ArtsAbly
LightNews LightNews
banner
artsably.com
ArtsAbly
@artsably.com
12 followers 12 following 61 posts
Based in Canada, we work with performers and schools to make the arts more accessible to all.
Posts Replies Media Videos
artsably.com
Artsably will be the subject of Diane Kolin (@dianekolin.bsky.social)'s talk at the AMS and SMT conference in Minneapolis, on November 8 at 12:30 pm. If you attend, come and say hello to Diane!
dianekolin.bsky.social Diane Kolin @dianekolin.bsky.social · 6d
Just a few days before flying to Minneapolis for the American Musicological Society conference to talk about ArtsAbly, Disability Culture and Disability Activism. My session is scheduled on Saturday, November 8 at 12:30 pm, organized by the Music and Disability Study Group @amsdismus.bsky.social.
First page of the program of my session, Musicking in Disability Community: Access Intimacy and Cultural Activism. Second page of the program presenting details about my talk, ArtsAbly and Disability Culture.
November 3, 2025 at 7:16 PM
artsably.com
Congratulations to The Disability Collective for the 2025 DisCover conference! Two days of conversations about arts and disability, all the arts trade were represented. Each presentation and panel brought artists of the disability and Deaf community to discuss these important topics together.
Poster for The Disability Collective’s DIScover 2025 leadership conference on accessibility and disability inclusion in the arts. Held October 9 and 10 at Native Earth’s Aki Studio. The text reads: DisRupt, DisMantle, DisCover, a two-day leadership conference on advancing accessibility and disability inclusion in the arts. The background colour is pink, with a newspaper emoji at the top next to "Disability Arts & Culture."
October 14, 2025 at 8:41 PM
artsably.com
ArtsAbly’s Monday Highlights: You have heard their stories in the past episodes of "ArtsAbly in Conversation," but what are they doing now?

This week, we share A. Laura Brody’s activities with Opulent Mobility.
Picture of a red and yellow rose covered with dew, a work by Liane Enkelis. The text reads: Enter the Goddesses 3, opens Sunday October 5, 1 to 6 pm. Live Poetry and Tarot Reading. Pussy Power poets: Linda Kaye, Ed Burgess, Anna Broome, Richard McDowell with Natalie Fratino on bass. At the Los Angeles Makery, 260 South Los Angeles Street, 90012.
September 29, 2025 at 3:21 PM
artsably.com
This week, we share Lawrence Shapiro’s new book, "The Physically Disabled Dancer and the Affirmative Model of Disability" (Routledge, 2025). Based on interviews with physically disabled dancers, choreographers and academics, it combines a wide range of perspective of disability dance.
Cover of the book showing its title "The Physically Disabled Dancer and the Affirmative Model of Disability" and a picture of a white man in a wheelchair dancing, with three different dance movements superimposed.
September 15, 2025 at 12:31 PM
artsably.com
Events like orchestral concerts are often difficult for low-vision attendees, but not at this show. It was “audio described” and included a pre-concert tactile tour facilitated by team members from the Auckland-based company Audio Described Aotearoa.

www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/3606...
A stage with a symphony orchestra and the image of a violin projected on a big screen on stage. The article title, "Sound and visions: Orchestra adds extra dimension for blind concert-goers at new show," appears. The background colour is dark orange, with a newspaper emoji at the top next to "Disability Arts & Culture."
September 9, 2025 at 7:28 PM
artsably.com
ArtsAbly’s Monday Highlights:

