Access/VSA International Network

Don't forget to book your hotel for LEAD 2026! The 2026 LEAD® Conference is offering a specially priced room block at the conference hotel - the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown. These special rates are only available if booked before 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

Visit AccessLEAD.org for direct reservation links!

The LEAD Shop is now OPEN! Get your exclusive t-shirt and sticker swag from your friends at the Leadership Exchange in Arts & Disability. The pre-order sale is on now through Friday, July 10. You can also shop in person at the LEAD Conference (Aug 12-14), but sizes and quantities may be limited. Order by July 10 for the best options!

Shop now at https://leadshop.square.site

Apply by June 12, 2026! Access/VSA is seeking contractors to provide Access/VSA Creative Career Internship Program career development opportunities in creative industries, arts management or administration, design, production, or technical theatre for individuals with disabilities, ages 21-30.

The program provides community-based internships that are designed to have immediate competitive integrated employment outcomes and lead to ongoing employment in a creative career. Program participants receive instruction and hands-on employment in which they develop critical business skills and knowledge needed for success in the creative career workforce, acquire real world experience working with actual employers, and have the opportunity to interact with peers and professionals in an employment setting.

Learn more and apply by June 12, 2026 at accessvsa.org/ccip!

*The content of this program was developed under grant H421F240164 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department).*

Apply by June 12, 2026! Access/VSA is seeking contractors to provide Access/VSA Creative Career Internship Program career development opportunities in creative industries, arts management or administration, design, production, or technical theatre for individuals with disabilities, ages 21-30.

The program provides community-based internships that are designed to have immediate competitive integrated employment outcomes and lead to ongoing employment in a creative career. Program participants receive instruction and hands-on employment in which they develop critical business skills and knowledge needed for success in the creative career workforce, acquire real world experience working with actual employers, and have the opportunity to interact with peers and professionals in an employment setting.

Learn more and apply by June 12, 2026 at accessvsa.org/ccip!

*The content of this program was developed under grant H421F240164 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department).*

VSA Program Sites | Access VSA Intl Network Are you interested in providing exciting and dynamic VSA programs at your cultural institution?

IYKYK.

Don't forget to book your hotel for LEAD 2026! The 2026 LEAD® Conference will be offering a specially priced room block for $236/night at the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown, 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA. This is the hotel the conference will take place in as well.

These special rates are only available if booked before 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

Visit AccessLEAD.org for direct reservation links!

Did you hear? LEAD 2026 Registration is now OPEN!

The 2026 Leadership Exchange in Arts & Disability Annual Conference is taking place August 11-14, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA.

Learn more or register today at AccessLEAD.org

It's almost that time of year. When summer is near, you know it's time for your favorite arts and disability colleagues to gather under conference room lights to learn, network, support, and encourage each other. We might not sleep in cabins or sing around the campfire (or maybe you do, that's cool), but the relationships we build during the annual LEAD Conference carry with us throughout the year. This is why many of you so lovingly refer to LEAD as Access Summer Camp.

This year we're leaning into that feeling of camaraderie, connection, and fun. We are working on a LEAD Outpost with merchandise and goodies (you can even enter a sticker idea now through May 6!). More opportunities for networking and idea building. More new topics and sessions. Maybe some merit badges to celebrate our successes?

Join us for LEAD 2026 on August 11-14 in downtown Philadelphia, PA! No camping gear required.

Registration opens next week and the hotel block is now open. Find details and rates at accesslead.org