Community-engaged research project exploring inclusive music-making receives federal grant

Dr. adam patrick bell, PhD, associate professor at the School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) in the Faculty of Arts, has received $449,996 in federal funding for a research project that will facilitate anti-ableist remote music making. The project’s goal is to create a national network of support for disability music-making through residencies, experiences and improved practices.

The funding is provided through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Race, Gender and Diversity Initiative, in partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

“We’re working with real not-for-profit, community-based organizations and trying to support their work in a meaningful way so that it’s a win-win for everyone,” explains bell. “As researchers, we can learn and share these experiences with other people to make their practices better, but the communities themselves can also get what they need.”

Collaborators on the project include Dr. Kathleen Sitter, PhD (Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Work) and Dr. Lora Oehlberg, PhD (Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science). The project team has partnered with community-based organizations from across Canada such as Blurring the Boundaries, Kickstart Disability Arts and Culture, and the National accessArts Centre.