Inclusive, accessible spaces and training opportunities are vital to ensuring Canadians of all abilities can express themselves creatively and participate fully in Canada's cultural sector.
Today, David Myles, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and to the Secretary of State (Nature), announced an investment of $1.35 million in the National accessArts Centre (NaAC), following a tour of the facility. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.
The NaAC will receive $750,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for renovations at the former Scouts Canada building in Calgary, known as the West Hillhurst building-an 8,600-square-foot heritage-designated facility that, alongside a new purpose-built multidisciplinary disability arts hub, will form the NaAC's new arts learning campus. Renovations will support specialized equipment storage, studio partitions, upgraded lighting and fully accessible visual arts spaces. Once complete, the West Hillhurst building will significantly enhance accessibility, increase programming capacity and allow the NaAC to support more artists while expanding public engagement through community art classes and school programs.
The NaAC will also benefit from $600,000 over three years (2025-2028) under the Canada Arts Training Fund. This investment supports the ongoing operations of the NaAC's Professional Track Programs. These artist development pathways offer best-in-class specialized training in visual arts, dance, music and performance, and provide residencies, mentorships, performances and leadership development. Tailored to each individual artist, this intensive programming will support more than 20 emerging and established artists with disabilities as they advance their artistic practice across multiple disciplines.
This funding is part of a broader investment by the Government of Canada in Alberta's arts and culture sector. In total, 10 additional projects across the province are receiving or will receive support, with $1.94 million provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund and $2.67 million through the Canada Arts Training Fund (please see attached backgrounder).
