Arts Presenters/MetLife Arts Access Awards

Deadline for Entries: Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Award: Two (2) recipients - $10,000 each
Award Announcement: November 2009
Award Ceremony: Monday, January 11, 2010

Award Description
This award honors an organization that has been exemplary in its dedication and approach to engaging individuals with disabilities to experience and value the performing arts.  This may be accomplished through programs and strategies that integrate new technologies, respond to recent demographic shifts, and/or establish an ongoing dialogue focused on individuals with sensory, cognitive, learning, developmental, and/or physical disabilities.

Please Note: This award is different from the Award for Engaging Underserved Communities.

Eligibility Criteria
This award opportunity is open to Association of Performing Arts Presenters members. All eligible applicants will be nonprofit or tax exempt performing arts presenting and producing organizations. Non US-based members must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Award Restrictions
The Association of Performing Arts Presenters will not make an award to:

• programs proposed for the future and/or under development for future implementation (This award recognizes accomplishments that have taken place over a period of time);  
• programs that are not open to the general public;
• art therapy programs that are not developed and managed by a performing arts presenting organization; and
• organizations that have previously received an Arts Presenters/MetLife Foundation Arts Access award.

Review Criteria
An independent panel of arts access professionals will review all entries for this award. Award recipients will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• The depth and consistency of accessibility efforts in the institution's programs and activities;
• The comprehensiveness of accessibility planning and evaluation, and the integration of that planning into the overall vision of the organization;
• The degree to which the organization has moved beyond compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act;
• The degree to which the organization’s strategies or programs are exemplary in addressing the accessibility needs of older audiences, older artists, artists with disabilities and audiences with disabilities;
• Demonstrated success in reaching goals and outcomes set for the programs and strategies; and
  
• The artistic merit and quality of the program and its partners.

Please Note: K-12 education programs and/or special discounted ticketed programs are not considered to be exemplary or innovative practices for the purposes of this award.

How to Apply

1. Review the award guidelines and application.
2. Complete the online application. Click here to access the application for the Engaging Individuals with Disabilities Award.
3. Submit the online application by 5:00 pm (Eastern Standard Time) on September 29, 2009.