Construction Begins on Landmark $30 Million Accessible Arts Learning Campus in Calgary

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The National accessArts Centre has broken ground on a $30 million project aimed at creating the world's first accessible, disability-focused arts learning campus in Calgary.

Construction has commenced on a significant new project in Calgary, the Accessible Arts Learning Campus, which represents a $30 million investment in disability arts. Situated on the former Scouts Canada building site along Memorial Drive NW, opposite Broadview Park, this development is poised to become the largest capital initiative in support of disability arts in Canadian history. The National accessArts Centre (NaAC) officially began construction in late June, marking a pivotal moment for an organization dedicated to enhancing artistic opportunities for individuals with disabilities for over five decades.
The project will revamp the site into a vibrant hub for creative learning, performance, and community engagement, which will serve as a national model for accessible design and inclusive programming. The campus will feature two key facilities: the Joseph Chung Centre for Creativity and the Trico Communities Accessible Arts Centre, both designed to foster an environment specifically tailored for artists with disabilities.
The Joseph Chung Centre, named in honor of Joseph Chung, the deceased son of philanthropists Peter and Stephanie Chung, is the larger of the two facilities at a cost of $20 million. It will encompass a total area of 1,629 square meters and will house NaAC's dance, music, and digital media/film programs. This building is organized around a prominent two-storey rehearsal studio, which will be the architectural and functional centerpiece of the structure. Additional amenities will include the Osten-Victor Inspiration Studio, a professional gallery and event space, and Joe’s Table Café, a social enterprise aimed at providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The Trico Communities facility, which is projected to cost $6 million, will be adjacent to the Chung Centre and will involve an adaptive reuse of the former Scouts Hall, developed in collaboration with the City of Calgary. This building aims to integrate accessibility with modern design while maintaining the heritage character of the existing structure. Once completed, it will accommodate NaAC's visual arts programs alongside the organization’s administrative offices.
Both facilities have garnered support from all three levels of government, along with contributions from charitable foundations, community organizations, and private donors. Jung-Suk Ryu, president and CEO of NaAC, expressed excitement about this milestone, stating, "Through all the support we have received over the past two years, this vision of an inclusive space for the disability community across Calgary and Canada is finally coming to life. We are so grateful to all of our supporters, donors, and friends who have joined us on this incredible journey that will leave a lasting legacy in the community."
Construction on the Chung Centre, designed by DIALOG, is expected to be completed by winter 2027, while the Trico Communities facility, crafted by Iwanski Architecture, is slated for completion in summer 2027. The Chung Centre will be built with sustainability at its core, employing a hybrid mass timber structural system on a six-by-six-meter grid, which helps to minimize embodied carbon and supports efficient fabrication and construction. The design will also incorporate low-carbon concrete strategies as needed and passive environmental strategies to enhance energy performance.
The building will feature fully electric systems, including an all-electric HVAC system with heat recovery technology, solar panels, and LED lighting. Its design prioritizes accessibility, including a wellness and sensory support room, gender-inclusive restrooms, wheelchair-accessible stalls, and adaptable lighting systems. The rehearsal studio will offer flexible configurations suitable for various performers and artistic disciplines, while the wellness room will provide a low-stimulus environment conducive to creativity.
Federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson commented on the project, noting that the Accessible Arts Learning Campus “will help more artists participate in Alberta’s art scene while incorporating green design features into its facilities, helping minimize environmental impact.” This ambitious project stands as a testament to Calgary's commitment to inclusivity and the arts, promising to create a lasting impact on the community and beyond.

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