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.
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.
Our studio is a fully-equipped creation space that helps our artists achieve their creative potential on a variety of platforms, including fiber-arts, ceramics, drawing, painting, glass, sculpture and assemblage.
Within the studio, instructors (who are artists themselves) work with the artists to identify individual interests, expectations, strengths, abilities and needs. To the greatest extent possible, instructors approach artistic activities in a manner that facilitates increased maturity and independence for each artist. Artist residencies and other visiting artist opportunities further enrich core studio programs, affording member artists opportunities to work individually or collaboratively with their peers and/or with members of Calgary’s broader arts community.
Since the pandemic, we have incorporated online programming for our artists, where they are able to connect and create art from home.
1. Sponsor an exhibition
$3,500/local exhibition
$5,000/international exhibition
At the National accessArts Centre, we host numerous events and plan initiatives locally, across the country, and around the world. You can help offset the costs of these events or initiatives by becoming a sponsor. Depending on the sponsorship arrangement, we can help you leverage strong marketing ROI by adding your brand beside the NaAC – a nationally respected, charitable entity recognized as an ally and partner in fighting for equity and inclusion in our communities
Sponsoring an exhibition not only supports the costs associated with hosting an exhibition, it lends our artists the added credibility of having community support. Funds from sponsorship help us host opening/closing receptions, advertising, and exhibition set-up costs including lettering, curation, and venue rental.
Sponsorship comes with an incredible benefit of being associated with Canada’s oldest and largest disability arts organization. All advertising – through conventional and social media, as well as on-site recognition – will feature our sponsor’s logo, with opportunity for the sponsor to also share information about their corporation/organization. Sponsors will also receive a reproduced print of an art piece of their choice that is being exhibited in the show.
2. Sponsor our Digital Archive Centre
$10,000 – including Naming Rights, if desired
We know that “digital” is the future, and the arts is no exception.
By purchasing scanning and photography equipment, setting up the right type of darkroom for photography, and being able to create and produce prints of our artists’ work, we can begin to accurately archive their work, produce art books as a way to generate interest in the arts community, and also look at ways to sell and distribute prints of their work that will help generate revenue for both the artist and the organization.
3. Youth Programming
$50,000/year
We want to help find and grow the creativity of young artists with disabilities.
Knowing what we know now, there is so much talent in the so-called “disability” community who could make their mark as artists and grow in their creativity earlier in their lives. Rather than solely focusing on adults with developmental disabilities, the Indefinite Arts Centre is planning to launch a pilot program that would engage youth between the ages of 13-17 and introduce them to the wide range of mediums currently being offered at our facility.
Under the guidance of our talented artistic instructors and program staff, we know we can create a home – a creative hub – for young artists with disabilities.
4. Invest in our ongoing programming
Annual fundraising goal: $100,000/year
We rely significantly on donations to ensure that our studio is open five days a week in support of our 350 artists. Ongoing costs cover our talented staff of artists who dedicate their lives facilitating/mentoring their peers living with disabilities, supplies, facility costs, marketing/advertising our artists’ works, and more. Help us reach this fundraising goal by a single or monthly donation.
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/help, 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
Whether it’s sponsoring one of our new digital or music studio spaces, or sponsoring an existing or new arts program at NaAC, our organization is looking for individual and corporate sponsors to proudly showcase their name in support of disability arts at the Centre. 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 studio volunteer, assisting our artists and helping with prep work, teaching support, special projects and other activities, please contact Raewyn Reid at 403.253.3174