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 as a way to bring people together, spark conversations, share knowledge, and build connections. The creative activity gives people something to explore together, creating space for conversation, learning, reflection, and connection.
Our programming focuses on four main areas: Creative Connections, Inclusive Arts Practice, EcoArts Labs, and Pride Pedagogy. Through these, we explore inclusion, accessibility, diversity, and environmental issues through hands-on creative experiences that invite people to think, talk, learn, and connect with one another.
Thank You for Supporting Our Summer Benefit Auction
Our Summer Benefit Auction has wrapped up, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, bid, and helped make it a success.
The proceeds will fund the art supplies needed for our free community programming this fall and winter.
Thank you for helping us keep these programs free and accessible for our community.
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 that prioritize safety, joy, 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.
Upcoming Events
For more information please visit our Community Programs Page
Community Canvas: Collaborative Fabric Painting Project
In partnership with Halifax Public Libraries
Create something that will leave a lasting impact on our community.
Join us for a free, collaborative fabric painting workshop where participants will design permanent table runners that reflect our 4 program streams. They will be showcased at future CCIA events and local pop-up markets. No experience is needed, all materials are provided, and everyone is welcome.
Please note: You do not need to register for both sessions. Each session requires its own registration, and space is limited
Location: Halifax Central Library, Lou Duggan Creative Studio
August Session
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Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026 | Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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Themes: Community & Belonging (Creative Connections & Inclusive Arts)
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Registration Opens: August 16 at 12:00
September Session
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Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026 | Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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Themes: Environment & Identity (EcoArts Labs & Pride Pedagogy)
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Registration Opens: August 30 at 12:00
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