An Artist Showdown for the Ages

When people with disabilities are excluded from the arts, we all lose. There’s a growing community of artists ready to contribute to the global conversations about issues that matter. Their voices make our world brighter, richer, and more vibrant. Whether showcasing their work internationally or engaging in critical social dialogues, these artists are changing the narrative around disability and the arts; transforming not only how the world sees artists with disabilities – but how they see themselves.

Meanwhile, Canada’s disability community is getting bigger. With over 8 million people already identifying as having a disability, chances are if you don’t know someone with a disability, you will. That’s why our work matters – not just here, not just now, but for generations to come. Support our fight for more equitable and inclusive practices in the arts, and help us create space for more voices than ever before.

“The National accessArts Centre helps people with disabilities to learn and grow…and know that even if they have a disability, they can do anything.”

They didn’t give us a chance; They figured that we wouldn’t make it through life, we wouldn’t get where we are today. Well guess what? We proved them wrong because we’re the survivors. We got through and here we are today.

We’ve made incredible progress over the past several years, but we’ve only just started to scrape the surface of possibility. Learn more about our significant milestones.

Explore the timeline

March 2018

The NaAC becomes the first Canadian disability arts organization to tour internationally, going on to showcase artists and/or their works in cities like Hong Kong, Seoul, Dubai, Guadalajara, New York, and Tokyo.

December 2020

The NaAC becomes the first disability arts organization to partner with Canada’s foreign affairs ministry, leading to the acquisition of 13 works as part of the Government of Canada’s permanent collection.

August 2021

The NaAC unveils plans for a $20M multidisciplinary disability arts campus, putting Calgary on the map as the only city with infrastructure dedicated to the needs of artists with disabilities.

January 2022

Artists from the NaAC debut a seven movement composition for string quartet, created with Xenia Concerts, composer Bekah Simms and the award-winning Rolston String Quartet. Seven Miniatures goes on to tour across North America and East Asia, with sold out shows in Toronto, Calgary, Seoul, and Ottawa.

May 2022

The NaAC announces a groundbreaking partnership with the family and estate of the late Canadian sculptor Won Lee. The opening of the Won Lee Community Arts Hub in Toronto makes the NaAC truly national.

March 2023

Artists from the NaAC launch Robot Revelations, the first digital music album to be written, created, and produced by a community of Canadian artists with disabilities.

November 2023

The NaAC becomes the country’s first multidisciplinary disability arts organization to receive ongoing support from the Government of Canada through the Canada Arts Training Fund.

December 2023

Artists from the NaAC represent Canada on the world stage at the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, making a powerful statement about disability and environmental conservation.

January 2024

The NaAC Dance Ensemble debuts ICONIC+, a disability-led dance-based performance, at Tangente Danse in Quebec. The work is one of 9 Canadian projects receiving a significant investment from the National Creation Fund.