The National accessArts Centre is a contracted service provider with the Government of Alberta’s Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program, meaning that Albertans registered with PDD can seek a referral to join our program at the NaAC. Prospective artists who wish to join the NaAC will need to speak to their PDD case worker and seek a referral. There may be a wait list to join our program.

For PDD clients, costs are partially subsidized as a result of our contract with the Government of Alberta. Costs are based on the number of weeks in a session. Artists also pay for the supplies they use.

Our current fees are: $6.50 per week of the session, payable in advance for the full session. For more information, please contact:

Kylie Poppe
Coordinator, Artist Services
403.253.3174 ext. 0
kylie.poppe@accessarts.ca

Note: Those who require help in the washroom, with eating or drinking, or other significant help in the studio must provide their own assistants in order to participate. 

Artists who are not registered with PDD can still participate, but applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and may be required to pay the full costs of the program. For more information, please contact:

Kylie Poppe
Coordinator, Artist Services
403.253.3174 ext. 0
kylie.poppe@accessarts.ca

Note: Those who require help in the washroom, with eating or drinking, or other significant help in the studio must provide their own assistants in order to participate. 

Though our core programming is delivered in-person, we have started to expand our digital programs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and encourage Canadians with disabilities to join us in our virtual programs.

To register for our online programs (which are delivered on a project-by-project basis), please contact:

Kylie Poppe
Coordinator, Artist Services
403.253.3174 ext. 0
kylie.poppe@accessarts.ca

This is at the heart of what we do at the NaAC, providing space and facilitating the practice of our artists. By creating and maintaining a safe and supportive space to gather and practice, we steward the artistic direction of our artists in thoughtful, respectful and responsive ways.

In 2021, we will continue to implement our studio sessions both in-person and virtually in alignment with our local health authority’s guidelines, balancing the need for artistic development and keeping our artists and staff safe.

Every month, the NaAC hosts virtual and/or in-person workshops for our studio collective. This is not only a great learning opportunity for our participants, but also a learning opportunity for mainstream artists who learn different perspectives from our artists. Past workshop artists include Lanre Ajayi, Michelle Austen, Teresa Tam, and others.

If you are a contemporary artist based in Canada or around the world, and are interested in leading a workshop at the NaAC, please contact:

Karly Mortimer
Vice President, Artist and Program Development
403.253.3174 ext. 2
karly.mortimer@accessarts.ca

Launched in 2020, the NaAC is the first Canadian disability arts organization to launch a curatorial mentorship program for artists with developmental disabilities. If you are interested in participating – either as a participating artist or as a mentor – please contact:

Karly Mortimer
Vice President, Artist and Program Development
403.253.3174 ext. 2
karly.mortimer@accessarts.ca

A true highlight of our visual arts programming is the opportunity to exhibit our artists’ works both locally and around the world. Our artists’ works have been showcased in galleries throughout Canada, Hong Kong, Dubai, Mexico, and New York. We also help facilitate the sale of our artists’ works if the artist is interested in selling his/her piece.

Learn more about our upcoming and previous exhibitions by clicking here:

In recent years, the NaAC has increased partnerships with individual clients, organizations, and corporations who are interested in commissioning an artist for a custom piece of art. Every artist approaches these opportunities differently, so we encourage interested partners to contact us to learn more about this rewarding process:

Karly Mortimer
Vice President, Artist and Program Development
403.253.3174 ext. 2
karly.mortimer@accessarts.ca

Our community dance classes continue to be delivered both online and in person. A positive from our virtual time; we will also be continuing to work with facilitators across the country and beyond. As we expand and develop in the style of hip hop and street styles, we will also continue to explore the realm of jazz movement. A style based in improvisation, groove and rhythm, jazz is the ideal vessel for continued movement exploration and experimentation that is not only accessible and empowering to our artists but also provides opportunities of growth and deeper expression. The NaAC strives to continue its mission of making movement as accessible as possible with mixed ability facilitation and pave the way for our artists to achieve and become the movers and performers they dream to be.

Delivered online and in-person (aligning with COVID-19 guidelines), offered weekly over 12 weeks.

For more information, please contact:

Ashley Brodeur
Manager, Performing Arts
403.253.3174 ext. 8
ashley.brodeur@accessarts.ca

The NaAC Professional Dance Ensemble was formerly part of the Momo Movement organization prior to its merger with the NaAC. These artists consistently push the boundaries conceptually and physically. Creating original works, the Ensemble often works in multidisciplinary capacities including spoken word, visual art and movement into their performances. Some of our performers have been working together for more than 10 years on various projects and trainings. 

For more information, please contact:

Ashley Brodeur
Manager, Performing Arts
403.253.3174 ext. 8
ashley.brodeur@accessarts.ca