Arts AccessAbility Network Manitoba

Book Launch, Wandering Thoughts by John Oross
2023-08-26 09:00 - 20:00 (America/Winnipeg) | 329 Cumberland Avenue
Join us to celebrate the launch of author John Oross’s book “Wandering Thoughts”.

Oross will be available to sign books through out the event and there will also be books available to purchase.

Author John Oross is thrilled to announce the publication of his literary masterpiece, “Wandering Thoughts.” Named after his series of writing journals, this collection of poetry, prose, lyrics, short stories, open political letters, and a mini script touching upon a myriad of topics that are written to engage the reader to contemplate.

In “Wandering Thoughts,” Oross opens his soul, explores themes of equality and unity, emphasizing their transformative power to ignite conversations and expand minds to new possibilities. By thoughtfully weaving his experiences into the fabric of his writing, Oross initiates an essential dialogue that resonates with readers of all ages. This literary work serves as the catalyst for change, fostering healing, and inspiring hope in the face of life’s challenges. Throughout his life, he has faced adversity, homelessness, memory loss, divorce, yet has never given into despair.

Based upon his many experiences and born from his opinions, you are taken on a journey whereby together you confront the topics of equality as a human right to slavery through currency differentials used to diminish the lives of entire cultures.

“Change begins within each of us through respecting our cultural differences, forgiving our collective transgressions, and working towards equality and unity of purpose for humanity as a collective, thereby securing our future for generations to come.”

“Wandering Thoughts” is poised to captivate the reader with its depth, emotional resonance, and thought-provoking prose. John Oross invites readers to embrace the universal themes within his work and discover the positive aspect that shines through every cloud. This extraordinary collection promises to leave an impression, reminding readers that amidst adversity, hope prevails. “Life is a journey of the soul.”

Resonance & Cross-Sensory Translation in Pyrotechnic Arts
2024-05-12 19:00 - 21:30 | Video Pool, 2nd Floor, 100 Arthur St, Winnipge, Manitoba, R3B 1H7, Canada
Resonance & Cross-Sensory Translation in Pyrotechnic Arts

Collin van Uchelen, Ph.D.

Abstract:

Pyrotechnic arts can have an impact that is experienced both in our bodies and in our emotions. We may feel thrilled by the exhilarating intensity at the finale of a firework display and we may also feel tingles or goose-bumps in moments that touch us deeply. I call this visceral experience resonance. In this seminar, we will explore what brings on this tingling energy in the presence of art.

Drawing on my own experience of sight-loss, I will describe how resonance provides a way to feel connected with art. I will also show how words, touch, and sounds can be used to translate the appearance of light across senses – making it accessible in non-visual forms. On a broader level, this presentation invites participants to consider how the low-vision/blind community can be meaningfully included in public displays of art—such as events featuring fireworks.

Biographical Information:

Collin van Uchelen, Ph.D., is a Community Psychologist, Conceptual Artist, and Pyrotechnician based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Collin’s appreciation for fireworks is informed by his own experience of sight-loss from a degenerative blinding eye disease. His work in the pyrotechnic arts explores techniques for translating the light of fireworks into non-visual forms, such as descriptive words, sounds, and tactile representations. Currently, he is choreographing a pyro-musical display from his unique position as a designer who is functionally blind.

Venue Information:

Venue is fully accessible with a lift at the entrance, elevators and accessible washrooms.

Accessibility:

To request ASL or any other Accessibility Request/Accommodations please contact Jenel Shaw at info@aanm.ca (204)-336-2366

Anti-Ableism Workshop for the Arts Launch
2024-06-27 15:00 - 17:00 | Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial BLVD, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 1V1, Canada
Join Arts AccessAbility Network Manitoba for the launch of our Anti-Ableism Workshop for the Arts.

At this event, AANM Board Chair Diane Driedger, AANM Executive Director Jenel Shaw, and former Senator and champion of the arts Patricia Bovey will discuss why anti-ableism education, advocacy, and action is crucial in the art world.

You will hear how your organization can book AANM’s full Anti-Ableism Workshop, which covers the history of disability in Canada, the disability rights movement, disability and Deaf language and protocols, notable disability art organizations in Canada, famous artists with disabilities, and practical advice for creating accessible events.

