WE HAVE STARTED SOMETHING BIG. A summary of our adventure and feedback from our delegates.
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Table of Contents Message from the President and CEO
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Message from Watershed Organizational Development Group
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Introduction from the NaAC: What’s happening and why?
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Sharing the Artist Perspective
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Innovations in Arts Programming + Supports + Learning
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Keynote Address: Tom di Maria
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Sharing the Caregiver Perspective
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The role of arts organizations/funders/agencies
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Keynote Address: Betty Siegel
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Keynote Address: Daniel Vais
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The conversations that happened in between: in words and pictures
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The end result: a new beginning.
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BEGINNING 2023?
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Acknowledgements
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B E G I N N I N G : A N AT I O N A L C O N V E R S AT I O N
Message from the President and CEO More than a year ago, the National accessArts Centre (NaAC) started to pull together an idea that had long been explored within our organization – to create space for a conversation about and with artists living with developmental disabilities. While many conferences and gatherings have convened around the broader topic of “disability arts,” the NaAC was acutely aware that there was no attempt in recent history to specifically think about and envision an arts and culture ecosystem that would better support and integrate the creative contributions of neurodiverse artists. In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this was a major challenge. But with the encouragement of our main funders – Canada Council for the Arts – and a growing number of sponsors and community partners, we forged ahead. As the months flew by and we got closer to our May 2-5 timeframe, we started to observe increasing anxiety around the concept of an openended conversation. What were the outcomes? Was this for, with, about artists living with developmental disabilities? We even had doubt whether others outside of our own community would find an interest in engaging in this conversation.
But guided by our incredible team of facilitators, Kathi Irvine and Geoff Powter, and our staff at the NaAC, we were committed to this concept that this would be a conversation, sparked by some extraordinary keynote speakers and panel discussions, but left to be open-ended and organic, involving artists living with developmental disabilities, caregivers, disability support workers, arts administrators, and arts funders. Through this anxiety and ambiguity, we saw absolute magic when BEGINNING: A National Conversation was underway in Vancouver and Banff, and virtually through our livestream. In both locations, lively discussions were observed throughout the duration of the event. New connections were made. New ideas were discovered. And there was this sense of excitement and comfort that was simultaneously present – excitement that this was the first time such a gathering was taking place. And comfort quickly discovered when realizing that everyone was gathered for the same reason. In Banff, which served as the conference headquarters, delegates witnessed spontaneity – artists broke into dance to creatively respond to what they were hearing. They would sit at the same table with
keynote speakers and enter into deep discussions about the future of the arts. And take the time to explore their surroundings, reflecting on their conversations and their learnings. It was truly magical to witness. Immediately following the event, we’ve now started to field questions and comments from delegates, panelists, and speakers – all asking the same question: What will we do next year? Frankly, we’ve started something big, and we’ve already started to have internal conversations at the NaAC to keep this momentum going. Stay tuned – and enjoy what we’ve been able to uncover this year. Yours sincerely,
Jung-Suk (JS) Ryu President and CEO National accessArts Centre
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Delegates in Banff work through a team building exercise as part of BEGINNING: A National Conference. (Credit: Pixel Kim)
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Message from Watershed Organizational Development Group many ways these people believed they were going to be able to capitalize on this beginning of a different future.
artists in their galleries, making connections with stories that touched them. By the last day, it truly felt as if everyone in the room had their eyes, and their hearts, opened.
We have been facilitating gatherings in every imaginable sector for more than 30 years, and we can quite honestly say that this coming-together was one of the richest, and most satisfying, experiences of our professional lives.
We saw people sharing stories and experiences, pains and frustrations, and most importantly, solutions to the challenges that artists with disabilities, and their caregivers, experience every day. It was very clear that many people in the room found their kin—and that they might have never crossed paths with them if this gathering hadn’t happened.
It was so clear from the first moment that the participants came together that this was a unique and very much appreciated opportunity. We constantly heard from people in both locations that they were finally able to have conversations that had never happened before—and we heard how
In both venues, we also had people who were just starting to be involved in disability arts (as funders, or as mainstream arts organizations) but were just as transparently moved by the experience—changing their perspectives of the possible, saying they wanted to host some of these
We had the privilege of acting as the lead facilitators of BEGINNING: A National Conversation, designing the program with the NaAC staff, coordinating the agenda, and acting as the hosts at both the Banff and Vancouver venues.
