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.
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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.
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
