Mission Statement & History

VSA arts of New Hampshire uses the power of the arts to work toward creating a society where people with and without disabilities have the same opportunities to experience the arts as artists and as audience members.

The arts - music, theatre, visual arts, sculpture, dance, movement, and writing - are a place where diversity and originality are valued and respected. The creative process itself leads us to better understand one another, and it helps to break down personal and societal barriers.

VSA arts of New Hampshire motivates organizations to include the arts in existing programs, to embrace universal design, and adopt program improvements that will benefit all people, thereby leading to systemic change in our society.

History in New Hampshire & the USA

VSA arts of New Hampshire was established in 1986 and is fortunate to be a member of a worldwide network of international VSA arts organizations.

Our headquarters organization, VSA arts, was established in 1974 and is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. VSA arts is an international organization that creates learning opportunities through the arts for people with disabilities. Our affiliate network exists in 39 states and the District of Columbia, collaborators in 10 states, and 70 international affiliates in 67 countries. VSA arts' programs now serve 4.3 million Americans and 1.3 million people in other parts of the world.

VSA arts is the sole national organization charged by Congress with serving all persons with disabilities through the arts.