Apex Arts Access

12/02/2025

For the past several months, under my consulting firm Apex Arts Access, I’ve been working on the creation of the “Better Backstages Accessibility Toolkit for Music and Arts Spaces”, a free resource focused on supporting music venues and art spaces to take a proactive DIY approach to making their spaces more inclusive.

Funded in partnership with Atlantic Presenters Association, Eastern Front Theatre and Music Nova Scotia, we’re now heading into Phase 2, preparing to launch a website next month that will make the toolkit more widely available.

With a focus on creative solutions to addressing barriers and incorporating disability justice principles, I designed it specifically for performance spaces, recognizing the unique needs of disabled artists, performers, and backstage crews.

It provides custom audit tools covering:

🔹 The Built Environment – Assessing stage access, load-in zones, pathways, green rooms, and lighting to reduce physical barriers. I created a comprehensive audit checklist with structured criteria for evaluating physical spaces, along with a companion guide to help venues understand CSA compliance guidelines in plain language. It provides clear steps for documenting findings, including measurements, notes, and photos.

🔹 Adaptive Environment – Creating flexible spaces that support Indigenous smudging ceremonies, recognizing the contributions of African Nova Scotian artists, TFW and immigrant artists, DeafSpace principles, environmental health, all-gender facilities, sensory-friendly backstages and more!

🔹 Human Capacity - Strengthening workplace culture through internal operation audits, incorporating anti-oppression focused principles like harm reduction in nightlife spaces, alternatives to police intervention during a mental health crisis, to workplace violence risk assessments.

My background as a live sound engineer, former music venue owner/operator, and accessibility consultant & auditor gives me a unique perspective on both venue operations and accessibility needs. This project bridges those worlds, making accessibility practical, actionable, and built into the industry rather than treated as an afterthought.

Phase 2 is all about making this resource accessible online so more venues can self-assess, improve, and create lasting change. Truly looking forward to sharing more soon! 🙂

10/12/2024

The Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage’s Communities, Sport and Recreation (CSR) 2025-26 Accessibility grants are now open!

In 2017 Nova Scotia passed the "Act Respecting Accessibility in Nova Scotia." The Accessibility Act aims to make Nova Scotia inclusive and barrier-free by 2030- no time to drag your heels :)

🫂 Community ACCESS-Ability Program Supports renovations and improvements to make community buildings more accessible.
https://cch.novascotia.ca/investing-our-future/community-funding-and-awards/community-access-ability-program

(Non-profits that means you!) ^

📈 Business ACCESS-Ability Program Offers cost-shared grants to businesses for accessibility related improvements.
https://cch.novascotia.ca/business-access-ability-grant-program

The team is also hosting 5 community online information sessions, where organizations can learn more about the programs and ask questions.

If you would like to learn more about these programs, you can sign up to attend a session by e-mailing communitiesNS@novascotia.ca to get the Zoom link. Please indicate which session you would like to attend.

Online Information Session Dates:

· Thursday, December 12th, 2024 - 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

·Monday, December 16th, 2024 – 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

·Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

·Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 – 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

· Friday, January 10th, 2025 – 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The full spectrum of the department’s programs can be viewed through:

CCTH Online Program Guide
https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/communities-culture-tourism-and-heritage-funding-programs-and-resources-guide and
Grant Finder Tool.
https://beta.novascotia.ca/find-grants-offered-through-department-communities-culture-tourism-and-heritage

Deadline: 14 February 2025 This grant covers two thirds of accessibility-related improvement, up to $50,000, with the applying organisation responsible for the remaining funding. Eligible projects can include improvements to the built environment, transportation, communications, assistive devices, a...

07/11/2024

Did you know? Home automation can dramatically improve artist accessibility in green rooms, backstage areas, washrooms, and more - creating comfortable, barrier-free spaces for performers with disabilities.

Apex Arts Access clients have access to exclusive deals at Peak Audio Video Ltd, Atlantic Canada’s leading A/V specialists for over 40 years!

In artist-focused spaces, accessible home automation can be a game-changer for those with disabilities. Home automation offers flexible, incremental solutions that can dramatically improve accessibility in ways traditional approaches often can’t. It’s adaptable, allowing spaces to evolve step-by-step, making it more practical to invest in over time, especially for venues that may not have the budget for major overhauls.

Venues can address a huge range of needs without altering the physical structure of a space. Adjusting lighting, sound, and temperature on demand; providing hands-free access and security; and integrating reminders or communication systems—all of these are immediate, impactful ways to make a space more accessible without requiring full-scale renovation.

Home automation becomes a powerful equalizer, allowing any venue to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for artists, performers, and staff with varying needs. This is a vision that so many could get behind - because it’s not only future-proofing the venue but also building genuine accessibility into its core. Even a small, initial investment can set a strong foundation, allowing accessibility to grow alongside the venue.

After I complete an audit your space, I connect you with Mike’s team at Peak Audio. For robust project management – including advanced acoustic modelling, seating solutions and commercial A/V installations – you receive expert guidance, exclusive deals and exceptional care from design to completion.

We provide an infinite range of integrated solutions to new or existing structures. From locks to lights, doors to drapes, temperature, audio/video, energy systems and security, that can be controlled anywhere in the world. We specialize in home, business and hospitality automation and integration.....

07/11/2024

I’m thrilled to be speaking as a guest delegate at Nova Scotia Music Week’s Conference on the “Better Backstages” panel, part of the JUNO Legacy Project in partnership with Music Nova Scotia, Eastern Front Theatre, and the Atlantic Presenters Association! As an accessibility auditor and technical consultant, I specialize in fostering inclusive, functional music venues and performing arts spaces. I’ll be sharing practical insights on how venues can remove barriers and improve accessibility with a focus on supporting disabled artists.

Looking forward to connecting with others passionate about making the music industry more inclusive and accessible 🎀! 🎤🎸

NSMW conference schedule THURSDAY - NOV 7 NSMW Conference - Old Orchard Inn Orchard Hall 12:30PM - Your Own Backyard: Market Development Close to Home Format: PanelHost/Moderator: Evan NewmanParticipants: Peggy HoganPre-registration Required: NoTrack: Career FoundationsEntry: NSMW Delegate Pass Hold...