CALGARY — The National accessArts Centre (NaAC), which calls itself Canada’s oldest and largest disability arts organization, announced today Shaw Communications is providing funding support for NaAC’s development of a digital learning platform that will help connect artists living with disabilities across Canada.
A dollar value for Shaw’s funding was not disclosed in a press release. (A spokesperson for Shaw told Cartt.ca via email this is not something the company typically discloses.)
“Shaw’s funding for a new digital learning tool — featuring live broadcasts from the NaAC studio space in Calgary of interactive studio sessions, and workshops and learning modules curated by artists with disabilities — will help provide much needed infrastructure and supports for artists living with disabilities,” the release reads.
The NaAC says its new digital learning platform is set to launch in late spring 2022.
The NaAC represents a growing community of artists living with physical or developmental disabilities through its artistic training, creation, exhibition and presentation platforms. Many of NaAC’s artists train and present works across the visual and performing arts disciplines, including visual arts, literary arts, dance theatre and music.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve seen the arts turn into a real lifeline for artists living with disabilities,” said Jung-Suk (JS) Ryu, president and CEO of the NaAC, in the press release.
“With our national mandate, we feel compelled to respond to a growing need that we’ve heard across the country for an immersive learning platform that can support and showcase even more talent from our community of artists,” Ryu said.
“Art connects us all, and NaAC is doing exceptional work to keep this vibrant community of creators, artists, and performers inspired and connected,” said Chethan Lakshman, vice-president of external affairs for Shaw Communications.
“We’re pleased to support the ongoing work of these talented and driven artists by ensuring they have the learning tools and support they need to continue doing what they love without barriers. We are excited to see the works created as a result of this new learning platform.”
