VSA Arts of New Mexico

VSA North Fourth Art Center is a contemporary art center with a social mission. Our independent nonprofit name is VSA arts of New Mexico (VSA NM), affiliated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. Our center is dedicated to accessibility in the arts for people of all abilities, ages, cultures and income levels. Since 1981, we have focused on providing arts education and exhibition opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Over the years the VSA Day Arts Program has grown from serving three to five individuals each day to serving a total enrollment of nearly 200. Day Arts offers visual and performing arts classes in everything from Clay Building and Introduction to Sewing, to Native American Art and Musical Theater.

North Fourth Art Center also provides outreach classes in the community as well as evening and weekend programs on site, such as Expressions, an art class for people with mental health concerns, and Arts Adventures, a respite program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. Programming for N4th Theater & Gallery includes contemporary, socially relevant, performing and visual arts, featuring artists and targeting audiences not traditionally represented by mainstream arts organizations. We strive to present arts and education opportunities that challenge people to think, acknowledge responsibility and be encouraged to make a difference in the world.