This week, we share Dr. Stefan Sunandan Honisch’s interview by Salli Carter in The Educator Experiences podcast. At its heart, this conversation asks educators to reflect on how we can change so that inclusivity isn’t an afterthought, but the foundation.
A poster presenting the episode, season 3 episode 2, of the Educator Experience. Title says: Accessibility isn't optional, building inclusive classrooms. The pictures of Salli Carter and Stefan Sunandan Honisch are shown under the description of the episode. More detailed description of the episode with a short summary: Dr. Stefan Sunandan Honisch Stefan brings in references from Naomi Klein's book "Doppelganger" and Daniel Heath Justice's paper "Demanding Kinder Classrooms" grounding the conversation in critical frameworks that may be new to many listeners but are transformative for teaching practice. Together, they explore: Access friction ction-how accommodating one access need can unintentionally create barriers for others; Online Spaces & Lessons from COVID-19; Reimagining teaching and learning spaces; The value of engaging deeply with disability studies as an educator.
September 8, 2025 at 6:16 PM
artsably.com
Public art in the city is important access and accessibility are rarely considered for public installations. One of ArtsAbly's tasks is to work with organizations and partners to ensure art becomes accessible to all. What is your accessibility experience of public art installation in your city?
Terry Fox (We Are Shaped by the Obstacles We Face), installed in the Toronto Music Garden in Toronto. Two half bronze sculptures showing the silhouette of someone running, surrounded by grass, plants and trees of a public garden. The CN Tower and condo buildings are in the background. The sculpture of Glenn Gould installed in front of the CBC building in Toronto. Bronze sculpture of a man sitting on a bench. He wears a His legs are crossed. His hand holds the front part of the cap on his head. The Waters Guardians at Tannery Rd and Front Street East in Toronto. Giant metallic sculpture representing two characters painted in blue, in am urban park. On the ground, blue and green waves paintings represent a river. The two characters’ legs are open as if it was a bridge. People walking in the park walk between the legs. The statue of Jack Layton (Jack's Got Your Back) installed close to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in Toronto. Bronze sculpture of a man in the back of a tandem bike. The from seat welcomes people to sit. Around him, a wall on which the following sentence is written: Jack’s got your back. Stronger together, the Layton Memorial.
September 5, 2025 at 3:24 PM
artsably.com
Issues raised from the 2024 concerts included not being able to see the stage, a lack of accessible toilets and cobbles and cables in the accessibility lane. Cuffe & Taylor said it wants to "improve facilities for customers with accessible requirements".

www.bbc.com/news/article...
People using wheelchairs attending a music festival. The platform for wheelchairs is very far from the stage, behind a huge crowd of able bodied attendees. The article title "Cuffe & Taylor Festival: Better concert accessibility promised after talks" appears. The background colour is dark green, with a newspaper emoji at the top next to "Disability Arts & Culture."
September 4, 2025 at 5:10 PM
artsably.com
Despite its reputation for innovation, the performing arts industry is overlooking a critical form of talent: artists and professionals with accessibility needs. This article explores the barriers they face and the solutions they utilize.

www.forbes.com/sites/billsc...
Someone in a wheelchair rolling on a beige floor. The article title "The Imagination Industry Fails To Imagine Artists With Accessibility Needs" appears. The background colour is blue, with a newspaper emoji at the top next to "Disability Arts & Culture."
August 28, 2025 at 10:37 PM
artsably.com
Disability Arts Online (DAO) has unveiled dis_place, a pioneering digital gallery that breaks new ground in accessible exhibition-making. The platform reimagines how art can be experienced online prioritising accessibility.

The article is available here: criplife.co.uk/disability-a...
Promo image of digital artwork representing a pine tree, shoes and a TV screen with headphones in a virtual exhibition space. The article title "Disability Arts Online Launches dis_place: A Game-Changer For Accessible Digital Exhibitions" appears. The background colour is dark orange, with a newspaper emoji at the top next to "Disability Arts & Culture."
August 21, 2025 at 6:26 PM
artsably.com
Our "Back to Work" newsletter is out! We highlight a few of our summer activities and recommend two events from our colleagues, Outside the March @outsidethemarch.bsky.social and Sawchuk Accessible Solutions. Check it out!

