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Two Artists. No Words. No Screens. A Story That Redefines Connection.

OTTAWA, ON – September 28, 2025 – What happens when two artists build a friendship without speaking a single word—or even using a screen? The Connect Project dares to answer that question. This groundbreaking multidisciplinary arts initiative invites audiences to experience the power of human connection beyond language and technology with an exclusive online film screening and live panel discussion on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. EST.

At the heart of this event is a remarkable story: artists Kanika Gupta and Dr. Jenelle Rouse—one who avoids screens, the other who is hearing impaired—embarked on a three-year creative journey during one of the most isolating times in modern history. Through an exchange of handcrafted artworks sent by mail, they forged a deep bond and created a stunning body of work that redefines accessibility, resilience, and what it means to truly connect.

The result? A major art collection, an audio-visual documentary, and a movement that challenges how we think about communication in the digital age.

This national celebration is hosted by the National accessArts Centre (NaAC) in Calgary—Canada’s oldest and largest disability arts organization—serving over 300 artists with developmental and/or physical disabilities.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming one of the Canada Council’s major projects dedicated to accessibility arts,” said J.S. Ryu, President and CEO of the National accessArts Centre. “By displaying the artworks, and creating a home for this project in our collection we can inspire the next generation of accessibility artists to create the connections that humanity seeks by cutting through the barriers of the technological age.”

Supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, The Connect Project proves that creativity and care can transcend barriers—and that art can speak louder than words.

Following the screening, join an inspiring live panel discussion with the creative team behind the project:

  • Alexa Hickox – Editor
  • Ebony Gooden – Artistic Director
  • Yhasmina Garcia – Project Manager
  • Lauren Ishak – Producer & Access Support
  • Elise Simard – Animator
  • Mia Rivera – Writer, Archivist
  • Sonya Ghandi – Co-Editor
  • Kayla Bradford – Animator

Event Details

📅 Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:30 p.m. EST
📍 Location: Online via Zoom
🔗 Join the Event: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88358898774

The Connect Project is a powerful reminder that connection is universal, accessibility sparks creativity, and relationships grow through intention and shared creation.

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Media Contact for interviews with Kanika Gupta and Dr. Jenelle Rouse
Rosemary Thompson
Communications – Connect Project
📧 rosemary@artfulstrategies.ca
📞 (613) 240-6739

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