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ArtsAbly's Bulletin
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Dear followers, dear friends,
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You will find in this newsletter links to the last podcast episodes of ArtsAbly in Conversation, and the disability arts news that were relayed on our social media platforms.
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Links to our social media pages are available at the bottom of this bulletin if you wish to follow our activities.
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As usual, don't hesitate to share your comments, we love to hear from our readers. Also, don't hesitate to tell your friends about our activities, we are always open to new adventures!
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Podcast
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Info and platforms
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"ArtsAbly in Conversation" is the name of our podcast. It is available:
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- on YouTube in video format with transcripts and closed captions
- on our website in audio format with transcripts
- on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music
Here is the link to the podcast on the website. You will find links to our YouTube channel, to the Spotify and Apple Music platforms, and to a number of other platforms that now host the podcast, such as YouTube Music, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, and Deezer.
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Episode 21: ArtsAbly in Conversation with Lia Pas
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In this episode, ArtsAbly is in conversation with Lia Pas, a Saskatoon-based Canadian multidisciplinary artist who works in the fields of music, writing, and visual arts.
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Episode 22: ArtsAbly in Conversation with Rachel Marks
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In this episode, ArtsAbly is in conversation with Rachel Marks, a practicing Relaxed Performance Consultant who helps artistic organizations to welcome the neurodiverse and disability communities to their venues and performances.
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Episode 23: ArtsAbly in Conversation with Andrea Benham
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In this episode, ArtsAbly is in conversation with Gift Tshuma, a disability rights activist, a musician, a singer-songwriter, and a producer focusing on emerging music technology development and collaborative practice.
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Disability Arts News
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We regularly share news from the disability arts community, in Canada or elsewhere. Here are a few links we shared on our social media platforms. If you would like us to post an article you find interesting or one of your news, don't hesitate to contact us.
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How Xenia Concerts is improving accessibility, 1 show at a time
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Adaptive shows for neurodiverse and disabled audiences are providing an inclusive experience for music lovers. "I'm like a bird, I only fly away," sings R&B/jazz musician Jennarie, her rich vocals filling the room as she belts out a cover of Nelly Furtado's hit. But this isn't a typical concert for Jennarie: next to her is Gaitrie Killings, an interpreter who signs the lyrics to the audience. That's because this is a Xenia Concert, where everyone is encouraged to sing along, dance or stim — which is a repetitive behaviour, such as making sounds or moving one's body — while some concertgoers hold fidget toys and others sit by a table offering blankets and earmuffs. At the end of the performance, some people clap while others shake their hands in the air to applaud in American Sign Language (ASL).
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Sensory accessibility: Theaters create a welcoming space for guests
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When Amy Hart caught a glimpse of daughter Sophie jumping up and down in her seat in the theater, she began to tear up. Artists from the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” were dancing on stage in a sensory-friendly performance in 2021, and 14-year-old Sophie and her friend were smiling and moving to the music. “I was just sitting there looking at them and I just started to cry,” Amy Hart said. “Sophie just loved this show and she was there with her (neuro)typical friend. They didn’t need to speak to each other. They were looking at each other and then looking at the stage. Theater is a universal experience for everyone.” More and more theaters are incorporating accessible performances as a way to be inclusive, so individuals like Sophie can enjoy the theater just like everyone else.
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Donation to support accessible design of new Fredericton Performing Arts Centre
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A $200,000 donation from the Windsor Foundation will help the new Fredericton Performing Arts Centre implement universal design measures aimed at increasing accessibility. “It’s a big deal because it really allows us to go a step further,” said Tim Yerxa, executive director of the Fredericton Playhouse. Universal design is a building principle that aims to ensure a space is able to be accessed and understood by as many people as possible. Another handful of private citizens are also contributing to the accessibility design of the $81.7-million project, including Ed and Melissa Barrett, Margaret Norrie McCain, Bill and Joanne Reynolds, and John and Lois Cameron Thompson. The building is expected to open in 2026.
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Support us
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Thanks to our generous supporters, our activities work well. Even small donations count. Clicking on the "Support us" menu will lead you to options to support us: buy us a coffee on Ko-fi or make a donation via PayPal. Don't hesitate to share it with others. Thanks you!
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