Geoff Powter Watershed Organizational Development Group
Kathi Irvine Watershed Organizational Development Group
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Introduction from the NaAC: What’s happening and why? Speakers: Geoff Powter (Watershed), Karly Mortimer (NaAC), Rachel Harding (NaAC Artist), Rob Roach (NaAC Board Chair) The first formal session – livestreamed to Vancouver delegates from Banff – was structured as the first step into the conversation. Featuring our Banff facilitator Geoff Powter alongside NaAC staff member Karly Mortimer, NaAC artist Rachel Harding, and NaAC Board Chair Robert Roach, they all reflected on the big question around “why” we were gathering to begin this conversation – and why the NaAC felt compelled to organize it.
Learn more about the NaAC’s recent initiatives.
Download the NaAC’s 2021-26 Strategic Plan: Reset. Refocus. Reimagine.
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NaAC representatives reflected on its own strategic plan which has a clear aim to bring the disability arts closer to the centre of Canada’s arts and culture ecosystem. From the NaAC’s perspective, this was not in response to a particular need, but felt that this was the right thing to do. Through its efforts, the NaAC has seen that there is indeed an audience locally and around the world, curious about and wanting to engage with artists living with developmental disabilities. The objective of the conversation over the next few days, therefore, is to see how we can keep this curiosity and two-way engagement going – and in order to get there, we need to have as many voices at the table who are involved with and have an interest in the success of artists living with developmental disabilities, including the artists themselves. NaAC artist Rachel Harding talked about her experiences being seen as a bona fide artist, made even more real with her participation at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. Her practice grew, her perspectives expanded. She believes these are steps where people can see her for her art – and not simply just her disability.
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Sharing the Artist Perspective Speakers: Raewyn Reid (Manager, Studio, NaAC), Rachel Harding (NaAC Artist), Pixel Kim (Artist from South Korea) BEGINNING: A National Conversation kicked off its first panel discussion – Sharing the Artist Perspective – featuring two talented artists Rachel Harding and Pixel Kim. They both introduced their unique artistic practice, with Rachel sharing with the audience what inspires her creativity – elements of nature, pop culture, books, and previous experiences.
“Somehow, I’m able to mould those things into a beautiful art from,” said Rachel. “There are many different ways I approach my art.” One common theme through both artists was this element of creating new worlds. Pixel wants to introduce those worlds to new audiences around the world. He shared his goal of seeing his visual works exhibited in major art galleries around the world.
“That would make me so happy,” said Pixel. “I’d like to expand my practice so that it reaches as many people as possible, so that it can raise awareness about my potential.” Rachel added: “The arts expands my family. People who come from different places, experiences. We all have a story to tell, and accessing a program like the NaAC allows people like me to tell their stories and just be themselves. This is incredible because it allows me to grow and gain a sense of community.” Following this panel discussion, a delegate shared the following thoughts:
Watch the panel discussion.
Hear Rachel Harding’s story.
“Seeing what has been accomplished by the artists really emphasized for me that we as the supports, facilitators, advocates are the key, but also can be the barrier for our artists. It is only our lack of imagination or drive that holds them back. If we can open our minds, then the possibilities are endless.” Hear Pixel Kim’s story.
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Innovations in Arts Programming + Supports + Learning Speakers: Bruce Barton (University of Calgary), Amanda MacKay (Leighton Art Centre), adam patrick bell (University of Calgary), Howard Jang (ArtSpring), Jenna Reid (Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture), Stefan Honisch (Simon Fraser University) Critical to the growth and success of artists living with developmental disabilities is the role of organizations that play a central role in our arts and culture ecosystem. These organizations include postsecondary institutions, arts-focused organizations, disability arts organizations, and others. This panel brought together a diverse range of panelists who each brought their unique perspectives on how their respective roles and organizations can evolve to better support neurodiverse artists. Bottom line: it’s just good practice.
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“Organizations will do well by asking artists, musicians, and creative practitioners with disabilities on what kind of access needs they need to bring forward,” said Stefan Honisch. “Though it should not be required for disabled people to disclose their access needs or information about their disability.”
Watch the panel discussion.
Most importantly, the approach to welcoming and working with artists with neurodiverse backgrounds is to be genuine and authentic, according to adam patrick bell, who talked about an exciting project that will bring the world of music making closer to artists living with developmental disabilities, thanks to a SSHRC grant. But often finding an approach doesn’t begin with asking questions – but just doing. Amanda MacKay from the Leighton Art Centre, which hosted a contingent of neurodiverse artists as part of its artist residency program, shared that it was this experience that sparked a new series of questions for their organization to assess their programs.
