News release
CALGARY, July 7, 2025
Inclusive, accessible spaces and training opportunities are vital to ensuring Canadians of all abilities can express themselves creatively and participate fully in Canada’s cultural sector.
Today, David Myles, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and to the Secretary of State (Nature), announced an investment of $1.35 million in the National accessArts Centre (NaAC), following a tour of the facility. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.
The NaAC will receive $750,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for renovations at the former Scouts Canada building in Calgary, known as the West Hillhurst building—an 8,600-square-foot heritage-designated facility that, alongside a new purpose-built multidisciplinary disability arts hub, will form the NaAC’s new arts learning campus. Renovations will support specialized equipment storage, studio partitions, upgraded lighting and fully accessible visual arts spaces. Once complete, the West Hillhurst building will significantly enhance accessibility, increase programming capacity and allow the NaAC to support more artists while expanding public engagement through community art classes and school programs.
The NaAC will also benefit from $600,000 over three years (2025–2028) under the Canada Arts Training Fund. This investment supports the ongoing operations of the NaAC’s Professional Track Programs. These artist development pathways offer best-in-class specialized training in visual arts, dance, music and performance, and provide residencies, mentorships, performances and leadership development. The NaAC supports over 200 artists with disabilities as they advance their artistic practice across multiple disciplines.
This funding is part of a broader investment by the Government of Canada in Alberta’s arts and culture sector. In total, 10 additional projects across the province are receiving or will receive support, with $1.94 million provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund and $2.67 million through the Canada Arts Training Fund (please see attached backgrounder).
Quotes
“Our government is proud to support an organization that is redefining inclusive artistic excellence in Canada. This funding will help the National accessArts Centre create more opportunities for artists with disabilities—to grow, thrive, and share their voices in a truly inclusive and accessible space. I congratulate the Centre on 50 years of bold leadership in disability-led arts, and in championing equity, creativity and representation in our cultural landscape.”
—The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages
“The National accessArts Centre has been a trailblazer in inclusive, disability-led arts in Canada for half a century. This investment ensures that its powerful legacy can continue to grow. Today’s announcement is more than just about bricks and mortar; it’s about creating a future where all artists have the tools, spaces and opportunities they need to thrive. As a longtime artist myself, I understand how vital it is to support creativity, accessibility and professional development. I’m thrilled that the Government of Canada is investing in a stronger, more vibrant and truly inclusive cultural sector, one that reflects the full diversity of Canada’s talent.”
—David Myles, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Nature)
“The Government of Canada’s investments in both the development of our Professional Track Programs and our multidisciplinary learning campus in Calgary will only further enhance the National accessArts Centre’s programs that position Canadians with disabilities as bona fide contributors to our cultural identity and creative economy. At a time when our commonly held values around diversity and inclusion are under increasing threat, we are grateful to see the federal government stand strong in its allyship and support of Canada’s disability community and our arts sector at large.”
—Jung-Suk Ryu, President and CEO, National accessArts Centre
