What is Art Rise?
Art Rise is a dynamic community-engaged arts initiative created by posAbilities to foster creativity, connection, and community for people with and without disabilities. It does this through art‑centered practices, where creativity, inclusion, and shared reflection become catalysts for change, well-being, and community flourishing.
A creative community & platform
Art Rise serves both as an archive showcasing inclusive art projects, and as a series of participatory art experiences that center on themes like human flourishing, beauty, belonging, ritual, and transformation.
Rooted in social‑practice art
Projects are designed for collaborative engagement -artists co-create with participants, inviting reflection and shared meaning-making beyond conventional exhibition models
Integrated within posAbilities
Art Rise includes internal artists-in-residence and external artist collaborators - ranging from staff to students to local practitioners -united by values of inclusion, equity, connection, and beauty.
Who is behind this work?
posAbilities is a charity that provides a range of services to folks with developmental disabilities and their families. But we’re also more than that. Together with lots of partners, friends and kindred souls, we’re trying to build conditions for a just and caring society. For everyone. Our hope is to help build a world filled with stories of belonging, equality and love.
Art Rise is led by the Lead Community Artist at posAbilities, and their role focuses on designing and advancing community-engaged art practices that foster inclusion, connection, and flourishing for people of all abilities.
Through research, design, facilitation, and mentorship, this role supports the development of innovative art activations and programs that empower marginalized voices and strengthen neighbourhood ties. This position bridges artistic practice with social innovation, ensuring that creativity remains a powerful tool for place-making, equity, and cultural transformation within and beyond posAbilities.
