Building Connection and Change Through Art
Creative Community Impact Association (CCIA) is a federally incorporated nonprofit offering free, socially engaged arts programming for adults. We use creativity to bring people together, spark conversations, share knowledge, and build connections. Through hands-on creative experiences, we create opportunities for adults to learn, reflect, participate in community life, and explore ideas together.
Our programming focuses on four main areas: Creative Connections, Inclusive Arts Practice, EcoArts Labs, and Pride Pedagogy. Each stream uses a different creative approach to facilitate conversation, guided by gentle advocacy and collective care.
What We Do
We use creativity as a tool for learning, connection, and positive change:
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Inclusive Programming: We host diverse arts experiences that foster connection and belonging for everyone, regardless of background.
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Gentle Advocacy: We use art as a tool to facilitate gentle dialogue to build stronger communities.
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2SLGBTQIA+ Initiatives: We create safe, welcoming spaces designed by and for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, rooted in queer pedagogy and centred on joy, belonging, and creative autonomy.
Our Community
CIA brings together people who believe creativity can help build stronger, more connected communities. Based in Kjipuktuk (Halifax) and connecting across Canada, our community includes:
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Socially Engaged Creatives
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Community Leaders & Educators
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2SLGBTQIA+ Community Members
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Civic-Minded Adults
Together, we are building a space rooted in creativity, inclusion, connection, and collective care.
How We Create Change
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Collective Care: We create spaces where people can connect, share experiences, and support one another through creativity and community programming.
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Gentle Advocacy: We share knowledge, experiences, and accessible information to encourage positive change across the arts and community sector.
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Ecological Resilience: We explore how creativity can help communities respond to environmental and social change.
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Values-Driven Leadership: We offer creative team-building workshops and public speaking that support groups in building inclusive, collaborative ways of working.
Our Approach
We are committed to learning from our communities and continually reflecting on what works, what is needed, and how creativity can support inclusion, accessibility, and connection.
Our approach brings together lived experience, creative practice, and ongoing learning to help us strengthen our programming over time.
Our Current Focus:
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Informed Design: We build inclusion, accessibility, and collective care into how we develop and deliver our programs.
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Knowledge Sharing: We share what we learn through our programming and community work to encourage more inclusive and creative approaches across the arts and social sectors.
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Accountable Growth: We listen and learn from our communities, using what we hear to continually shape and improve our work.
What's coming up next
For more information please visit our Community Programs Page
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October: Special Community Events
This October, CCIA is stepping outside our regular programming to connect directly with our community through two special events, and we'd love to see you there!
Halifax Brewery Market Pop-Up
Join us at our community pop-up to meet the CCIA team and learn about upcoming programs! We’ll also be collecting small, compact art supplies to support our free community arts programming.
When: October 10, 2026 | 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
Where: 1496 Lower Water Street, Kjipuktuk (Halifax) (Alexander Keith’s Brewery building)
Learn More & View Donation Needs
Queer Artists Networking Night
A free evening for queer creatives, with special performances
We are proud to support this free community event hosted by The Q Creative Network. 2SLGBTQIA+ creators of all disciplines and experience levels are invited to connect, share resources, and enjoy special live performances.
When: October 15, 2026 | 7:00–9:00 PM
Where: Cultural Federations, 1113 Marginal Road, Kjipuktuk (Halifax)
Admission: Free (Registration required)