Artists with Disabilities - ages 16 to 25 Awards from VW and VSA arts

[Guest guest]

15 Finalists.

$60,000 in cash awards.

No entry fee.

postmarked deadline: Friday, July 15, 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 receive their cash awards at a reception on Capitol Hill,

and their artwork will be displayed in a nationwide touring exhibit

that debuts in Washington, D.C. during the fall.

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

ELIGIBILITY

Open to young artists from 16 - 25 living in the United States who

have a physical, cognitive, or mental disability. A disability is

defined as an impairment that substantially limits a major life

activity. For more information about disabilities that apply, please

visit Access and Opportunities: A Guide to Disability Awareness.

THEME

This year's theme, " Shifting Gears, " challenges 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.

Inquiries and submissions should be directed to:

Shifting Gears

VSA arts & Volkswagen of America, Inc.

PO Box 33699

Washington, D.C. 20033-3699

Phone 800.933.8721 x3877

Fax 202.737.0725

TTY 202.737.0645

Email: voa@...

www.vw.com

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.