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Adaptive Arts
A space to explore and flourish
Since 2018, the Adaptive Arts program has offered free cultural mediation workshops to schools and organizations working with people of diverse abilities or those experiencing social and cultural exclusion.
This creative process, which aims to introduce participants to the performing arts, provides space and visibility for marginalized communities to share and express their lived experiences through an artistic discipline.
Group types and program flow
Youth groups: young people aged 7 to 18 with motor, sensory, cognitive or psychological limitations or disabilities.
Adult groups: individuals aged 18 and over with motor, sensory, cognitive or psychological limitations or disabilities, or those experiencing social and cultural exclusion (e.g. French language learners, newcomers).
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Frequency and location
7 workshops, once a weekWeeks 1 to 3: Creation workshops
School or organization premises
Weeks 4 and 5: Creation workshops
Place des Arts
Week 6: Finalizing the piece and the public performance
Place des Arts
Week 7: Reflection on the journey
School or organization premises
Duration
Workshops: 1 hour
Public performance: 10 to 15 minutesSome of these elements may be adapted based on the needs of the school or organization.
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Schedule and location
6 workshops, once a weekWeeks 1 to 4: Creation workshops
Place des Arts
Week 5: Finalizing the piece and the public performance
Place des Arts
Week 6: Reflection on the journey
Place des Arts
Duration
Workshops: 2 hours
Public presentation: 10 to 15 minutesSome of these elements may be adapted based on the needs of the school or organization.
Discover three artistic disciplines
The workshops offered for the 2026–2027 season are structured around three key disciplines: music, theatre and dance. These themes create space for interactions and connections that foster social bonding and the inclusion of everyone.
The Adaptive Arts in the spotlight
The Adaptive Arts program for Adults concludes with an event celebrating the creativity of people with diverse abilities, bringing together participants, their loved ones, industry professionals, artist-mediators and donors.
The event will take place on December 2, 2026, at the Salon urbain at Place des Arts.
“We discovered sides of our participants we hadn't seen before! These workshops bring joy to everyone involved, from participants to facilitators. They create truly special moments of connection!”
“The Adaptive Arts workshops provide a space for exploration and personal growth. The women shared how proud they felt after the workshops and the performance, and they’re excited to do it again!”
“The Adaptive Arts program at Place des Arts is a fantastic opportunity for people experiencing vulnerability. Its workshops highlight participants’ artistic talents while inviting them to take part in an incredible experience.”
“I used to think Place des Arts was only for renowned artists. Being able to dance there myself broke down so many barriers. Thank you.”
“Our facilitator quickly put us at ease with her sense of humour and empathy. She took our disabilities into account without ever being condescending. This experience allowed me to meet others who, like me, live with aphasia. It really helped my self-esteem.”
The program through the eyes of its artist-mediators
Maïgwenn Desbois shares her experience working with youth participants, while Marco Pronovost and Jasmine Allan Côté present the Adaptive Arts program.
Videos available in French only.
Maïgwenn Desbois, artist-mediator
Marco Pronovost and Jasmine Allan Côté, artist-mediators with Regroupement pour la Trisomie 21
Free registration
Requirements
Open to schools and organizations
- Participants must be accompanied by at least one staff member from the school or organization
10 to 20 participants per group
Information
Adults: artadapte@placedesarts.com
Telephone: 514 285-4275
Deadline
November 30, 2026, or until all time slots are filled.
Unlocking self-expression through the performing arts
Whether through music, dance or theatre, the performing arts have proven time and again to be a powerful way to reconnect with oneself. Through the co-creation of performances—developed in workshops where participants become co-authors—individuals experience meaningful benefits, including greater agency and empowerment, a stronger sense of self and identity development. All of the above contribute to improved self-esteem and confidence.
The Adaptive Arts program is made possible thanks to the financial support of the Place des Arts Foundation and its partners: the Sandra and Alain Bouchard Foundation, and TD Bank Group.
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