Two historic announcements are setting the stage for a new era of disability arts in Canada. Thanks to nearly $15 million in support from the federal, provincial, and municipal governments, the National accessArts Centre (NaAC) is moving forward with the largest capital project in support of disability arts in Canadian history. And that’s just the beginning.
The Accessible Arts Learning Campus: Powering Possibility
Two facilities totaling $20 million in design and development costs—the Multidisciplinary Disability Community Arts Hub (MDCAH) and the Fine Arts Building (FAB)—will sit side-by-side to create the first disability-focused arts learning campus in North America, right in the heart of Calgary.
- Multidisciplinary Disability Community Arts Hub (MDCAH): A $14 million facility designed by DIALOG, featuring a performing arts studio, a gallery, a multipurpose space, and the award-winning Lil E Coffee Cafe. MDCAH will support NaAC’s dance, music, and digital media/film programs, while also welcoming the broader community.
- Trico Communities Accessible Arts Centre (TAC): A $6 million project revitalizing the historic Scouts Hall, led by the City of Calgary and designed by Iwanski Architecture. TAC will house NaAC’s visual arts programs and administrative offices, creating a welcoming space that blends accessibility with heritages.
But the Accessible Arts Learning Campus is far more than bricks and mortar. It’s a bold step toward building a future in which artists with disabilities have the space, resources, and recognition they deserve. A future in which creativity is celebrated, talent and vision are seen and valued, and artists with disabilities are given the opportunity to share their brilliance with the world.
Artists are taking notice. For Emily Honderich, the opportunity to be part of this community was life changing. After years of trying to pursue a career in Toronto, Emily moved to Calgary to join the NaAC, knowing she had finally found a place where her artistic practice could flourish.
“Knowing that my peers at the NaAC have had their works installed around the world, and collectively earned millions in artist fees and commissions, it was like coming together with the world’s best agent for artists living with disabilities like me”
Emily Honderich
Creating the Conditions for Creativity
The Accessible Arts Learning Campus isn’t just attracting artists like Emily—it’s drawing attention from our country’s leaders. The unprecedented investment of nearly $15 million acknowledges what we at the NaAC have known all along: artists with disabilities belong on the world’s biggest stages, and with the right resources, they can go even further.
“The world is taking notice of what our artists can accomplish,” says JS Ryu, President and CEO of the NaAC. “But to truly build a foundation that allows them to thrive, we need to ensure these spaces are met with the resources to fully realize their potential.”
Because when it comes to making real, lasting change, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. The Accessible Arts Learning Campus may be a bold, historic investment in accessible spaces, but its true impact will be measured by what happens within its walls. That means investing in foundational programming, too.
Building for the Next 50 Years
With nearly $15 million in public support from the federal, provincial, and municipal governments and the energy of our 50th anniversary celebration, the time to build a strong foundation for the future of disability art is now. Your support will help us sustain programs in visual arts, film, digital media, theatre, music, dance, and more.
By contributing before March 31, you can help us achieve something extraordinary: the most support ever recorded for disability arts programming in Canada. Plus every donation you make will be matched by up to 50% thanks to our friends at the Rogers Charity Classic.
Donate today and help us do what we do best—for decades to come.