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“Which programs provide access? Which programs prevent access? What do we need to do differently? How do we structure our programs and our organization differently to increase access and inclusion?” Howard Jang, formerly of the Banff Centre and now with ArtSpring, agrees, and believes that the questions asked of an organization needs to focus on impact, who and what one is in service to, and what an organization is committed to, rather than simply attached to. “Some things may be ‘nice to do,” added Howard. “But they may not accomplish the impact and the service you desire.” Jenna Reid, who disclosed her lived experience with a disability, said it’s important to understand the realm of disability arts is a lot broader than simply the perspectives of service providers. “We may actually be missing a whole ton of rich and deep knowledge, privileging particular stories and communities within disability arts,” said Jenna. “And we may be erasing a lot of the radical kind of histories of where it’s come from.”
“Access is more than a checklist. It is relationship-built.” One fundamental question that was asked: “How do we get funders to the table? That would help issues around sustainability.” Howard added that advocacy needs to play a central role in raising awareness around the disability arts, understanding that often this may be a “square peg, round hole” reality around the needs of artists with disabilities and disabilityserving organizations versus funder priorities.
“We have to be articulate about the impact we desire, and clarity around who we are in service to,” said Howard. “That is our case for support.”
Learn more about adam patrick bell’s project in partnership with the National accessArts Centre.
Delegate feedback: “I was particularly struck by some of Jenna Reid’s comments during the conference about the importance of the Community Living and Disability Arts sectors education ourselves on the radical grassroots activists and artists who have been engaging in these topics for many decades and from whom we have a lot to learn.”
Learn more about the Leighton Arts Centre’s artist residency initiative in partnership with the National accessArts Centre.
“It’s important to think about what we know about the histories of disability and mad movement organization,” she added. “That’s at the heart of disability art and culture – and that matters.”
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Keynote Address: Tom di Maria Director, Emeritus, Creative Growth Art Center The first keynote speaker at BEGINNING: A National Conversation was Tom di Maria from Creative Growth Art Center. Creative Growth has been at the forefront of the disability arts movement, breaking through the US and international mainstream art scenes with their artists and their works – including a number of their artists being invited to the prestigious Venice Biennale.
Watch the keynote address.
The formation of Creative Growth against the backdrop of the US institutionalizing individuals with developmental disabilities was a fascinating story shared by Tom. In addition to their open studios, Creative Growth has generated additional revenue through its fashion design program and partnership with labels such as Method, Barney’s, Alltimers Skateboards. The exposure of their artists’ works through their active exhibitions and partnerships have garnered the attention of art critics, including the New York Times calling their artist Nicole Storm’s solo show one of the most important exhibitions of 2021. Tom’s keynote address gave delegates hope and inspiration that artists with developmental disabilities can indeed make tremendous breakthroughs in our arts and culture space. Delegate feedback:
“I was so touched and inspired by Tom di Maria and the work at Creative Growth.”
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Watch the panel discussion.
Sharing the Caregiver Perspective Speakers: Noriko Ohsada, Liv Mendelsohn (Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence), Sung Won Kim (Korea) The second full day of the conference began with an important perspective that cannot be ignored in the conversation around artists living with developmental disabilities – caregivers, as broadly defined as that might be. The role of family members, support workers – ultimately, allies – is one that needs careful consideration particularly when it comes to individuals with developmental disabilities. Speakers of this panel discussion shared their stories and inspired delegates, some of whom were caregivers themselves. “The role of caregivers is often to be that bulldozer and to address … barriers,” said Liv, the Executive Director of the newly-formed
Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence. “Attitudinal barriers, preconceptions and stereotypes are very much alive especially in the arts.”
“Not knowing how to include someone who has tremendous talent, or how to apply universal design to the world of art and art education is something that caregivers come up against,” she added. Sometimes because of these barriers, it may be difficult for caregivers to understand the boundaries of what their role is as advocates and allies. This speaks to the need for more institutions and organizations to step up and be able to provide inclusive supports and programs for artists – lessening the pressure on caregivers.
“We are so dedicated that sometimes we may overstep those boundaries,” said Noriko, mother to NaAC artist Meg Ohsada. Liv replied, “Yes, it’s a bit of a dance … it’s a role that needs to address those barriers.” This being said, the other role of caregivers is to embrace supporters, said Sung Won Kim, mother of Korean artist Pixel Kim. “I would not have considered Pixel as an artist,” said Sung Won. “It was, in fact, Pixel’s teachers, friends, his day program agency, who started collecting his works and sharing with me that these need to be exhibited, and that his talent needs to be supported.” Ultimately, caregivers need to understand that their role – differing as it may be from time to time – is to ensure that the artists they are supporting can focus on their incredible artistic practice.
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Watch the panel discussion.
