Dear friend of the NaAC:

Over the past few years, we’ve grown at a remarkable pace – and all for good reason.

Today, we are providing our 350+ artists with world-class, professional-grade opportunities to advance themselves as bona fide artists – opportunities never extended to them before simply because of their disability.

Having just returned from our world premiere of sound.colLAB in Toronto, where we showcased three NaAC artists’ compositions for string quartet*, I am even more committed to my belief that when we provide opportunity, our community of artists absolutely flourish. This is why we are investing in our artists, launching new programs and initiatives in visual arts, music, and dance, so that there are no barriers for our artists to explore and expand their creativity. 

Unlike many other disability arts organizations in Canada, the NaAC has also started to “walk the talk” when it comes to our artists. Every time our artists are asked to take on professional opportunities, they are paid as professionals. Not “honoraria” or “stipends.” Industry standard fees. We believe that many of our artists deserve fair compensation for their creative product – and by demonstrating that in a very real way, we are inspiring others to do the same. 

The growth and the success that we’ve experienced comes with its challenges. 

Government funding has remained stagnant and now sits at approximately 25% of our revenues. That means we need to raise every extra dollar through both project funding, grants, and philanthropic gifts. What we need now, more than ever before, is increased support that can help deliver and grow our core programs. Yes, this means the retention of our extraordinary staff, the acquisition of new technology and equipment, and to also hire faculty and mentors from outside the NaAC so that our artists can be connected with and supported by the best in our sector. Our goal is to raise $400,000. We did it last year, and I know that we can do it again this year with your support. 

Right now, there is a fantastic opportunity to support the NaAC, and have that support matched up to 50% by our friends at Shaw Birdies for Kids powered by AltaLink. This means that when you give $100.00, the amount received by the NaAC will be $150. A $500 gift will turn into $750. A $1,000 gift will become $1,500. This opportunity will end on August 31, 2022, so if you would like to support us – now is the time. 

This really is an urgent appeal — urgent because we have this extraordinary partnership that will ensure that your gift goes even further. Please give generously today – and together, we can continue to shake up Canada’s arts and culture scene through the extraordinary creative power of our artists 

Yours sincerely, 

JS Ryu

President and CEO
National accessArts Centre

*PS: Join us on August 12 for the Calgary premiere of sound.colLAB featuring the extraordinary Rolston String Quartet performing our NaAC artists’ compositions. Click here to buy your ticket today.