Call for Entries

"Shifting Gears", a national juried exhibit for young artists with disabilities (living in the U.S.), ages 16-25 sponsored by VSA arts & Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Postmarked deadline: Friday, July 15, 2005
15 Finalists. $60,000 in cash awards. No entry fee.

All applicants will be notified by Friday, August 26, 2005.

For the fourth year, VSA arts & Volkswagen of America, Inc. are pleased to launch a call for entries to identify promising young artists with disabilities. Fifteen (15) finalists will be awarded a total of $60,000 in cash awards that is distributed as follows: $20,000 grand prize, $10,000 first award, $6,000 second award, and 12 awards of excellence in the amount of $2,000. Finalists will be honored at an awards ceremony on Capitol Hill during late September 2005, and their artwork will be displayed in a nation-wide touring exhibit that debuts at the Smithsonian during October 2005. To learn more about the past awardees, visit: http://www.vsarts.org/prebuilt/showcase/gallery/exhibits/vw/2004/index.html
and http://www.vsarts.org/showcase/exhibits/vw/2003/index.html

This year's theme, "Shifting Gears", challenges artists to reflect on a pivotal moment or event in their life that led them to a greater understanding of themselves in relation to their art and/or their disability. Artwork may illustrate actual aspects of the moment or event such as the environment, physical manifestations, or personal discoveries. Abstract work that relates to the artists feelings or emotions is also encouraged. Work might also reflect the artist's experience of living with a disability and its role in shaping or transforming their life.

Applicants are asked to present evidence that will best exemplify the extent and quality of their accomplishment. The jury will be looking for the development of original ideas in the work submitted-imagination, competence, and the skillful use of materials. Art must be an original work that has been completed in the last three (3) years. Eligible media include: paintings and drawings (oil, watercolor, acrylic, pencil or charcoal), fine art prints (lithographs, etching, intaglio, or woodcuts), photography, computer-generated prints and two-dimensional mixed media.

Artwork should not exceed 60 inches in either direction. For additional information and to download an application, please visit: http://www.vsarts.org/x267.xml.

Alternative formats of the application are available upon request Inquiries should be directed to:

VSA arts & Volkswagen of America, Inc.
PO Box 33699
Washington, DC 20033-3699
Phone 800.933.8721 x3877
Fax 202.737.0725
TTY 202.737.0645
Email: voa@vsarts.org

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.

VSA arts programs are successful avenues for nurturing talents and launching professional careers. In support of its mission, VSA arts sponsors exhibitions for emerging artists with disabilities that raise awareness of their artistic contributions. http://www.vsarts.org.

America's love affair with the automobile extends beyond the visual cues of engines and sheet metal. Volkswagen believes that the "heartware" is equally as important as the "hardware." For people with disabilities, the automobile provides both freedom of mobility and self-expression. http://www.vw.com.