VSA arts is an international organization founded in 1974 by Jean Kennedy Smith as an affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The affiliate network includes 39 states and the District of Columbia, as well as 70 international affiliates in 67 countries. Affiliate programs serve 4.3 million Americans and 1.3 million people in other parts of the world. VSA arts of Iowa has four program areas which are the following: Education Programs, Professional Development, Cultural Access, and Public Awareness and Outreach.

More funds are made available for each of these areas annually because the VSA arts of Iowa offices are donated by the Department of Education. This donation also allows us access to copying, FAX and AV equipment. Businesses, organizations, and individuals have been instrumental in our growth plan of providing arts oppotunities to an increasing number of persons while expanding services for children and adults. Annually, with your help, VSA arts of Iowa provides arts experience for over 30,000 children and adults with disabilities.

- 70% are children under the age of 21 years.
- 35% have mental disabilities
- 10% have physical disabilities
- 55% are blind, deaf or hearing impaired; have an emotional, behavioral or social disorder; or are at-risk

We invite you to join the VSA arts of Iowa family as a volunteer, donor, or artist! Follow the links below to download the appropriate forms.

 New Artist Application 49.00 Kb

 Volunteer Sign-up Sheet 53.50 Kb

To contact the VSA arts of Iowa office:

Stephanie Jessen, Executive Director 515.281.3179 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Jennifer Dobbels, Administrative Assistant  515.281.5839  or  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Kathy Kooyman, Arts For Children Coordinator  515.281.3715  or  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Pat Gantz, Professional Development Coordinator  515.281.3715  or  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

VSA Arts of Iowa Board Members:

Marilee Davis, President

Bill Boatwright

Randy Archer

Phyllis Beamer

Jim Brown

Charlie Ruperto

Mark Sokoloff