In September 2010, in partnership with South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre, Common Weal initiated a one year artist in residence program specifically targeted at addressing issues related to disabilities through the arts. With funding from the Sask Arts Board Creative Partnerships Innovations Program, this majorly successful project has been extended into its second year.

While there are a variety of organizations and support programs available to individuals related to their specific disability, and to addressing employment barriers, there are few programs that support enhancing social accessibility and artistic development. Many arts organizations offer a variety of community programs free of charge to economically disadvantaged community members, but there is no other programming which specifically addresses disability culture and recognizes the need for social accessibility.

Over the last several years, artist Traci Foster has gained knowledge and experience working with people impacted in many different ways by disabilities, from quadriplegic wheelchair users with limited fine and gross motor skills, to individuals with psychiatric disabilities who are impacted by social anxiety and mood disorders, to people with FASD and cognitive or developmental disabilities. This has allowed her to consider ways to adapt and individualize programming in order to support artistic expression and development. It has also allowed her to consider her own practice and the concept of developing works for theatre and performance art that are accessible to audiences whose perspective or ability to engage with the work is impacted by disability.

The nature of the work, exploring personal story development, learning new ways to express story, and developing skills, is intense and takes time and support. It is difficult for participants to fully explore their artistic potential over the course of a 3-4 month project, and without access to one-to-one consultation with artist/mentors. Past participants in programming have expressed the desire to access further support, and the wish that programs could be provided on an ongoing basis. The SSILC Artist in Residence Program will provide a full year of support to emerging artists who wish to create work suitable for public presentation.