NIAD promotes creative expression, independence, dignity and community integration for people with disabilities. Through its visual arts studio program, NIAD gives people with disabilities the skills and experience to express themselves, be independent and earn income as an artist. This nurturing community of artists fosters experimentation, increases competence to make informed choices and increases connections among diverse communities through the commonality of creative expression.
NIAD Art Center
NIAD artist MiaMya Dawson poses in her wheelchair in front of a wall displaying NIAD artwork at Oakland Museum of California’s “Into the Brightness” exhibition.
A spread from the NIAD publication “Me and My Gal” featuring NIAD artists Donzell Lewis and Felicia Griffin, among others.
NIAD artists in front of their collaborative mural at SFMOMA's MiNi Mural Festival.
NIAD artist Shana Harper works with NIAD facilitator Em Kettner in the NIAD clay studio.
NIAD artist Miguel Chacon discusses his art with NIAD staff Isabelle Zhang and community member Uche Uwahemu in NIAD’s Main Gallery.
“The Foundation’s commitment to supporting artists by funding the institutions that incubate, encourage, exhibit and critically engage their work is unwavering. Non-profit arts organizations face profound challenges due to the political, economic, social and cultural upheavals of our current moment. At the same time, and more than ever, artists need the supportive community and creative encouragement that these organizations provide.”
Joel Wachs, President