Who We Are

Abilities Arts Festival is a disability arts organization that showcases artistic excellence by artists with disabilities. Abilities Arts Festival uses art as a vehicle for transforming public perceptions about people with disabilities.

Abilities Arts Festival produces multidisciplinary arts festivals that include art exhibitions, the performing arts, films, workshops, panels and networking opportunities, as well as programming designed primarily for children with disabilities. The festival uses dynamic and powerful artistic presentations to positively impact mainstream attitudes so that people with disabilities are seen not as passive receivers of services, but as individuals who make significant economic, artistic and social contributions. Abilities Arts Festival promotes a culturally rich, diverse arts sector that is inclusive of people with disabilities; one that is enhanced through their participation.

From its proud beginnings as a project of the Canadian Abilities Foundation, to its 2006 incorporation as an separate and independent not-for profit organization and its new relationship with Agora Foundation, Abilities Arts Festival has been providing the stages and exhibition venues that artists with disabilities must have access to in order for their work to be seen and for their talents to be recognized. The festival has been providing artists and aspiring artists with disabilities unique networking, learning and mentoring opportunities and has helped ensure children with disabilities have the concrete opportunities to see that the dreams they dream can and indeed do come true.

Since 2004, Abilities Arts Festival has been promoting innovation, excellence and participation in the arts by people with disabilities. Abilities Arts Festival has helped open doors and ensures a dynamic and accessible environment where all can participate, experience and enjoy art at its best.