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 Programs
Our free community programming is designed for adults interested in exploring social and environmental issues, learning through creative practice, and connecting with others.
No artistic experience is necessary. We welcome people from all backgrounds who are curious about the world around them and interested in exploring ideas together.
Our community-based approach allows us to offer programming in different venues and settings, bringing opportunities for connection and learning to a range of communities.
How We Create Change
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Collective Care: We create opportunities for people to connect, share experiences, and build relationships through creativity and community programming.
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Gentle Advocacy: We use creative practice to open conversations, explore different perspectives, and encourage positive change.
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Ecological Resilience: We explore how creativity can help communities engage with environmental challenges and imagine more sustainable futures.
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Civic Participation: We use creativity to encourage participation, dialogue, and connection within community life.
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:
Informed Design: We build inclusion, accessibility, and collective care into how we develop and deliver our programs.
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.
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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CCIA Market Pop-Up& Art Supply drive
Join us at our community pop-up to meet the CCIA team and learn about upcoming programs! We’ll also be collecting new & gently used art supplies to support our free, community arts programming for adults.
When: Nov 7, 2026 | 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
Where: Halifax Brewery Market, 1496 Lower Water Street, Kjipuktuk (Halifax)
Learn More & View Donation Needs