The role of arts organizations/ funders/agencies Speakers: Clayton Smith (NaAC), Ayla Stephen (Rozsa Foundation), Eunju Yi (London Arts Council) A common theme heard throughout BEGINNING: A National Conversation was the need for more funders and granting agencies to come to the table and support the aspirations of artists living with developmental disabilities. Ayla Stephen from Calgary-based Rozsa Foundation (and a funder of the gathering) was joined by Eunju Yi, Executive Director of the London Arts Council. Eunju acknowledged that there is always a need to innovate in their approach for funding artists and arts organizations. “It is always important for funders to identify barriers and tackle those barriers for the benefit of the arts community,” she said. “That is something that we are always keeping in mind when launching different programs.”
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Eunju also shared some of the work that the London Arts Council has been doing around the issue of diversity, equity and inclusion, including their efforts to reach out to arts organizations that directly work with marginalized communities – rather than expecting those organizations to apply for funding. Ayla agrees, and believes that outreach and having conversations with marginalized communities within the arts sector is important. “This helps us learn about the barriers that exist within the granting structure and how one applies for grants,” she said. “I think all funders need to learn how to open those doors and limit the barriers. There’s definitely a hierarchy when it comes to funders – but we need to be approachable so that we can meet the goals of both the funders and applicants.” Going even further, Ayla believes that funders need to understand that not all applicants are 100% confident in putting their foot forward in applying for a grant. “What can we do to make you feel more confident? And how can we meet you at your best?” These are some of the questions that she hopes funders can begin to ask applicants.
“This is how we can figure out new processes to meet people where they are,” she added.
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Keynote Address: Betty Siegel Director, Accessibility and VSA at The Kennedy Center Betty Siegel closed out the second day of BEGINNING: A National Conversation with a powerful keynote address focusing on the topic of “cultural defenders.” Her story of being invited to a conference on this topic and being absolutely inspired by the stories of individuals sacrificing everything – including their lives – in defense of their culture was received with awe and shock in the audience.
Watch the keynote address.
Why are we here? How are we defenders of cultural rights? Defending the rights of other people to make culture?
“The answer is that we are all cultural defenders. All of the delegates are standing up for the rights of people with disabilities to exercise their right to have a voice and to express their culture – through arts, writing, dance. It made me think in a different way on the way and the why around the work that I do,” Betty said.
When 20% of the world’s people – 1 billion in total – identify as having a disability, Betty shared that disability arts is worth supporting, sharing, defending, protecting – as artists, allies, caregivers, arts institutions. A big part of it begins with accessibility – with physical spaces and program design – but also starts to flourish when communities come together. “The best examples often come from smaller organizations,” she shared. “We are seeing a trend where cultural organizations are coming together to create access consortiums – institutions are coming together to work collaboratively on accessibility issues and to pool their resources, technology, and marketing.”
“The way we need to move forward is that we have to understand what was not possible today may be possible tomorrow, but only if we are all working on it together,” she added. Delegate feedback: “Betty’s keynote was interesting and fun, very informative.”
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Keynote Address: Daniel Vais Founder, Drag Syndrome and Culture Device Watch the keynote address.
The closing keynote address featured not only Daniel Vais, the founder of Drag Syndrome, but the internationallyacclaimed stars of the performing group who joined via Zoom: Lady Mercury and Justin Bond. From the beginning, Daniel’s message was about pushing through and breaking through, acknowledging that there’s rampant discrimination, bullying, and misconceptions around people living with developmental disabilities. Drag Syndrome has been able prove that this is very much possible.
“I’m really lucky to work with master artists, incredible artists who are pushing boundaries of art, culture, and performance,” said Daniel. “There is a struggle, but we completely ignore it. We erase it, and we go and do our thing – even if there is resistance.” Daniel focused his address on how he approaches program design when it comes to Drag Syndrome and his other projects. “You’re going to the unknown, but it’s something that we really like,” said Daniel. “We start with the end results, and work backwards to achieve it. This is how we don’t have any obstacles in the way – because we start with imagining success.” A one-off show based on this principle in 2018 has since led to countless sold out shows in the UK, across Europe, and around the world. A headline in British Vogue reads: “Prepare to be Blown Away by the Power of Drag Syndrome.”
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“I’m born to dance,” said Justin Bond. “We have an ecosystem,” Daniel added. “We can’t work alone. Every person with a disability has an entourage – they’re like stars. The ecosystem is delicate – parents, artists, organizations.”
Watch Drag Syndrome being featured on British Vogue.
“My entourage … is absolutely mayhem,” said Lady Mercury enthusiastically. “I’ve got followers, you guys, family.” What initially started off as an idea is now an inspirational movement for the disability community.
“People with disabilities share with us that we have helped them be more fierce and demanding,” shared Daniel. “Sometimes you have to demand and be a diva.” “We demand because what we give back is much more.”
