VSA arts of Hawaii-Pacific is an affiliate of VSA arts, an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where all people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. VSA arts provides educators, parents, and artists with resources and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities. VSA arts showcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year millions of people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in more than 60 countries around the world. VSA arts is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Late in 1999 Very Special Arts changed its name to VSA arts. Now standing for Vision, Strength, and Artistic Expression VSA arts forges full steam ahead into the next century by adopting a new name! VSA arts.