After the one hour presentation snacks and coffee will be available for the audience to network and meet with the presenters.

ASL interpretation provided

If you are unable to join us in person, join us virtually!

Meeting link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82102629547?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 821 0262 9547

Passcode: [REDACTED]

Manitoba Underground Opera: Playtime
2024-08-23 17:00 - 19:00 | 101-329 Cumberland Ave, 101-329 Cumberland Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1T2, Canada
Join Arts AccessAbility Network Manitoba for an ASL interpreted opera presented by the Manitoba Underground Opera!

Manitoba Underground Opera: Playtime

All performances are free to attend! ASL interpretation available for this event!

Show description: Anna is SICK of studying and doing homework. Her school subjects are boring, and she’d rather imagine fantastical worlds and stories in her spare time. Luckily, Anna’s moms help her realize that learning is fun! Inspired by their daughter’s talent for creativity, they decide to dress up and create imaginary scenarios to bring Anna’s lessons to life.

Borrowing music from Ravel’s L’enfant et les sortilèges, Playtime features brand new English text written by Max Fingerote. Between July and August, chances are the Neighbourhood Opera Tour is coming to your area. And because admission is always free, this show is accessible to all families. Stay tuned for a full list of performance locations and dates.

Venue

C2 Centre for Craft, 101-329 Cumberland Ave.

Tickets

There is limited space in the venue. Order your free tickets now on eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/969243973817?aff=oddtdtcreator

Call for photographers Flash Fest
2024-10-16 08:00 - 2024-11-20 17:00 | La Maison Des Artistes, 219 boul. Provencher, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2H 0G4, Canada
Call to Photographers!

FLASH Photographic Festival began as an annual event in 2014, to promote photographic artists through the presentation of multiple shows over one whole month.
FLASH’s vision is to increase the number of artists working in the photographic arts in Manitoba, increase public appreciation, and educate about the techniques and philosophies of photography.
AANM is partnering with La Maison des Artistes Visuels Francophone to mount a juried exhibition in the Flash Photographic Festival. Selected artists will receive $462 CarFac fee to exhibit their artwork in the La Maison Studio Gallery. You must identify as d/Deaf or disabled to apply for this show.
APPLICATION DEADLINE NOV 20, 2024
Send the following to programming@aanm.ca:
-Artist CV
-Photography: up to 6 images, Max size 200MB
If you need any assistance with your application contact Jenel Shaw at info@aanm.ca or (204) 336-2366.

Arts AccessAbility Network Manitoba AGMM
2024-11-27 17:45 - 19:00 | Online, Zoom
Join AANM for our Annual General Meeting.

Due to unforeseen circumstances the Artist Talk with Debbie Patterson will be rescheduled.

When: November 27th, 2024 5:45-6:45 AGM

Where: Zoom, email Jenel Shaw at info@aanm.ca for the link

About the Artist:

Debbie Patterson is a Winnipeg playwright, director and actor. Trained at the National Theatre School of Canada, she is a founding member of Shakespeare in the Ruins (SIR), served as Theatre Ambassador for Winnipeg’s Cultural Capital year, was the Carol Shields Writer in Residence 2012 at the U of W and Playwright in Residence at Theatre Projects Manitoba in 2013/14. She served as Artistic Associate at Prairie Theatre Exchange from 2012 to 2018 and is currently a member of the PTE Playwrights Unit. She is a proud advocate for disability arts through her work as founding Artistic Director of Sick + Twisted Theatre. She lives a wheelchair-enabled life in Winnipeg and in a cabin on the shore of Lake Winnipeg.

Artist Talk with Debbie Patterson
2024-12-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Online, Zoom
Join AANM for an artist talk with Debbie Patterson.

Email info@aanm.ca for the zoom link

About the Artist:

Debbie Patterson is a Winnipeg playwright, director and actor. Trained at the National Theatre School of Canada, she is a founding member of Shakespeare in the Ruins (SIR), served as Theatre Ambassador for Winnipeg’s Cultural Capital year, was the Carol Shields Writer in Residence 2012 at the U of W and Playwright in Residence at Theatre Projects Manitoba in 2013/14. She served as Artistic Associate at Prairie Theatre Exchange from 2012 to 2018 and is currently a member of the PTE Playwrights Unit. She is a proud advocate for disability arts through her work as founding Artistic Director of Sick + Twisted Theatre. She lives a wheelchair-enabled life in Winnipeg and in a cabin on the shore of Lake Winnipeg.

