Access 2 Arts
Collaborative Printmaking Project
A2A: Collaborative Printmaking Project is a specialized 3 month artist development program in Guelph, Ontario that provides space and resources for local artists with developmental disAbilities to explore printmaking techniques and develop their artistic practice; culminating in a collaborative print book and exhibition of the artwork created over the course of the project.
We are currently accepting registrations for the program! Priority will be given to applicants who benefit from 1:1 support and folks in the Guelph-Wellington region. Please fill out the form below by March 28 at 5:00 p.m.
Registration Process
View all registration questions before you start the registration form
Interested artists will be asked the following questions in the registration form:
Artist Information
- First and last name
- Contact email
- Contact phone number
- Address
- Date of birth (participants must be 18 years of age or older)
- Tell us about the artwork that you like to make or would like to make (optional)
- Parent/Guardian name (if applicable)
Artist Availability
- What times of the week work best for you for workshops/open studio time? Select all that apply. (Weekday mornings, weekday afternoons, weekday evenings, weekend mornings, weekend afternoons)
- Do you have any additional comments regarding your availability?
Physical and Sensory Accommodations
- Would you like to have a respite worker or support person with you during the project?
- If yes, do you have a respite worker or support person that you would prefer to work with?
- Are you comfortable working in a group setting? (10-20 people)
- If you have a preferred group ratio please indicate.
- Do you require any physical accommodations? If yes, please list.
- Do you require any sensory accommodations? If yes, please list.
- What are some of your triggers (if applicable, and if you feel comfortable sharing)?
- What supports can we provide to help you engage with this project in a comfortable way?
- Are there any medical needs you want us to be aware of?
Tailoring the Project to You
- Is there anything you would like us to know about you that would help us tailor the project in a way that makes you feel safe, and included?
- Do you have any concerns regarding your participation in the project?
Consent and Emergency Contact
- Do you give Access 2 Arts project facilitators permission to take photos/videos during the project to be used for promotional and grant-reporting purposes?
- Emergency contact name
- Emergency contact phone number
- Emergency contact relationship
If you have questions about the registration process, or are wondering if this program is the right fit for you, the A2A team is happy to chat with you before filling out your registration form. Please reach out to us at access2artsproject@gmail.com.
How it works
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Duration
This project will run from April to June 2025. It will consist of three workshops exploring printmaking techniques and two open print studio workdays. View full details about structure of the program below.
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Location
Depending on the specific needs of participants, workshops may take place at Art Not Shame or other accessible spaces in Guelph. Artists will be required to find their own transportation.
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Cost & Honourarium
There is no cost to participate. Artists will be paid an honorarium of $200 (CAD) for their work’s public display in the art exhibition and print book.
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Eligibility
People 18 years of age or older, with developmental disAbilities and an interest in the arts are welcome to apply. Respite and support workers are welcome to join participating artists. Priority will be given to applicants who benefit from 1:1 support and folks in the Guelph-Wellington region.
Program Structure
A2A: Collaborative Printmaking Project will consist of three workshops exploring printmaking techniques including relief, monoprinting, and silkscreen, and two open print studio workdays where artists can continue the work on their projects and expand their creative practice. Workshops will be more structured, while artists can come and go as they please during open prints, based on their comfort levels.
The project will be tailored to the needs and interests of participating artists - we are able to provide various place based and individual supports to encourage artists to collaborate meaningfully in the art making. Please make note in your registration form of any accessibility supports and/or resources you may need and the A2A team is happy to accommodate and tailor the programming accordingly.
This project was designed in consultation with professionals in developmental services to support the artistic pursuits of artists of varying abilities in our community. The project delivery and outcomes will be co-created by facilitators and participating artists.

More About the Project and Team
The A2A team is passionate about making the arts industry more accessible and we are committed to providing this programming through a community care lens for all involved including artists, support workers, care takers, mentors, consultants, and collaborators. We believe that by creating a more inclusive and accessible space for diverse voices and ideas to be expressed through artmaking, we can strengthen the arts sector together.
Please reach out if there is anything we can do to support your experience with this program registration.
This project is generously funded by Barbara Salsberg-Matthews and Bruce Matthews through the Pay it Forward Arts Fund administered through Art Not Shame, and the City of Guelph’s Community Arts Micro Granting Program.