• Join Our Mailing List
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • AmazonSmile
  • LinkedIn
  • VSA Blog RSS


  • Blog For All!
    Cultural Inclusion

    Examining Cultural Equity in the Arts - Arts Connect International

    Posted Sunday February 11 2018 at 11:25 pm

    Reinforcing feedback loops

    Arts Connect International (ACI); a Boston-based non-profit committed to equity in the arts, released a community findings research report, "Examining Cultural Equity in the Arts."

    "There is a 'cultural equity gap' within the United States arts landscape.  This equity gap constitutes the unequal representation in the arts of various identities, including, but not limited to: race, disability, gender, sexual orientation and socio-economic status (class).  The cultural equity gap arises from a systemic inequity in access to the arts, as well as access to positions of power within the arts."

    To better understand the cultural equity gap and its implications on access, ACI launched a two-part study in the summer of 2017, in collaboration with UMass Boston, and with support from the Social Science Research Center’s Dissertation Development Program, funded by the Andrew Mellon Foundation.

    Phase I of the study, whose findings are in the report, cover a national survey and focus groups with local arts leaders, engaged to paint a fuller picture of our arts landscape and leadership.  Phase I focuses on 'influencers' (i.e. arts managers, educators, funders, etc.) understandings and attitudes surrounding the cultural equity gap.  Phase II, set to launch in the summer of 2018, will focus on a community-contextualized perspectives and voices.

    Learn more through downloading or reading the report in PDF.  Text only versions, which read more effectively with screen readers, are available.  Please email Marian Taylor Brown, principle investigator, for said version, and with any questions or comments: marian@artsconnectinternational.org



    Boston Ballet's All Access Performance of The Nutcracker

    Posted Sunday December 10 2017 at 3:07 pm

    Nutcracker Performance

    Boston Ballet's first ever All Access Performance of "The Nutcracker" will take place Tuesday, December 19 2017 at 7:30 pm at Boston Opera House.

    Additional accommodations and supports make this performance more accessible for individuals with disabilities and those who would benefit from:

    - A digital "Social Story" to preview the Opera House experience and story of The Nutcracker
    - Live audio-described performance
    - Audio enhanced equipment provided
    - Large print Playbills
    - ASL interpretation
    - Specialized seating options

    BONUS TOUCH TOUR: Those going to the performance are invited to attend a Touch Tour at 19 Clarendon Street on Sunday, December 17 2017 at 2 pm that allows participants to physically and tactilely experience elements of the show including props, costumes, and characters.

    Tickets are $35 - mention the All-Access Performance when you call the Box Office at 617-695-6955.



    Beyond the Spectrum - MFA Boston

    Posted Monday December 04 2017 at 5:56 pm

    Students at the MFA

    Museum of Fine Arts Boston invites you to Beyond the Spectrum, a specially designed program for children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

    Classes meet on select Saturdays from 10:30am - 12:30pm.  Each class lasts an hour and a half and combines gallery exploration with an art-making activity.  Cost is $9 per student (includes materials and Museum admission).

    Beyond the Spectrum (age 8-12)
    Classes feature a structured gallery tour led by an experienced instructor, followed by a creative art-making workshop.  Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.  Classes meet one Saturday per month - April 6, 2019

    Beyond the Spectrum Teen Studio (age 13-18)
    Classes focus on specific art topics and incorporate discussion, critical inquiry, and sketching in the galleries.  Students then work independently on a project with guidance from an experienced instructor.  Caregivers and parents are welcome, but are not required to attend.  Classes meet one Saturday per month - April 20, 2019.

    Visit the MFA website for more info and to purchase tickets.  Email artfulhealing@mfa.org for questions.