Founded in 1975 as the In-Definite Arts Society, the National accessArts Centre (NaAC) is Canada’s oldest and largest disability arts organization – and in 2020, became the country’s first multidisciplinary disability arts organization. Today, the NaAC supports more than 300 artists living with developmental and/or physical disabilities through on-site studio supports and workshops, and an even broader community of Canadian artists with disabilities through immersive programs delivered online.
Mission
Providing artistic training, creation, exhibition, and presenting opportunities for artists with disabilities, and sharing the power of their creativity through local and global partnerships and advocacy that opens doors for their inclusion in our arts and culture ecosystem.
Vision
Communities across Canada recognize, celebrate, and proactively include the talents and skills of artists with disabilities.
Our studio is a fully-equipped creation space that helps our artists achieve their creative potential on a variety of platforms, including fibre arts, drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture and assemblage. We also offer training in performing arts, music, film, and other mediums. These programs have been expanded to offer space for community members of all abilities to participate and learn alongside our member community. NaAC is proud to be connecting artists with local, national, and international opportunities to collaborate and exhibit alongside the greater arts community.
Case for Support
When people with disabilities are excluded from the arts, we all lose. There’s a growing community of artists ready to contribute to the global conversations about issues that matter. Their voices make our world brighter, richer, and more vibrant. Whether showcasing their work internationally or engaging in critical social dialogues, these artists are changing the narrative around disability and the arts; transforming not only how the world sees artists with disabilities – but how they see themselves.
Meanwhile, Canada’s disability community is getting bigger. With over 8 million people already identifying as having a disability, chances are if you don’t know someone with a disability, you will. That’s why our work matters – not just here, not just now, but for generations to come. Support our fight for more equitable and inclusive practices in the arts, and help us create space for more voices than ever before.
This is your opportunity to be part of something revolutionary; to rally beside artists and allies who are reshaping the cultural landscape of our country and changing the arts for good. Join our fight for equity and inclusion in the arts.
Donate
The NaAC is only able to deliver our breadth of programs and support for our growing community of artists with the generosity of donors and volunteers. You will receive a tax receipt for your charitable contribution. Donations can be made online through accessarts.ca/donate, in person at the National accessArts Centre, or over the phone at 403.253.3174. If you would like to make a legacy gift or a gift in someone’s memory, please contact JS at 403.253.3174.
Sponsor
Our organization is looking for individual and corporate sponsors to proudly showcase their name in support of disability arts at the NaAC and beyond. If supporting arts development, artists with developmental disabilities, and strong communities is part of your community investment goals, then please contact JS at 403.253.3174 to discuss sponsorship opportunities.
Volunteer
Volunteers play a critical role in the day-to-day operations at the National accessArts Centre. Volunteers can assist in the studio, sit on our Board of Directors, participate in juries for our various competitions, and lend a needed hand at our social functions, casinos and other fundraising events. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Raewyn Reid at 403.253.3174