Empower Arts 2.0 Summit Celebrates Disability Leadership

The National Arts Centre in collaboration with Blurring The Boundaries Arts, Carleton University's Research Centre for Music, Sound, and Society, and the Canadian Accessible Musical Instruments Network is hosting Empower Arts 2.0 on Monday, June 1 at the Fourth Stage (1 Elgin Street).

The free, all-day summit runs from noon to 5:30 p.m. and takes place during National Accessibility Week. The theme—"Beyond Access: Reimagining the Stage Through Disability Leadership"—challenges attendees to move beyond minimum accessibility standards toward bold, disability-led ways of creating, producing, and experiencing the performing arts.

The day opens with welcome and registration at 11:30 a.m. at Peter A. Herrndorf Place, followed by lunch pickup at noon. At 12:15 p.m., disability arts leader Diane Kolin (Artistic Director, ArtsAbly) leads a workshop on disability-led approaches to music creation, performance, and access.

From 1:15 to 2:15 p.m., a leadership panel featuring Petr Cancura (Ottawa Jazz Festival), Rachel Weldon (Debaser and Pique Festival founder), Amelia Rose Griffin (Propeller Dance), and Julian Armour (Music And Beyond) discusses how disability leadership and accessibility are shaping the future of live performance and cultural events.

The summit centers the voices, creativity, and leadership of disabled artists, cultural workers, and advocates. No prior arts experience or disability connection is required—the event welcomes anyone curious about disability arts and cultural innovation. Whether you work in culture, education, or simply want to learn, you are welcome to attend.