www.artsably.com?mailpoet_rou...
A sign showing a wheelchair logo and the text Music in the Village, in front of the accessibility both. On the back, a FabCollab sign can be seen, with white and golden letters saying FabCollab on a black background.
August 19, 2025 at 4:02 PM
artsably.com
Congratulations to the team of Outside the March @outsidethemarch.bsky.social for their spectacular and fantastic show “Rainbow on Mars.” We highly recommend it. Info to book your ticket and promo code below.
artsably.com ArtsAbly @artsably.com · Jul 21
From our community partner: Devon Healey and @outsidethemarch.bsky.social ‬invite you on an odyssey into the mystery and splendour of Blindness in this world premiere of RAINBOW ON MARS, August 9-20, in Toronto. Promo tickets available for ArtsAbly's audience: www.artsably.com/rainbow-on-m...
A gigantic open eye with the reflection of a white woman with a blue dress looking up. The text on the right reads "Rainbow on Mars by Devon Healey, a multi-sensory dance theatre experience, August 9-20, you won't believe your eyes." The partners are displayed in smaller characters: Outside the March and the National Ballet of Canada.
August 13, 2025 at 11:56 AM
artsably.com
Our office for the weekend.

Check out the schedules of the festival at fabcollab.ca

At The Village at Black Creek, Toronto.
A white tent with an accessibility sign representing a wheelchair logo and the text Music in the Village.
August 9, 2025 at 3:11 PM
artsably.com
Today and tomorrow, ArtsAbly will be present at the Village at Black Creek for a dance and music festival organized by FabCollab.

Entrance is free. The shows start at 11:30am. Remember to wear sun screen and bring water!

For a full schedule and downloadable accessibility guide, visit fabcollab.ca
A woman with a red dress and blue shawl dancing. The text reads Today, FabCollab presents Music in the Village, The Village at Black Creek.
August 9, 2025 at 11:47 AM
artsably.com
ArtsAbly is the accessibility advisor of FabCollab’s “Music in the Village” at The Village at Black Creek.

Come and experience two days of live music and dance performances by woman and gender diverse-led artists, along with a traditional welcome by Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers.
Festival poster with text reading FabCollab’s Music in the Village, the Village at Black Creek, August 9-10. Yellow and pink houses are represented on the right side.
August 6, 2025 at 4:41 PM
artsably.com
From our community partner: Devon Healey and @outsidethemarch.bsky.social ‬invite you on an odyssey into the mystery and splendour of Blindness in this world premiere of RAINBOW ON MARS, August 9-20, in Toronto. Promo tickets available for ArtsAbly's audience: www.artsably.com/rainbow-on-m...
A gigantic open eye with the reflection of a white woman with a blue dress looking up. The text on the right reads "Rainbow on Mars by Devon Healey, a multi-sensory dance theatre experience, August 9-20, you won't believe your eyes." The partners are displayed in smaller characters: Outside the March and the National Ballet of Canada.
July 21, 2025 at 2:26 PM
artsably.com
It was a privilege to attend the inauguration of Biidasige Park as a member of Waterfront Toronto’s Accessibility Advisory Committee. This park is the largest green space to be created in the downtown City of Toronto in a generation.

Congratulations to all the contributors.
My colleague Roman wearing a white shirt, black pants, a white hats and sunglasses, stands next to me wearing a striped black and white top, jeans and a blue hat, sitting on my wheelchair. Behind us is a gigantic sculpture of a white owl. Close to the water, an elderly indigenous woman sits, ready to start a water ceremony. A man and a young woman stand next to her. Lots of people standing and sitting. On a stand, speaking with a microphone, is the mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow, wearing a red suit jacket over a white shirt. Closer view on Olivia Chow.
July 18, 2025 at 11:00 PM
artsably.com
Accessibility assessment in Black Creek Pioneer Village (now The Village at Black Creek) for a two days music and dance festival in August organized by FabCollab.
Main entrance with two accessible doors under a triangle shaped roof and the name Village at Black Creek. An old cream and green house with a white fence at the front. A wooden ramp leading to a patio. A brown wooden house with a ramp on the side.
July 16, 2025 at 6:20 PM
artsably.com
The latest edition of ArtsAbly's Bulletin, our newsletter, is out.

