For nine years, one Indiana organization has worked to create a network of interested artists, with and without disabilities, to facilitate access to careers in the arts for people with disabilities.
Through awareness, education and encouragements, ArtsWORK Indiana aims to increase career skill-building and networking opportunities for artists with disabilities in the state of Indiana. Beginning with their first statewide forum in 2004, ArtsWork Indiana was part of a national initiative to bring funding to the state for the arts and the people who create it.
In 2002, a small group representing the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, VSA Indiana and the Indiana Arts Commission convened to discuss an innovative federal funding opportunity. After discussion and consideration of the diverse viewpoints involved, the group crafted a proposal to the National Endowment for the Arts, VSA Arts and the National Arts and Disability Center at the University of California in Los Angeles.
Over the coming years, funding would assist the organization in creating a website and hosting forums that help to spread awareness and advocate for the power of the arts and the careers it creates for individuals living with disabilities in Indiana.
This year, 2011, has been a big one for the innovative organization. Notable achievements include, ArtsWORK Professional Workshops and the ongoing progression of its Satellite groups in New Albany and South Central Indiana that offer monthly meetings and professional presentations.
While the purpose of the group is to create networking opportunities for artists with disabilities in Indiana, the group is made up of both able-bodied and disabled members and there are many ways for everyone to get involved. According to the organization’s literature, becoming an active participant will help to drive the programs at open meetings held in Indianapolis on the fourth Thursday of every month, January through October. Plus, it’s just a really cool way to volunteer and get involved with the community on a larger scale.
Get Involved!
• Join the Facebook page for discussions and networking
• Become part of The Wheelchair Monologues, a multimedia disability awareness project-in-progress
• Attend workshops on artistic and career development issues
• Network and promote yourself and your art
• Increase opportunities for create individuals with disabilities
• Attend regional meetings held in locations around the state
If you are a teacher, family member, employment professional, career counselor or employer, ArtsWORK Indiana applies to you too. Visit the organization’s site to get more information about how to network, search listings of events, create an artist directory and attend virtual workshops.