The tour performances in Humboldt, Melfort, Stanley Mission and North Battleford in 2024 were part of The Axis of Access project, a collaboration between LTD and the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance (SAA). The tour was undertaken through partnerships with four of the seven Districts for sport, culture and recreation in the province: Prairie Central, Lakeland, Northern, and Rivers West. In addition to performances, community discussions were held at each location. The resulting input is helping LTD and SAA craft a living document, which will guide arts and cultural organizations on how to create more inclusive, accessible opportunities for people with disabilities. “The [lack] of an open mind is the greatest barrier to creating an equitable sector. Personal shifts need to occur for a policy shift to occur.” – TRACI FOSTER
While physical access to infrastructure such as sidewalks, elevators, ramps and washrooms can be a huge barrier to participating in arts and cultural activities, Foster names “attitudinal access” as equally challenging. “The [lack] of an open mind is the greatest barrier to creating an equitable sector,” she says. “Personal shifts need to occur for a policy shift to occur.” The tour has created meaningful connections between aspiring rural artists with disabilities and LTD performers, with relationships forming on social media to offer encouragement, Foster says. One group from Wishart, who saw LTD perform on its 2023 rural tour, even rented a bus and travelled two hours to Regina for the organization’s Not Just Christmas Concert . “We have not experienced that type of interest, commitment, community connection and relationship-building in the ten years that we’ve been a non- profit. And I haven’t experienced that in the 18 years I’ve been working. So, that’s incredible,” Foster says.
This project received support from SaskCulture’s Multicultural Initiatives Fund – Project, funded by Sask Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation. The Districts for Sport Culture and Recreation are also funded by Sask Lotteries Trust Fund.
The Listen to Dis’ tour stops in Humboldt, Melfort, Stanley Mission and North Battleford gave audience members a space to feel seen, share their experiences and find community. (Photos by Traci Foster)
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SPRING 2025
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