You can find it here: www.artsably.com?mailpoet_rou...

Stay up to date by subscribing to ArtsAbly's bulletin at the bottom of our home page: www.artsably.com
A picture of an envelope with ArtsAbly's logo on the top and a text that reads: "ArtsAbly's Bulletin, stay up to date, join our newsletter."
July 4, 2025 at 2:50 PM
artsably.com
ArtsAbly is out of office!

Our team is taking a break for the summer and will return from holidays on August 18th.

We hope you all have a restful summer holiday!
A white background with red, yellow, and green paper clips scattered about. The text reads: "ArtsAbly is Out of Office! We will return on August 18, 2025."
July 2, 2025 at 3:03 PM
artsably.com
Happy Disability Pride Month!
❤️💛🤍🩵💚🖤

🎙️ Check out the special 50th episode of our podcast “ArtsAbly in Conversation” featuring an invited panel of 12 previous guests!

Find the podcast episode here: www.artsably.com/episode-50-a...
The ArtsAbly logo and a collage of headshots featuring the 12 guests appears on a turquoise background. The text reads “ArtsAbly in Conversation With 50th Episode Guests.” Below, the following information: “Check out the related resource page from this interview. Tune in via the link. Transcripts available.”
July 1, 2025 at 7:36 PM
artsably.com
Check out the newest episode of our podcast “ArtsAbly in Conversation” with Riccardo Baldini, a pianist, innovator, and entrepreneur living in Edmonton in Canada, also featured in CBC’s “PUSH.”

Find the podcast episode here: www.artsably.com/episode-52-a...
The ArtsAbly logo and a photo of Riccardo appears; he is a white man with black hair wearing a black sweater and khaki pants, sitting on his wheelchair. There is a blue background behind him. The text reads “ArtsAbly in Conversation With Riccardo Baldini.” Below, the following information: “Check out the related resource page from this interview. Tune in via the link. Transcripts available.
June 27, 2025 at 2:31 PM
artsably.com
Design and Disability showcases the radical contributions of Disabled, Deaf, and neurodivergent people to contemporary design and culture from the 1940s to now.

The article is available here: www.vam.ac.uk/articles/des...
Promo image of a bench from an art exhibit. The article title "Design and Disability showcases the radical contributions of Disabled, Deaf, and neurodivergent people to contemporary design and culture from the 1940s to now" appears. The background colour is blue, with a newspaper emoji at the top next to "Disability Arts & Culture."
June 26, 2025 at 9:35 PM
artsably.com
As part of the podcast series, “ArtsAbly in Conversation,” Diane Kolin interviewed Riccardo Baldini, a pianist, innovator, and entrepreneur living in Edmonton in Canada.

Visit www.artsably.com/interview-re... to check out the resources mentioned during the conversation.
The ArtsAbly logo is featured with “Resources from Riccardo Baldini.” A photo of Riccardo appears; he is a white man with black hair wearing a black sweater and khaki pants, sitting on his wheelchair. There is a blue background behind him.
June 24, 2025 at 3:05 PM
artsably.com
Check out the newest episode of our podcast “ArtsAbly in Conversation” in conversation with Dr. Cynthia George, aka Dr. CynCorrigible, an award-winning artist, educator, and program evaluator living in Nashville, Tennessee.

Find the podcast here: www.artsably.com/episode-51-a...
The ArtsAbly logo and a photo of Dr. Cynthia appears; she is a white woman with blond hair wearing a black dress with an embroidered red rose. She has a red rose in her hair and black paint above her eyes. She is smiling, standing, her hands on her rollator. The text reads “ArtsAbly in Conversation With Dr. Cyncorrigible.” Below, the following information: “Check out the related resource page from this interview. Tune in via the link. Transcripts available.
June 20, 2025 at 4:28 PM