The History of VSAOC

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. Five million people participate in VSA arts programs every year through a network of affiliates in every state and over 60 countries worldwide.

VSA arts
818 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006
202-628-2800
800-933-8721 (voice)
202-429-0868 (fax)
www.vsaarts.org

Orange County became the first VSA site in the State of California in 1976. A grant was awarded to the Orange County Department of Education to start the program, which has grown to include sites throughout California. California’s first Very Special Arts Festival was held on the campus of Santa Ana College in the spring of 1977.

In the spring of 2006, Very Special Arts Orange County will host it’s 30th Annual Very Special Arts Festival, featuring the artistic talents of over 1,500 students and adults in performances, art demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and a visual arts exhibition of over 1,000 pieces.