Contact Information
Lissa Unrue, Marketing Manager 703-330-2787
Lissa@virginiaartfactory.org
For Immediate Release June 29, 2026
ARTfactory and Didlake Foundation Launch artWORKS Collaborative to Empower Individuals of All
Abilities Through Arts and Workforce Development
MANASSAS, Va.: ARTfactory is proud to announce a new partnership with Didlake Foundation to launch
artWORKS Collaborative, an innovative specialty program designed to create meaningful opportunities
for individuals with different abilities to engage in the arts, develop employment skills, and
participate fully in community cultural life.
ArtWORKS Collaborative combines ARTfactory’s strengths in arts education, creative learning, and
community engagement with the Didlake Foundation’s mission of enriching the lives of people with
disabilities through employment, training, and inclusion. Together, the organizations are creating
an inclusive and supportive environment where creativity and workforce development come together to
inspire growth, confidence, and opportunity.
The program offers participants hands-on experience in visual and performing arts, digital and
media arts, and arts administration and workforce development skills. Through specially designed
workshops and classes, creative projects, stage experiences, and behind-the-scenes arts management
opportunities, participants gain practical skills while exploring their artistic talents and
building confidence.
“We are proud to partner with ARTfactory to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities
through creativity, workforce development, and community engagement. The artWORKS Collaborative
reflects our shared commitment to inclusion, creating a space where people of all abilities can
learn, contribute, and thrive together while building skills, confidence, and meaningful
connections,” said Didlake Foundation Executive Director, Kelsey DeWispelaere, CFRE, ACNP.
As part of this exciting collaboration, ARTfactory will dedicate and rename its theater space as
artWORKS Theatre, recognizing the shared commitment between ARTfactory and Didlake Foundation to
foster creativity, inclusion, and opportunity for individuals of all abilities. The name reflects
the spirit of the partnership and the belief that the arts can serve as a powerful pathway to
personal growth, community engagement, and workforce
development.
The newly named artWORKS Theatre will serve as a visible symbol of this commitment, providing a
welcoming and inclusive space where participants can learn, perform, collaborate, and share their
talents with the broader community. According to Talya Conroy, ARTfactory CEO, “Through
performances, educational programs, and special events, the theatre will showcase the creativity
and contributions of individuals of all abilities while advancing the mission of artWORKS
Collaborative.”
To celebrate the launch of artWORKS Collaborative and the dedication of the new artWORKS Theatre,
ARTfactory and Didlake Foundation will host a community Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, August 4, from
5 to 7 p.m. at ARTfactory in Manassas. The public is invited to join the organizations in
celebrating creativity, community, inclusion, and the impact that can be made when partners work
together to create meaningful opportunities. The event is free and open to all.
Participants in the program will have opportunities to:
• Explore visual, performing, digital, and media arts
• Build communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
• Gain workforce readiness and arts administration experience
• Develop confidence through creative expression
• Engage with the community through collaborative arts experiences
The partnership reflects both organizations’ shared commitment to eliminating barriers to
participation and creating opportunities that enrich lives. By blending creativity with real-world
skill development, artWORKS Collaborative empowers individuals with disabilities to discover their
strengths, expand their abilities, and pursue meaningful pathways toward employment and community
engagement.
Each project within the program is designed to spark creativity, encourage inclusion, and foster
independence. Through accessible and engaging arts experiences, participants are supported in
discovering what is possible both artistically and professionally.
For more information about artWORKS Collaborative, please contact the ARTfactory at 703-330-2787,
or visit their website at www.virginiaartfactory.org/artworks.
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