A New Trademark, A Long-Standing Truth
At the National accessArts Centre (NaAC), we believe the arts begin with artists. That belief has guided our work for decades, from the way we design our programs to the way we compensate creators. Now, we’re giving it a name.
In an arts sector too often obsessed with metrics and market value, our new trademarked phrase, Artists First™, puts the spotlight where it belongs: on the artists themselves. It’s a clear and unapologetic statement of purpose—a recognition that artists with disabilities are more than participants in the cultural landscape, but vital contributors to it. They are creative professionals and cultural producers, and they’re shaping the future of the arts right here in Calgary.
We asked two of our artists what Artists First™ means to them.
Carla Salter: Finding a Voice Through Art
Carla’s studio practice is a whirlwind of colour, texture, and constant experimentation. Ask what medium she prefers and she’ll tell you she can’t choose—she loves it all, from ceramics to fiber arts. She is constantly exploring new materials and techniques. And while the medium may change, the outcome is always the same: self-expression, healing, and joy.
“I used to just do my work, look up, and leave. Now I talk to everyone. I fly across the studio. I have a voice because of art, it gave me confidence. It gave me happiness. And I see that in others too – even if they can’t say it out loud, you can see it in their eyes. That’s what art does.”
– Carla Salter
For Carla, Artists First™ means more than having space to experiment. It means having the confidence to take up space in the first place. “It means opportunity,” she says. “It means self-esteem. It means happiness.”
Jody Roll: A Career Rooted in Creativity
Jody Roll has been part of the NaAC community for 15 years. A multidisciplinary artist working in music, film, and visual arts, she’s also a member of the organization’s board of directors. But above all, she’s an artist—and always has been.
“I am an artist. That’s my career, and I get paid to do what I do.”
– Jody Roll
That simple statement carries weight in a world where artists with disabilities are often excluded from professional opportunities. At the NaAC, Jody earns income from her work, contributes to leadership decisions, and plays an active role in shaping the future of the organization.
“This place is everything. It’s where I feel safe. It helps with my mental health. It’s where I belong,” she says. “If I didn’t have this, I wouldn’t be making money. This is how I live. This is how I help others.”
Inspired by her mother, who founded community organizations of her own, Jody sees her role as part of a larger legacy. “I’m part of something, and I get to help other people be part of it too,” she says. “That means everything to me.”
More Than a Slogan
Artists First™ is a promise we’ve been living for decades; a promise to challenge assumptions, centre creators, and build a future in which artists with disabilities have the respect and resources they deserve. You can help make that future a reality.
Support the artists who are, truly, artists first.
