Grant from the Ontario’s Seniors Community Grant Program Supports Project
Beginning this month, seniors who are Deaf will be involved in a new theatre production thanks to a $24,726 grant from the Government of Ontario’s Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility Seniors Community Grant Program. This is part of H’art Centre’s commitment to creating inclusive arts for all abilities.
“This investment through the Seniors Community Grant program is great news for our community, our inclusive arts hub and seniors who face barriers to participating in the performing arts,” said Katherine Porter, Executive Director of H’art Centre. “Seniors will be engaged in the creative process and audiences will be introduced to a new creative perspective.”
This project will engage 12-15 culturally Deaf seniors as actors and stagehands in the production of humourous and educational theatrical vignettes that illustrate daily barriers they face in hearing society. A performances followed by discussions and a question-answer period with audience will take place in THE BOX, H’art Centre’s inclusive performing arts space in downtown Kingston. Please watch our event page for times and details.
The idea was born, said Porter, after she met Marc Heyez, a playwright who was born Deaf. “I’m excited that he trusted H’art Centre to help share his vision for this project and to help build a creative team with the capacity to stage the production, and hopefully, others for years to come.”
We would like to thank the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility:
The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility supports Ontario seniors in staying active and safe in their communities while preventing social isolation and elder abuse. The Seniors Community Grant Program encourages community involvement of seniors by supporting hundreds of projects focused on volunteerism, learning, financial awareness, social inclusion, elder abuse prevention, mental well-being and physical activity.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-seniors-accessibility
