Noriko is an artsPlace team member contributing to DEI initiatives at the centre. She is also involved in the work of the Bow Valley Connections Centre; a non-profit organization that generates opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Supporting community members with diverse needs
“People are now becoming more aware of what we as a community should do [to be more inclusive] and they can identify other communities or individuals who should be included in these conversations,” says Noriko. “We must keep trying to engage others who couldn’t make it to the listening circles. Sometimes you want to be involved but your situation doesn’t allow you to do it.”
Noriko points out that this sentiment goes to the disability community, as they face more challenges to make themselves available and share their voices.
“The disability community has more layers and considerations that we need to understand. I think as artsPlace we are on the right track, so I’m very proud to be a part of this process. What we are trying to understand is, how can we welcome those families, what are the barriers for them.”
Noriko says a lot of it comes down to genuine partnerships between groups and organizations. She believes artsPlace can be a strong partner in the community.
Noriko is part of the New Beginnings sub-committee at artsPlace responsible for achieving some of the practical solutions to the challenges identified through the DEI audit. One of the immediate outcomes of the committee’s work was identifying that programs and events were less affordable to caregivers of individuals with special needs who were required to buy an extra ticket to be present and provide support.
Understanding this through her own experience of supporting her daughter Meg helped Noriko bring this issue to the attention of the artsPlace team. This resulted in the team putting in place a new policy which offers free tickets to caregivers.
Another immediate change was to enter the Access2 Card program which promotes accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities in Canada. When someone presents the Access2 card at artsPlace, our staff members know what to do and can go above and beyond to provide the best experience possible.
“You can imagine when you care for a child with a disability or neurodivergence and want to bring them to the movies, you have to pay for two tickets and do a lot of planning ahead, and then you may have to leave in the middle of the show… with these obstacles, you will likely choose not to come at all. If we can remove some of those barriers, then that’s a good start.”
With the committee’s guidance, artsPlace also implemented staff and volunteer training to welcome kids with diverse needs who need a little extra help during summer camps.
“We want our facilitators and volunteers to be ready to care for them, but also to know how to identify their needs to help them enjoy these experiences. It could be a turning point for a child when we make their environment more comfortable… kids can find joy in the arts and creativity. It’s a critical opportunity for us to welcome as many kids as possible.”
Noriko’s vision is that all families are comfortable coming to artsPlace, regardless of financial, language, ability, or other barriers.
“artsPlace is a community arts centre. We are here to serve this community.”
Creating a space for everyone to share their talents
Noriko notes that while the committee is focusing on helping diverse communities be included, there is also a need to create a space that invites everyone to contribute and show their greatness.
“What I find is that I always wanted support for Meg but finally I realized that Meg can actually contribute to the community too.”
artsPlace’s Creative Combat fundraiser has already included artists with diverse needs on their roster. Meg Ohsada was featured in 2021 through video, and autistic artist Anton Eckerle participated in the event in 2022. The artwork created by both artists was sold during the event’s silent auction, which directly supported the centre’s fundraising efforts.
Artists with diverse needs and abilities contribute a different lens to seeing the world through their creativity. Noriko notes that it’s incredibly inspiring to understand their process which is different from ours.
“Their art is powerful, so people are learning from it too. Don’t underestimate them. Understand them and find a way to open the space so they can flourish. That’s not charity, it’s a mutual benefit. Everyone benefits from an inclusive community.”
