By Mike Lawler
Arts for All

ARTS for ALL Wisconsin is celebrating 35 years as the statewide nonprofit organization providing programs in the arts for people of all abilities.

ARTS for ALL Wisconsin began as a member of the Very Special Arts Affiliate Network, a program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. Programming began with a one-day festival for school-aged children in 1977. After incorporation in 1985, the organization quickly moved to initiate sustainable programs. Integration of people with disabilities into the mainstream was a priority, and the resulting statewide initiatives began to serve people of all ages, providing an outlet for creative expression and unlimited possibilities for personal, academic and professional success.

Thirty-five years later, ARTS for ALL Wisconsin continues to successfully conduct effective and well-loved arts programs for people with disabilities of all ages throughout the state. The organization is unique among other arts organizations in providing statewide, in-depth and comprehensive programming across the full spectrum of arts activities and abilities.

A core program of the organization is the annual Call for Art, an opportunity for artists of all ages to showcase their work that draws submissions from 200 artists ranging in age from 5 to 80 from over 50 Wisconsin communities. The free program culminates in an award ceremony on May 2 and has long been considered a gateway for artists with disabilities to become working artists. 

“Call for Art gave me the drive to pursue my passion,” said De Pere based award-winning artist Faye Willems. When an artist discovers the door to creating and sharing their talents with more people through ARTS for ALL, the effect spreads, serving the mission of the organization to expand the confidence of people with disabilities. 

“I am grateful for AFA giving people like Ron Wendt the opportunity to work through his disabilities and chronic pain to brighten my life with his art,” Susan Tirschel, an art buyer, said.

ARTS for ALL Wisconsin is interested in its history and wants to hear from people around the state impacted by its work. To share a story, visit artsforallwi.org/support/share-a-story. More information is available at
artsforallwi.org.