Transformational Gift Propels Accessible Arts Centre Toward Construction
A Calgary-based charity dedicated to supporting artists with disabilities has reached a significant milestone in its fundraising campaign, thanks to a transformative multi-million dollar donation from a British Columbia couple. The National accessArts Centre (NaAC) announced that the generous gift from Drs. Peter and Stephanie Chung has advanced the organization to approximately 75% of its $30 million goal to build what will become the world's first fully accessible arts learning campus.
Honoring a Legacy Through Philanthropy
The substantial donation was made in memory of the Chungs' late son, Joseph, who lived with autism and epilepsy. The new facility, which will house the organization's performing arts centre, will be named The Joseph Chung Centre for Creativity in his honor. Peter Chung, visibly emotional during the announcement, expressed his hopes for the centre's lasting impact.
"May this centre serve generations to come," Chung said. "If Joseph were here today, he would have loved this place."
The Chungs operate PrimaCorp Ventures, an investment firm with interests in post-secondary education, senior care, real estate, and social enterprise. Their philanthropic contribution represents what NaAC CEO Jung-Suk Ryu described as "the largest ever recorded in the history of the disability arts movement in North America."
Building a Cultural Landmark
The new centre will be located in Calgary's West Hillhurst neighborhood, adjacent to the Trico Communities Accessible Arts Centre. Prior to this donation, the organization had raised $18 million toward its goal. While the exact amount of the Chung donation remains undisclosed, it has pushed the total funds raised to approximately $22.5 million.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas emphasized the project's significance during the announcement event, stating: "It's going to be a new cultural landmark, putting Calgary on the world stage more so than we are already. More importantly, it's going to stand permanently, permanently until the end of time, Joseph will be recognized in Calgary's story permanently."
A Long Journey to a New Home
The search for a new facility began in 2018 after the roof of the Fairview Arena collapsed, temporarily displacing the charity from its previous headquarters. Three years following the incident, the organization identified the former Scouts Canada Building just off Memorial Drive as a suitable location. However, the process faced delays as NaAC worked with the city, which owns the building.
The organization launched its $30-million fundraising campaign in September to relocate from its current adjacent space at the Fairview Arena to the future accessible arts centre. The new multidisciplinary Performing Arts Learning venue will serve as a permanent home for disability arts programming and education.
This development represents a significant step forward in creating inclusive arts spaces and recognizing the importance of accessibility in cultural institutions. The Joseph Chung Centre for Creativity promises to become not only a functional facility for artists with disabilities but also a lasting tribute to a young man whose memory continues to inspire generosity and progress in the arts community.
