Artists with disabilities from across Nova Scotia will be in the spotlight this Saturday at the 13th Annual Art of Disability Festival, hosted by Independent Living Nova Scotia.
Taking place at Pier 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the free, family-friendly event aims to showcase the creative work and voices of artists living with disabilities. More than 35 artists are set to participate, presenting original pieces ranging from paintings and photography to jewelry, baked goods, and poetry.
“It’s an honour to bring artists and community members together for this year’s Art of Disability Festival,” said festival coordinator Cameron Pye. “This event celebrates creativity and self-expression while highlighting the voices and talents of Nova Scotians with disabilities.”
Held in the Kenneth C. Rowe Hall and Chrysler Canada Pavilion, the festival will also feature live performances, hands-on activities, and two $500 gift baskets donated by local businesses.
“This festival is a free, inclusive event open to everyone,” said Pye. “We’re dedicated to creating an accessible space, with wheelchair access, ASL interpretation, and sighted guides available to support attendees.”
Among the featured artists is poet, author, and musician Dennis McCormack. He has written six books, including Present Into Past: My Journey Through Darkness and Light and Heart Speak, both published by iUniverse Press, as well as Inside the Soul, Running with Priscilla, Anne Silas, and Anne Silas and Other Tales.
McCormack has also composed three albums of music — Walking Through Christmas, All That I Need, and Stones and Emeralds — and recently released his first poetry CD, The Poet’s Sound. He often performs live for seniors’ organizations alongside saxophonist George Ewanick.
McCormack said the art often reflects how people with disabilities experience life.
“I love to come here because their artwork takes me away,” he said. “I just saw a painting where I saw fingers holding up light in a dark world, and that light will become the light that we all need.”
For many artists, the process of creating and exhibiting art serves as both therapy and storytelling. The experience of being seen, represented, and celebrated is shared by both creators and attendees — a core value of the festival.
The Art of Disability Festival is made possible through support from The Downtown Halifax Business Commission, Diverse Roots Therapy, Good Robot Brewing, and OSO Planning + Design, along with other local businesses and community partners.
This article appears in Aug 1-31, 2025.
