2004

Call for Entries:

"Driving Force", a national juried exhibit for young artists with disabilities, ages 16-25 sponsored by VSA arts & Volkswagen of America, Inc.

postmarked deadline: Friday, August 6, 2004
15 Finalists. $30,000 in cash awards. No entry fee.

All applicants will be notified by Friday, September 3, 2004.

For the third year, VSA arts & Volkswagen of America, Inc. are pleased to launch a call for entries to identify promising young artists with disabilities. Fifteen (15) finalists, ages 16 - 25, will be awarded a total of $30,000 in cash awards that is distributed as follows: $10,000 grand prize, $5,000 first award, $3,000 second award, and 12 awards of excellence in the amount of $1,000. Selected artwork will be part of an exhibit in Washington, D.C. during October of 2004 that will then tour throughout the United States for the following two years. To learn more about the past awardees, visit:
http://www.vsarts.org/showcase/exhibits/vw/2003/index.html and http://www.vsarts.org/showcase/exhibits/vw/2002/index.html

This year's theme, "Driving Force", challenges artists to consider what motivates and inspires creativity. We are interested in both representational and abstract work. Artwork may illustrate actual aspects of the artist's inspiration such as the environment, myth, or personal discoveries. Abstract work that relates to the artist's feelings or emotions is also encouraged. Work might also reflect the experience of living with a disability and its role in shaping or transforming motivations.

Applicants are asked to present evidence that will best exemplify the extent and quality of their accomplishment. The jury will be looking for the development of original ideas in the work submitted - imagination, competence, and the skillful use of materials. Art must be an original work that has been completed in the last three (3) years. Eligible media include: paintings and drawings (oil, watercolor, acrylic, pencil or charcoal), fine art prints (lithographs, etching, intaglio, or woodcuts), photography, and two-dimensional mixed media. Artwork should not exceed 60 inches in either direction. For additional information and to download an application, please visit: http://www.vsarts.org/programs/vw/

Alternative formats of the application are available upon request.
Inquiries should be directed to:

VSA arts & Volkswagen of America, Inc.
1300 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
Phone 800.933.8721 x3877
Fax 202.737.0725
TTY 202.737.0645
Email: voa@vsarts.org

VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith.
VSA arts is creating a society where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. VSA arts programs are successful avenues for nurturing talents and launching professional careers. In support of its mission, VSA arts sponsors exhibitions for emerging artists with disabilities that raise awareness of their artistic contributions. www.vsarts.org

America's love affair with the automobile extends beyond the visual cues of engines and sheet metal. Volkswagen believes that the "heartware" is equally as important as the "hardware."
For people with disabilities, the automobile provides both freedom of mobility and self-expression. www.vw.com