MOVING IMAGES FILM FESTIVAL

Outsider Artists' series focuses on local programming

By Laura Dargus

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First, Vinfen, one of New England's largest providers in human services is turning 30. It's a huge milestone for the nonprofit that was started in the '70s as a move away from state-run large-scale institutions caring for the mentally and developmentally disabled by individualizing their care and turning it into a group-home model. Second, they're celebrating in a big way, hosting Boston's first Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness Film Festival at the MFA.

Moving Images' features highlight the challenges facing affected individuals and their loved ones along with their struggle for self-advocacy. The day-long festival is broken down in different sessions, each followed-up by panel discussions from Vinfen representatives, medical professionals and some of the artists themselves. Members from two of Vinfen's local programs, the Gateway Arts and Webster House, where artists can develop their craft in a creative and supportive environment, are partaking in the "Outsider Artists" series during the festival. "Outsider Artists" will focus on art's value in society and its power to foster dignity and recovery for those involved in such art programs. Veronica Besnacon, senior program director at the Webster House explains how the medium is integrated into treatment, "art is approached as a vocation, not as therapy. When we started this program 20 years ago, it was thought to be a risky idea. But it has become extremely popular."

The festival will be followed by a gala reception for supporters.

MOVING IMAGES

SAT. 3.15

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

465 HUNTINGTON AVE.

617.441.1731

10:30AM-5:15PM/FREE

GALA RECEPTION AT 5:30PM

FOR TICKETS AND SHOWTIMES VISIT VINFEN.ORG