MYÜZ: An Accessible Immersive Escape Experience at the National Arts Centre
The National Arts Centre has created, as part of its commitment to accessibility and diversity, an innovative and inclusive initiative entitled MYÜZ. Running from July 31 to August 17, 2024, with various entry times. MYÜZ reimagines traditional immersive experiences by blending puzzles, immersive art exhibits, and therapeutic sensory rooms.
MUSE noun /mjuːz/
MYÜZ is a unique experience that dares visitors to go deep into the mind of an artist and influence the creative process. The experience offers visitors of all abilities the opportunity to enter four interconnected rooms, each featuring tactile elements and visual stimulations designed to accommodate diverse sensory needs.
The catalyst for the project is Sarah MacKinnon, the NAC’s Chief Information Officer. Sarah is the mother of three children with disabilities: Téa, 17, has cerebral palsy, while her sons Rowan, 14, and Graeme, 11, are on the autism spectrum.
“When our family goes on vacation, it’s always hard to find attractions that are appropriate and enjoyable for everyone. Venues are rarely universally accessible, or they’ve been adapted after-the-fact, for example through the addition of a wheelchair ramp. When it’s a retrofit, it always shows,” said Sarah MacKinnon, Chief Information Officer at the NAC.
The project raised awareness among the NAC creative team as to what constitutes good inclusive design. Heather Gibson assembled a creative team, including Echo Zhou, Martin Conboy and Katharine Fountain who acted as set, lighting and sound designers, respectively. Visual artists Brad Hindson and Max Striecher, as well as the Canada Council Art Bank, also contributed. Consultants from the disability community were involved from the beginning in the conception of MYÜZ. They include Dominique Chabot of Autism Canada, Liz Winkelaar and Geoffrey Dollar of Propeller Dance, Pina D’Intino and David Wysocki of Aequum Global Access Inc, as well as Anna-Karina Tabuñar of Talent Untapped Group.
“It’s important that we push boundaries to not only find ways for all audiences to attend but also participate fully at the NAC. Projects like MYÜZ bring us closer to understanding what is needed for true accessibility both on and off the stage,” said Heather Gibson, Executive Producer Popular Music and Variety.
Advocates in the Disability Community are also taking notice.
“MYÜZ offers a truly neuro-inclusive environment,” says Dominique Chabot, Family Support Manager for Autism Canada and a parent to two children on the autism spectrum. “This work doesn’t just meet the standards set forth by the Accessibility Act, it’s actually a pioneering leap towards true inclusivity, redefining how cultural institutions engage with diverse audiences. Through initiatives like MYÜZ, the NAC continues to lead the way in promoting neurodiversity and breaking down barriers, contributing to a more inclusive and vibrant artistic landscape in Canada.”
While MYÜZ was designed to be universally accessible, it is suitable for all audiences and recommended. Group bookings are encouraged, as the experience is amplified when participating as a group of up to 8 people.
Dare to delve into the unknown, where reality and fantasy converge. Will you seize your destiny? Or succumb to the eternal embrace of the dream...
MEDIA CALL
Date: Tuesday, July 30th
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Studio Azrieli, 1 Elgin Street, National Arts Centre
Sarah MacKinnon will be on-site for interviews and discussions. Photos and videos are available below. For alternate times or to book pre-interviews, please contact Mathieu Roy at mathieu.roy@nac-cna.ca or 613-793-3998
PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
TICKETS AND INFORMATION
MYÜZ takes place from July 31 to August 17, 2024, offering multiple entry times. Given the immersive nature of the experience, groups of up to 8 people are recommended. Tickets for group entries should be purchased together. Visit the ticket page for further information.
As part of our commitment to accessibility and diversity, we welcome individuals of all abilities and their service animals to join us on this adventure.
Read more: How to design a show for everyone: Universal accessibility through MYÜZ
ABOUT THE NAC
The National Arts Centre is Canada’s bilingual, multi-disciplinary home for the performing arts. The NAC presents, creates, produces, and co-produces performing arts programming in various streams — the NAC Orchestra, Dance, English Theatre, French Theatre, Indigenous Theatre, and Popular Music and Variety — and nurtures the next generation of audiences and artists from across Canada. The NAC is located in the National Capital Region on the unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Mathieu Roy
Communications Strategist, Summer Programming
National Arts Centre
613-793-3998