About Us

Our Mission

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Creative Community Impact Association (CCIA) empowers communities, organizations, and leaders across Canada to harness creativity as a catalyst for connection, inclusion, and lasting social change. Through arts-based collaboration, education, and research, we advance equitable opportunities where every creative voice is recognized, valued, and supported.

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Our Vision

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We believe creative work is more than expression; it is a powerful force for building resilient, inclusive communities. Our vision is a Canada where artists, educators, cultural workers, and mission-driven creatives have the tools, networks, and recognition they need to create measurable impact and drive systemic change.

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Our Values​

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• Creativity: We embrace innovation and arts-based approaches to unlock new possibilities for social good

• Collaboration: We build authentic partnerships and networks to strengthen collective impact

• Inclusion: We foster belonging by centering diverse voices and experiences

• Impact: We are committed to outcomes that advance equity and measurable lasting impact

• Leadership: We nurture shared leadership that empowers individuals and communities to lead meaningful change

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Our Journey​

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CCIA traces its roots to Sparkles n’ Sawdust, a heart-centered creative space in downtown Halifax (Kjipuktuk), founded to support artists with disabilities and other underrepresented creatives. When the pandemic reshaped communities, the team responded with innovative, accessible workshops and programs to meet evolving needs.

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Building on this foundation, founder Jacquelyn Miccolis launched the Supernova Market, an annual showcase amplifying diverse creative voices across Atlantic Canada. This eventually grew into Supernova Events, a now-closed social enterprise offering workshops, talks, and consulting to foster collaboration and belonging. A highlight was the Supernova Conference, which brought together artists, educators, and cultural leaders to connect, learn, and address systemic challenges in the arts sector.

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These experiences helped inform the creation of the Creative Community Impact Association (CCIA), a federally incorporated, independent nonprofit organization. CCIA is inspired by the values and mission that guided these earlier ventures, but it is a separate entity with a national focus, supporting inclusive creative communities through education, resource sharing, cross-sector collaboration, and original research designed to measure and strengthen the impact of the arts on community well-being and social change