- Friday, November 7th
- Doors open 9:30, Starts 10:00, Ends 4:30
- Rotary Auditorium, Charlottetown Library Learning Centre
- 97 Queen St, Charlottetown, PE
- No cost to attend
- Please register below to assist us in organizing 👇
- Evening social to follow at The Guild!
CONFERENCE DETAILS
CONFERENCE THEME
The Creative PEI: Arts, Access & Wellbeing Conference explores how artists can thrive in their creative pursuits with comfort, stability, and dignity. Through a keynote address, performances, panel discussions and hands-on activities this gathering highlights how accessibility, mental wellbeing, and inclusive practices can reshape the arts- proving that when accessibility and care lead the way, the arts can transform how we create and connect.
EVENING SOCIAL TO FOLLOW
After the conference we’ll invite everyone to come unwind at our monthly Art Night at the Guild event and have fun with their fellow artists. Hands-on well-being!
Doors open at 5:00pm, Starts 5:30pm, Ends 7:30pm
111 Queen St., Charlottetown
PLEASE REGISTER
Please register to assist us with lunch planning.
MEASURES TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY
The Creative PEI Arts, Access and Wellbeing Conference is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees. We have taken a variety of measures to ensure accessibility at our venue, the Rotary Auditorium in the Charlottetown Library and Learning Centre.
If you have specific accessibility questions or requests, please contact Alexis Bulman at alexis@creativepei.ca.
Physical Accessibility
- Both the front and back entrances of the Charlottetown Library and Learning Centre are equipped with ramps, handrails, and automatic door buttons.
- The front entrance is closest to City-designated wheelchair parking spaces.
- The library is on one level. There are no steps between rooms; however, please note the transition from smooth flooring in the hallway to carpeted flooring inside the Rotary Auditorium.
- Conference tables and seating will be arranged to ensure clear pathways and space for movement.
- A wheelchair is available on-site for use.
- Service animals are welcome.
Washrooms
- Multiple wheelchair-accessible washrooms are available.
- Closest to the Rotary Auditorium is a private, gender-neutral accessible bathroom.
- The gendered bathrooms each include one wheelchair-accessible stall.
- Near the reception desk, there is a private, gender-neutral bathroom with an automatic door.
Other Accessibility Measures
- Masks are optional. A station with free masks and hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance.
- A designated quiet room will be provided. This space will include calming activities and sensory-friendly items.
DRAFT CONFERENCE PROGRAM - 10AM - 4PM
10:00am
Welcome by CreativePEI Staff
10:15am
Comedy: Rachel Matheson
Rachel Matheson (she/they) — a neurodivergent, disabled comedian and writer — brings a mix of wit and warmth to a comedic crash course in the language of access. From “neuro-spicy” to “crip time,” Rachel unpacks the buzzwords and inside jokes that shape our creative communities, exploring how language can both connect and confuse us. Equal parts stand-up and storytelling, this set celebrates the messy, funny, and deeply human side of disability and neurodivergence. A thoughtful and cheeky way to kick off a day of conversation, connection, and collective curiosity.
10:30am
Panel: Art From the Margins
Art from the Margins brings together Rachel Matheson, Chanel Briggs, Jay Gallant, and Nico Romero, artists working across music, theatre, comedy, poetry, and visual art. Shaped by experiences of intersecting marginalization, they share how, despite barriers, their creative pursuits continue to draw them in, helping them find community, express identity, and imagine more inclusive and accessible cultural spaces. This panel invites audiences to see culture not as immovable, but as something continually reshaped by those who have long existed at its margins.
11:00am
Break
11:15am
Keynote: Eryn Foster
In this keynote, artist, educator and arts administrator Eryn Foster reflects on her personal experience navigating an arts-based career as someone with ADHD, exploring both the strengths and challenges of being a neurodivergent creative. Drawing from the Artists in Mind research conducted through Visual Arts Nova Scotia (VANS), Eryn highlights how a significant number of artists identified as having a disability or being neurodivergent, suggesting that the arts sector itself may naturally attract a high percentage of neurodivergent individuals. Through this lens, Eryn invites audiences to consider how we might rethink and reshape our working models to better support diverse ways of thinking and creating. She will share insights and practical ideas for fostering accessibility, inclusion, and collective well-being across the arts sector, encouraging a shift toward systems and practices that make space for all artists to thrive.
12:00pm
Lunch
Indian Lunch by 4 S Catering – Butter paneer (Vegetarian) | Aloo gobi (Vegan) | Rice | Raita
12:45pm
Musical Performance: The After Lunch Choir
We, an unknown number of assembled artists across many disciplines and backgrounds, are going to sing together. Al Kelly, music director of Queer Choir PEI, will lead a quick practice to grow your body awareness through silly, communal voice exploration. Not a singer? No problem! Perfectionism is an oppressive tool of White Supremacy! Be bad at something! Live a little! Queer Choir PEI, established in 2023 under the direction of Al Kelly (they/them), is a Charlottetown-based drop-in adult choir for all levels of singers within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The project is supported by the PEI Transgender Network and explores building low-barrier, beginner friendly community spaces rooted in disability equity and centered on the joy of singing
1:00pm
Well-Being Work in Progress
This session highlights three Creative PEI projects currently underway that focus on accessibility and wellbeing in the arts community. Alexis Bulman will share findings from the Creative PEI Arts Accessibility & Barriers Survey. Rachel Matheson will discuss the development of a Peer Support group for neurodiverse and disabled artists. Becca Griffin will present on the Art Mobile initiative. Together, these projects showcase Creative PEI’s work in advancing inclusion, and strengthening community and wellbeing for artists across the island.
1:45pm
Break
2:00pm
Panel: Neurodiversity in the Arts
A selection of mini presentations designed to spark fresh perspectives. Eryn Foster shares insights from her Artists in Mind report, highlighting the mental health challenges artists face and the need for stronger supports across the sector. Stephanie Torr introduces Workplace Learning’s ADAPT program, equipping individuals with learning disabilities with practical tools to self-advocate and thrive in the workplace. This panel frames neurodivergence not merely as something someone “has,” but as a way of participating in and experiencing the world.
2:45pm
Break
3:00pm
Taking Action for Well-Being in the Arts
4:00pm
Final Thoughts
4:30pm
Wrap!
ACTIVITIES HAPPENING IN PARALLEL TO CONFERENCE SESSIONS
Dotmocracy Group Activity
A hands-on activity to gather ideas and see collective priorities.
Bookmark Pop-up
A curated spread of thought-provoking titles on advocacy, wellbeing and creativity.
Interactive Resiliency Scale
A self-reflective activity that helps visualize the complex concept of resiliency.
Exhibition: Island Artists for Basic Income Guarantee
Provided by The Women’s Network of PEI