Linda Olsrud, Executive Director of Dakota West Arts Council, says, "We are thrilled to have Courtney Smith representing our state in this prestigious competition.  She is a talented and poised young lady who has a beautiful voice and a wonderful attitude." 

Courtney has been presented with a trophy in recognition of her statewide honor.

Since 1984, the VSA arts International Young Soloists Program has been seeking to identify talented musicians who have a disability.  Given annually to four outstanding musicians, two from the United States and two from the international arena, the International Young Soloist Awards provide an opportunity for these emerging musicians to each earn $5,000 and a performance in Washington, D.C. 

VSA arts is 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.  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 programming and initiatives are guided by four essential principles:

Every young person with a disability deserves access to high quality arts learning experiences.

All artists in schools and art educators should be prepared to include students with disabilities in their instruction.

All children, youth, and adults with disabilities should have complete access to cultural facilities and activities.

All individuals with disabilities who aspire to careers in the arts should have the opportunity to develop appropriate skills.

Inclusion teaches us that all means all. Everybody. No exceptions. The arts invite people to leave familiar territory, to explore new answers and seek new questions. The arts offer a means to self-expression, communication, and independence. By learning through the arts, students become lifelong learners, experiencing the joy of discovery and exploration, and the value of each other's ideas.

VSA arts is committed to driving change - changing perceptions and practice, classroom by classroom, community by community, and ultimately society.

Dakota West Arts Council, of Bismarck, with its Art Venture program, is the only ND affiliate of VSA arts international in association with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  The Art Venture program provides unique arts opportunities to over 600 area students who have disabilities or are at risk.

Linda Olsrud
Executive Director
Dakota West Arts Council