InACTS is a unit that houses NSCAD University鈥檚 Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Art Education, Belonging, and Social Change.聽

A historic property located at 1871 Granville, InACTS is a site for connecting the University directly with communities, particularly those who have been historically excluded from institutional structures such as newcomers, racialized groups, and young people. As such, events in the space must have a clear community oriented or research purpose that engages members outside of the University. This includes knowledge creation (e.g., method development, data collection with community stakeholders), exchange (e.g., skills sharing, training), and dissemination (e.g., research talks, screenings, presentations). Activities that address social challenges and issues of belonging faced by NSCAD students (e.g., housing and food insecurity, mental wellbeing) may also be hosted here.

As a transdisciplinary entity, InACTS takes an approach to art and art education that transcends conventional disciplinary boundaries and draws from a range of ontological, epistemological, and theoretical perspectives with various practical applications. Knowledge and skills are shared between members (researchers, participants, community stakeholders) in ways that allow them to work collaboratively for the ultimate benefit of a given participant group or population.

Under the direction of Dr. April Mandrona InACTS was established in 2023. As a hub for community arts education and innovation, the newly renovated space is equipped with technology to support students, HQP, and community members in the identification and mobilization of creative knowledges. InACTS and partners share a commitment to the development of deep, long-term relationships with communities to address ongoing issues related to displacement, discrimination, and exclusion. This commitment is grounded in an asset-based and trauma-informed approaches to learning and cultural exchange. As such, strategies for effective dialogue and respectful relations are part of all interactions in InACT projects.

One of InACTS鈥檚 current projects is Halifax Fashion Heart, an intergenerational fashion incubator that provides materials, equipment (access to NSCAD teaching studios), networking opportunities, and industry connections to newcomers with skills and experience in fashion and textiles. In partnership with Soli Productions, TD Link Up, and Youth Art Connection, this initiative works with participants to showcase their creations at events like Halifax Fashion Week (2024).