This summer, H’art Studio artists will explore creativity, confidence, and connection through a circus-inspired arts program designed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We’ve got a playful, inclusive summer planned where Studio artists can explore their personas, grow their skills, and find community.

What You’ll Do

Participants will explore a range of creative workshops, including:

• Visual and Textile Arts (with Ruth) — create costumes, banners, murals, and more through hands-on exploration of colour, texture, and design.
• Movement & Dance (with Vanessa) 8-week session— explore aerial ribbons, hoops, and batons through movement exercises and expressive poses.
• Clowning & Drama (with Anna & Syd) — explore improv, character work, storytelling, joke-telling, and clowning games, alongside object-based play and balance work to create playful short performance pieces.
• Music (with James) — explore percussion and create a music piece that can be performed outside, while marching or parading.
• Vocal Arts (with Audra) – create a musical masterpiece that will also involve some singing, puppets and music,
• Collaborative Creation (with Kyla) — build our festival, props, and work on collaborative ‘circus’ acts or performance pieces.

✨ Plus:

• Guest artists bringing new skills and inspiration
• Community outings to festivals and performances
• Hands-on performance creation leading to our first “festival”

Who It’s For

• Adults with ID/DD in the Studio program
• Youth and Adults with ID/DD transitioning from high school through new 3-day summer trial experiences
• Volunteers, students, and guest artists supporting the work

New: 3-Day Summer Trial Experiences

We’re excited to introduce short, supportive trial experiences this summer—a great way for people transitioning from high school or the community to explore the arts in a low-pressure environment.

July 13–14 & 17
August 10–12 & 14

Limited space available, with accessible participation fees —please contact us to learn more about the experience.

From Exploration to Performance

Across the summer, participants will:

• Build confidence and self-expression
• Develop creative and performance skills
• Collaborate with others and form connections
• Engage with the wider arts community

The program includes a public visual arts exhibit at Skeleton Park and culminates with our first Studio ‘festival’ celebrating the creativity and achievements of all the summer participants.

Join Us

Whether you’re looking to try something new or build on existing creative skills, the H’art Studio program offers a welcoming space to explore, create, and belong.

👉 Learn more about H’art Studio or get involved today 

Come create, explore, and imagine with us.

​We are grateful for the ongoing support from The City of Kingston and the Ontario Arts Council