2010 International VSA arts Festival

From June 6-12, 2010, VSA arts will bring together artists, educators, researchers, and policy makers with disabilities from around the world for a multicultural celebration of the arts and arts education. Featuring visual, performing, literary, media artists, and a guest list that includes over two thousand participants from all corners of the globe.    Highlights of the Festival will include Dame Evelyn Glennie, the Scottish virtuoso percussionist, performing with the National Symphony Orchestra; internationally renowned educational innovator Sir Ken Robinson, the jazz stylings of Diane Schuur, R&B legend Patti LaBelle, Last Comic Standing season four winner Josh Blue, and renowned actors Claire Danes (Romeo + Juliet), andMarlee Matlin (Children of a Lesser God/The L Word).  VSA arts will also convene an international arts education conference. Geared towards professional educators and working artists, the conference will focus upon advancing inclusive education through the arts and will host a career development forum for artists with disabilities. In addition to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, venues, such as the Smithsonian Institution, the Atlas Performing Arts Center, the H Street Playhouse, and the D.C. IMPROV, will showcase performances and exhibitions.