For more information, visit the Florida and national VSA
organizations.
VSA of Florida-Brevard (VSAF-B, formerly Very Special Arts) is an
affiliate of VSA of Florida. Founded in 1981, VSA of Florida is
accredited by VSA , an educational affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center
for the Performing Arts. State headquarters are located at University of South
Florida, c/o FDLRS, 3500 E. Fletcher Avenue, Suite 225, Tampa, FL 33613-4730.
Brevard's district office is headquartered at 1845 Cogswell St. Rockledge, 32955.
Brevard programs began in 1988 through Florida Diagnostic Learning Resource
Systems/East (FDLRS/East) at Brevard County School Board. The programs focused on
professional development for teachers and a hands-on arts festival for special needs
students. The first festival was held on April 18, 1989 at the Melbourne Auditorium
and served more than 400 students. Programs continued in this format until 1992,
when Brevard Cultural Alliance agreed to house the growing program and help it form a
community based advisory board. In 1990, its first District Director was hired. In
1993, VSAF-B joined in partnership with Brevard County Parks and Recreation to host
its annual festival at F. Burton Smith Park in Cocoa. This location was used through
2003.
In 1994, the festival grew to two days and hosted 1,000 participants. VSAF-B began
a new national program, Start with the Arts in 1995, and also started its touring art
program. More than 4,000 students were served. Programs expanded in 1996 with
artist residencies and Career Connections. In 1998, a holiday card contest was
introduced. Teachers were added to the advisory board in 2000, and the national
program, Express Diversity began. In 2001, student participation exceeded 6,600.
In response to growing community needs, intergenerational arts programs were
introduced during 2002 with the Health First Hope Center, its partner agencies, and
VSAF-B.
In order to further expand programs, meet space needs and improve infrastructure
support, VSAF-B relocated to Brevard Achievement Center's Rockledge office in
November 2003. An "Arts for All" adaptive arts equipment-lending program was launched in January 2004, and the Brevard Zoo was selected as a new festival venue.
The festival expanded to three days in 2005 and more than 20,000 individuals were
served, either directly or indirectly through all programs. During the 2005 summer,
VSAF-B introduced an inclusive summer service learning class in the arts in which
students earn high school credit and service hours while creating public artwork.
A Playwright Discovery Program "PenPower" began in 2007.
VSAF-B moved to its present Melbourne location in March 2009. Currently, VSAF-B
focuses on education, professional development, cultural access, and outreach.