The National accessArts Centre (NaAC), a Calgary-based charity empowering artists with disabilities, has received a major financial injection from the federal government to support its ambitious relocation plans. The funding, announced on Saturday, November 8, 2025, totals $8.26 million and represents a significant step towards the organization's goal of moving into a new, purpose-built home.
A New Home for Accessible Arts
This federal contribution, delivered through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program, boosts the NaAC's ongoing $30-million fundraising campaign. The campaign, launched in September 2025, aims to finance the charity's move from its current headquarters at the Fairview Arena to a renovated former Scouts Canada hall in the community of West Hillhurst. To date, the campaign has raised approximately $19 million, putting the project firmly on track.
Calgary-Confederation MP Corey Hogan made the announcement alongside NaAC representatives. He emphasized the project's dual importance, stating it will “open up economic opportunities for artists from the disability community” while also supporting the telling of Canadian stories and culture.
The Long Road to Relocation
The push for a new home was catalyzed by an unexpected event in 2018, when the roof of the Fairview Arena collapsed, temporarily displacing the NaAC and its roughly 350 artists. This incident sparked serious discussions about the need for a permanent, accessible facility.
While the charity identified the Brownsea Drive N.W. location in 2021, the path forward was not without obstacles. Negotiations with the City of Calgary, which owns the heritage-protected building, hit a snag over the building's entrance. The existing staircase, despite having a ramp, was deemed inaccessible for many NaAC members. Heritage protection prevented its removal, leading to a commitment from the city to fund a new entrance.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
This solution, however, came with its own complications. The cost for the new entrance ballooned from an initial $2.5 million to $6 million, creating a funding feud between the charity and the municipality earlier this year. That conflict now appears resolved, with the City of Calgary having contributed $4.5 million to the overall campaign.
With key funding now secured from multiple levels of government, the vision for a state-of-the-art accessible arts centre is closer to reality. Dr. Stephanie Chipeur, chair of the NaAC's board of directors, confirmed the charity's target to move into its new home in 2027. This new centre will continue the NaAC's vital work of providing training and professional exhibition opportunities for Canadian artists with developmental or physical disabilities.