AANM Members' Show: Call to Artists / Exposition des membres de l’AANM
2025-03-01 00:00 - 23:59 | Manitoba
Submit your work to be featured in our Members’ Show!AANM Members are invited to submit their artwork to be shown at our Members’ Show this summer at La Maison Des Artistes. The theme is Lived experience of disability.

Theme: Lived experience of disability

Submission deadline: March 1st, 2025

Send 3 images of work that you propose to show to programming@aanm.ca.

AANM reserves the right to select fewer than 3 images per member.

You must be a current member to show work in the AANM Member’s Show. To become a member, go to https://aanm.ca/join-aanm-today/. Memberships are available on a sliding scale, including free for those who face financial barriers.

Thème: L’expérience vécue de l’handicapDate limite de soumission: 1er mars 2025 Envoyez 3 images du travail que vous proposez de présenter à programming@aanm.ca.AANM se réserve le droit de sélectionner moins de 3 images par membre.Vous devez être membre en règle de l’AANM pour présenter votre travail à l’exposition des membres de l’AANM. Pour devenir membre, rendez-vous sur https://aanm.ca/join-aanm-today/. Les adhésions se font selon un taux adaptatif, y compris gratuitement pour les personnes confrontées à des obstacles financiers.

Spine-Tingling Engagement with Pyrotechnic Arts: Postponed until October 2025
2025-05-07 18:00 - 19:30 | Millennium Library, 251 Donald St, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 3P5, Canada
Event: Spine-Tingling Engagement with Pyrotechnic Arts

What: A discussion on pyrotechnic arts and multi-sensory accessibility.

When: This event is postponed until October 2025

Where: Millennium Library 251 Donald St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3P5, Buchwald room on the second floor of the library.

Who: Collin van Uchelen, Ph.D., is a Community Psychologist, Conceptual Artist, and Pyrotechnician based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Collin’s appreciation for fireworks is informed by his own experience of sight-loss from a degenerative blinding eye disease. His work in the pyrotechnic arts explores techniques for translating the light of fireworks into non-visual forms, such as descriptive words, sounds, and tactile representations. Currently, he is choreographing a pyro-musical display from his unique position as a designer who is functionally blind.

Summary: Join artist Collin van Uchelen, PhD for a public talk about his innovative art practice. He will discuss his approach choreographing pyrotechnic displays and how he is making art more accessible through his “Fingerworks for Fireworks” description technique.

Pyrotechnic arts can have an impact that is experienced both in our bodies and in our emotions. We may feel thrilled by the exhilarating intensity at the finale of a firework display and we may also feel tingles or goose-bumps in moments that touch us deeply. Collin calls this visceral experience resonance. In this engaging seminar, we will explore what brings on this tingling energy in the presence of art.

Drawing on his own experience of sight-loss, Collin will describe how resonance provides a way to feel connected with art. He will also show how words, touch, and sounds can be used to translate the appearance of light across senses – making it accessible in non-visual forms. On a broader level, this presentation invites participants to consider how the low-vision/blind community can be meaningfully included in public displays of art—such as events featuring fireworks.

Image description: A promotional graphic for Collin van Uchelen’s event titled, “Spine-tingling Engagement with Pyrotechnic Arts: A discussion on pyrotechnic arts and accessibility with Collin van Uchelen”. A photo of Collin on the left, touching a bright pink, luminescent, light installation representing fireworks, the installation is titled Crysanthemum. To the right are details of the event: May 7, 2025; 6pm-7:30pm; Millennium Library, 251 Donald St.; Buchwald Room (2nd floor). The Arts AccessAbility Network Manitoba logo is on the bottom right of the promo graphic.

Double Feature Film Night
2025-05-30 18:00 - 19:30 | C2 Centre for Craft, 1 - 329 Cumberland Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1T2, Canada
Join us for an evening of two illuminating short films, “Cripping Climate Adaptation” and “Wings Rising: Disability Justice, Art and Education”.

