VSA arts of Florida-Brevard (VSAF-B, formerly Very Special Arts) is an affiliate of VSA arts of Florida. Founded in 1981, VSA arts of Florida is accredited by VSA arts, 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 300 North Dr., Suite 104, Melbourne, FL 32934.

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.

VSAF-B moved to its present Melbourne location in March 2006. Currently, VSAF-B focuses on education, professional development, cultural access, and outreach.

© VSA arts of Florida-Brevard
300 North Dr. - Suite 104 - Melbourne, FL 32934
Phone: (321) 610-2160 ext. 208
Fax: (321) 259-3670
Email