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The conversations that happened in between: in words and pictures. Throughout BEGINNING: A National Conversation, delegates in both Vancouver and Banff shared their thoughts. They responded to the panels and keynote. They sparked their own conversations as well. Here are some of their thoughts which were recorded by our facilitators:
We need to destroy the hierarchy. We need to challenge judgment. There’s a sense now of a community and network – we don’t have to act alone. We need to share our learnings, and take inspiration from the work of others.
Delegates share their feedback as part of the ongoing conversation. (Credit: Paul Brain)
We need to always approach our work with “fresh eyes,” being wise in our attacks. We now know how and when to wear our “superpower” outfit.
Delegates in Vancouver begin to populate their thoughts as part of BEGINNING: A National Conversation.
We no longer feel alone, we can work on solving our problems together. Everyone has integrity and power.
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Delegates in Banff started off the day by using images to share their expectations for BEGINNING: A National Conversation, and at the end of the event, they identified action words that would help them frame their work as cultural defenders and allies. (Credit: Pixel Kim) Delegates also engaged in arts-based activities for those participants who wanted to respond using an art form.
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Delegates in Banff were engaged in a number of creative sessions. Here is a delegate holding up a mug with the words “I am a unique individual.”
Delegates were given space to respond using dance and movement. Impromptu performances were scattered throughout the multi-day event. (Credit: Paul Brain)
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The end result: a new beginning. What initially began with more doubts and questions about the purpose of it all ended with a realization that this indeed was a new beginning. The beginning of new friendships and connections. The beginning of a new outlook on the future of our arts/culture ecosystem when it came to supporting artists living with developmental disabilities. And the beginning of a movement to disrupt our arts/culture scene by advocating for equitable opportunities for our artist community. The feedback received from our delegates was overwhelmingly positive. Here is some additional feedback received from our in-person delegates in Vancouver and Banff: “I thought the conference was well put together, topics, flow. I wasn’t sure how it’d work out with remoting in to the Banff group for some joint pieces and then back on Vancouver group only, but with the odd minor tech issue, it worked out well. I thought the conference was a good “Beginning.” I would like to see how/action plan how we could form better partnerships and work together for projects/ make some momentum forward in some action priorities together.”
I found the conference to be informative and inspiring! I have to say that I was truly rejuvenated, my creative and innovative thoughts and ideas are flowing and I have so many things that I foresee for both Alternatives and Stage Door. Beginning: A National Conversation was excellent ... keynotes/ presentations were informative and Betty/Daniel/Tom were terrific keynotes ... the local flavour with Theatre Terrific/ArtBrain was interesting and fun ... enjoyed the opportunity to listen, discuss, share, network, participate, be creative ... and the back and forth between the venues worked well ... it was organized and there was a good flow between activities. International/ National/Local perspectives and the differing thoughts on Arts & Disability (Centering/Decentering/Access).
The conference had some really great moments, and I thought it was a meaningful opportunity for folks from organizations with varied approaches to this work to learn from one another and plant the seeds for collaboration. I think it went over very well—a great start to an important conversation. It also got us excited to think about what more we might be able to do locally. Meeting you and the Banff team presents all kinds of partnering and learning opportunities. Thanks for the vision and for making it happen (I’m hoping to get there for a field trip one of these days!). Fantastic event! I appreciated the creativity and movement breaks, and loved the varying perspectives and voices at the table. Thank you for bringing this community together.
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BEGINNING 2023? There are now calls for the National accessArts Centre to think about hosting the 2023 iteration of BEGINNING: A National Conversation. After hosting our first national event, there are many learnings that we can now apply to our next attempt at bringing our communities together – and planning and conversations are already underway, in partnership with our friends at Watershed Organizational Development Group, to start envisioning BEGINNING 2023. We hope to approach our 2022 sponsors in addition to new funders to help pull this together. Stay tuned.
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Acknowledgements BEGINNING: A National Conversation would not have happened without our stellar NaAC and Conference Planning team, including: NaAC staff: Karly Mortimer, Clayton Smith, Ed Renzi, Katie Wackett, Richelle Bear Hat, Ashley Brodeur, Nicole Kaczkowski, Raewyn Reid BUKSA Conferences + Associations Inc. Watershed Organizational Development Group Our friends at BACI and posAbilities
We would also like to acknowledge our sponsors: PRESENTING SPONSOR
SPONSOR
MAJOR SPONSOR
VENUE PARTNERS
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For more information, please contact: Jung-Suk Ryu President and CEO National accessArts Centre 403.404.3174 email. js.ryu@accessarts.ca
