ADA Collaborative is a nonprofit organization that seeks to provide accessible and affordable arts opportunities, with an emphasis on including the disability community and their allies.

What are we doing? Why are we doing this?
Albuquerque Disability Arts Collaborative is currently hosting accessible Open Mic nights, free of charge to provide a space for people with disabilities and members of the neurodivergent community to come perform. This is an opportunity to share art, music and experiences. This is geared towards sharing creativity and expression for members of these communities and its allies.
The open mic nights are a unique opportunity for individuals from under represented communities to have their art seen and to share their talents in a safe and encouraging space. It is imperative to provide an environment free of judgment and fear in order for the attendees to participate in their artistic expression of choice.
Post Covid there was decline in programs that focused on this community and we are striving to bring them back. We want to increase the opportunities for sharing art, which is a vital part of having a well balanced quality of life. The more representation we can generate then we can promote more equity with in the art community.
Our workshops and classes expand on this idea, by promoting inclusivity through offerings in different artistic mediums. We are hoping to provide a space where people can experience these various forms of art.
We are currently seeking arts instructors, visual artists and performers who believe in our mission! Come support us!
Review by Minister, Poet and Storyteller Michele Walton:
Last week I also attended an open mic night that the Albuquerque Disability Arts Collaborative put on. I did write a poem for the occasion, specifically thinking about two people in my life that I have struggled with in explaining my PTSD and how it affects me. I’ve entitled it “Let’s Be Real” and it is included at the end of this post (SEE POETRY CORNER FOR POEM).
What really touched and stirred my soul, motivating me and inspiring me to do more of my art though, was what I was able to witness. People from all different walks of life and all different issues and strengths had a place to stand up and share. Some sang, some played instruments, some told jokes, some read poetry. Some were just plain entertaining, and some pierced the soul about some of the positive and negative experiences they have had. Seeing the delight, the pride and acceptance not only on their faces but in their loved ones and others’ from the local community who came out to support truly made me want to stand up and shout “Yes! This is what community is supposed to be!” (I held myself back though I have no doubt that with that crowd, my outburst would have been accepted). There was also a great set by Spoken Word Artist Trae Dahl. The ADAC open mic is moving to St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church this month. If you want to see humanity at some of it’s best and most real here in Albuquerque, I highly recommend going.
Remember to also check out Arts Connections!