Cripping Climate Adaptation explores the challenge of bringing disabled people’s voices to the table in discussing how we’re dealing with climate change.

Wings Rising: Disability Justice, Art and Education highlights Wingspan, an innovative program that brought Deaf and disabled artists into the schools in 2024.

This evening will also include three speakers:

Erika McPherson – filmmaker, co-director of Cripping Climate Adaptation

Candace Lipischak – sculptor and multidisciplinary artist, Wingspan participant

Connor Derraugh – jazz musician, Wingspan participant

Embodiments: AANM Members' Show (Show Run)
2025-07-17 08:00 - 2025-08-02 17:00 | La Maison Des Artistes, 219 boul. Provencher, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2H 0G4, Canada
Embodiments is an AANM Members’ Show featuring the work of 22 artists:

Adriana Alarcón, Sara Arenson, Alice Crawford, Natasha Boone, Katrina Craig, Diane Driedger, Maria Epp, Leona Fontaine, E.J. Howorth, Sacha Kopelow, Marie LeBlanc, Troy Lindstrom, Erika Jean Lincoln, Candace Lipischak, Heidi Phillips, Susie Penner, Kathleen Shellrude, Harper K. Smith, Ryan Smoluk, Allison Stevens, Margaret Switala, and Terisa Taylor.

Image Credit: Maria Epp, Swimmers, acrylic (giclee print), 2023

Embodiments: AANM Members' Show, Opening Reception
2025-07-17 19:00 - 21:00 | La Maison Des Artistes, 219 boul. Provencher, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2H 0G4, Canada
Join us for the opening reception of Embodiments an AANM Members’ Show. This show features the work of 21 artists:

Adriana Alarcón, Sara Arenson, Alice Crawford, Natasha Boone, Katrina Craig, Diane Driedger, Maria Epp, Leona Fontaine, E.J. Howorth, Sacha Kopelow, Marie LeBlanc, Troy Lindstrom, Erika Jean Lincoln, Candace Lipischak, Heidi Phillips, Susie Penner, Kathleen Shellrude, Harper K. Smith, Ryan Smoluk, Allison Stevens, and Margaret Switala.

Image credit: Maria Epp, Swimmers, acrylic (giclee print), 2023

Spine-Tingling Engagement in the Pyrotechnic Arts
2025-10-01 18:00 - 19:30 | Millennium Library, 251 Donald St, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 3P5, Canada
A seminar about multi-sensory accessibility

Join artist Collin van Uchelen, Ph.D., for an engaging public presentation about his innovative art practice. He will show how to translate the light of fireworks across senses in order to make it accessible in non-visual forms, such as the tactile “Fingerworks for Fireworks” description technique. Collin will also discuss his approach to choreographing pyrotechnic displays that are synchronized to music and provide multi-sensory accessibility.

Together, we will explore how firework displays can have an impact that is experienced both in our bodies and in our emotions. We may feel thrilled by the exhilarating intensity at the finale of a show, and we may also feel tingles or goosebumps in emotional moments that touch us deeply. Collin uses the term resonance to refer to this spine-tingling energy. In this seminar, we will explore how resonance can be created with artistic pyro-musical firework displays.

Drawing on his own experience of sight-loss, Collin will describe how resonance provides a pathway to connect with art in ways that are accessible to all—whether sighted or blind. On a broader level, this presentation also invites participants to consider how the low-vision and blind community can be meaningfully included in public displays of art, including events featuring fireworks.

Collin van Uchelen, Ph.D., is a Community Psychologist, Conceptual Artist, and Pyrotechnician based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. His work in the pyrotechnic arts explores techniques for translating the light of fireworks into non-visual forms, such as descriptive words, sounds, and tactile representations. Collin’s appreciation for fireworks is informed by his own experience of progressive sight loss from a degenerative blinding eye disease. Currently, he is choreographing a pyro-musical firework display from his unique position as a designer who is functionally blind.

