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.
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
