“Arts! Ability! Access! is intended to re-imagine how we view arts and disability,” says Zoe Dille, Program Coordinator at Hart House. “It demonstrates Hart House's commitment to working in partnership and within a collaborative framework to create events that are accessible, educational and socially responsible.” The events’ focus on accessibility “really enlivens Hart House's new vision as a ‘living laboratory of social, artistic, cultural and recreational experiences,” says Dille, “where all voices, rhythms and traditions converge.’”

The events kick off with the screening of an Academy Award nominated, animated short documentary entitled Tying Your Own Shoes, directed by Shira Avni, which explores the lives of four adult artists living with Down Syndrome. Following the film is a conversation on access to artistic expression with Avni herself, as well as actor Jason Melville of Dramaways, dancer Rebecca Till from Spirit Movers, and artist Petra Tolley, one of the subjects of Avni’s film. Moderated by U of T PhD student and Disability Studies TA, Anne McGuire, the panel is set to examine the impact of the “disability” label on artists and their work.

After the discussion, guests are encouraged to explore the Unlocking Minds exhibit located in Hart House’s Main Hallway, which includes visual art by Lance Brown, André Oliveira, and Risa Sie. Finally, everyone is invited down to the Arbor Room for a Keys to the Studio concert, which features group and solo performances of original music from people diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities in collaboration with professional musicians.

Arts! Ability! Access! is jointly presented by Keys to the Studio, New College Service Learning, Equity Studies and its Student Union, Students for Barrier-free Access, Accessibility Studies, Coffee Shed, and the Common Ground Coop. All events take place on November 18 at Hart House, and the Unlocking Minds exhibit will be displayed until November 20.