When: Wednesday, October 1st, 2025; 6pm-7:30pm

Where: Millennium Library, Buchwald Room (2nd Floor)251 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 3P5

Curated Exhibitions: Lux Gow-Habrich
2025-10-03 18:00 - 2025-11-28 16:00 | Arts AccessAbility Network Manitoba, 329 Cumberland Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1T2, Canada
This October, we launch the 2025 – 2026 season of AANM Gallery Curated Exhibitions. Featuring the work of Emma Cloney, Lux Gow-Habrich, Erika Jean Lincoln, melannie patchwork monoceros, Lora Pallister, and Rae Spoon.

From October 3 to November 28, view the artwork of Lux Gow-Habrich at the AANM Gallery.

About the artist:

Lux Gow-Habrich (星尘) is a multi-disciplinary artist and support worker who channels the histories and material teachings of ceramics and textiles to create sculptures and installations dedicated to the intersections of embodiment, cultural identity, care practices, and processes of rupture and repair. They blend gestural, craft, and community storytelling to redefine our understanding of art and cultural practice as sacred remedial forces capable of profoundly reshaping systems and relationships. Her interest in ritual, commemoration, and the body as an archive, weaves together diasporic experiences of loss and belonging to unearth unspoken individual and collective legacies of disabled, queer grief and empowerment.

LOCATION: 329 Cumberland Ave. (#102), Winnipeg, MB R3B1T2. AANM Gallery accessibility information here.

GALLERY HOURS: Noon to 4:00 p.m. (Please visit our Facebook page for updates on our hours.)

PTE/ART in the lobby: Nicholas Friesen
2025-10-14 08:00 - 2025-10-26 17:00 | Prairie Theatre Exchange, 393 Portage Ave., #300, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 0G9, Canada
View the artwork of Nicholas Friesen from October 14 to 26 at Prairie Theatre Exchange (PTE), in the lobby, during the show run of “Liars at a Funeral”.

Nicholas’s body of work titled, “Frameworks” (2018) is a collection of hand drawn and inked illustrations based on skeletons in popular culture, coloured digitally and “fleshed out” with photos of textiles.

About the artist:

Nicholas Friesen is a former baby and future classroom skeleton from Winnipeg. His work is predominantly hand drawn/inked and digitally coloured, but he also works with watercolour, gouache, pencil crayon, textiles, and marker.

His visuals have appeared in The Globe and Mail, Uptown, The Uniter, and Stylus. They have also been projected onto the sides of buildings during the Juno Awards and on IMAX screens. He’s made children’s books with Ace Burpee and takes his comic books around the world to various comic art festivals.

In 2024, he was voted “Winnipeg’s Favourite Visual Artist” in the Uniter readers poll.

Viewing the artwork is free; tickets to the PTE show are for purchase. More information on PTE shows here.

Curated Exhibitions: The New Customs • Live at the WECC
2025-11-19 18:00 - 20:00 | West End Cultural Centre, 586 Ellice Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1Z8, Canada
In collaboration with Arts AccessAbility Network Manitoba with support from the Manitoba Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts, we bring you The New Customs Live at the West End Cultural Centre.

Join us for an evening of incredible music at an amazing venue! This show is free, so bring your family, friends, and loved ones and let The New Customs serenade you throughout the night.

About The New Customs:Hardly afraid of the “F Word”, The New Customs are proud to call themselves FOLK! Deeply rooted in the tradition of capturing a story in a song, the Indie-Folk duo take a bold and evocative approach to songwriting. With two strong voices, guitar, mandolin and fiddle in hand, Emma Cloney & Dale Brown use their anthemic heart and Americana backbone to charm audiences with a bombastic electrifying sound. (source: https://www.thenewcustoms.com/) @thenewcustoms

This show is part of AANM’s Curated Exhibitions 2025 – 2026. For more information about AANM and our events, please visit the link in our bio.

For the WECC’s accessibility info, please check their website at www.wecc.ca/about-the-wecc.

AANM Annual General Meeting 2025
2025-11-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Manitoba
Arts AccessAbility Network Manitoba is holding a virtual annual general meeting on November 25th, 2025 at 6:00 pm CST.

You are invited to join us for an evening of reflection on achievements from our 2024 – 2025 activities and our upcoming projects.

To attend, please register here. (https://aanm-agm-2025.eventbrite.ca)

This is a virtual meeting.

Please include ASL interpretation and any other access needs request in your registration.

For any questions regarding this event, email info@aanm.ca.
