Kristy Cuevas, Director of Operations at Notre Dame des Arts (NDA) and self-described “part community builder, part paint-splattered logistics person,” joined the organization after animating a puppet camp during Semaine des Arts—an experience that evolved from bringing cardboard characters to life into a board position committed to expanding programming and partnerships. As a mom of four deeply rooted in NDG who grew up in an intergenerational home, Cuevas has witnessed firsthand how creative spaces build confident kids, connected families, and thriving artists, fueling her belief that communities need places to connect and create without immediately reaching for wallets.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
We believe art belongs to everyone.
Our mission is to open the doors of creativity wide, making visual, musical, performance, digital, and literary arts accessible in both English and French to the NDG community through workshops, festivals, exhibitions, and joyful gatherings that reflect the rich diversity of our neighbourhood.
We celebrate the imagination, passion, and cultural heartbeat of NDG by lifting up local professional artists and emerging student artists, offering mentorship, skill sharing, and meaningful platforms to shine.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Access and visibility.
Many people feel art spaces aren’t “for them,” whether due to cost, confidence, or background. At the same time, local artists, especially emerging and early-career creators, often struggle for platforms and recognition. NDA seeks to bridge those gaps: making participation accessible while spotlighting the talent that makes NDG vibrant.
Creativity shouldn’t be exclusive. It should be communal.
When did you start/join it?
I first became involved by animating a puppet camp during Semaine des Arts. What started as bringing cardboard characters to life grew into a deeper commitment to the organization’s long-term vision. I recently stepped into a board position and am excited to expand our programming and partnerships.
What made you want to get involved?
I’m a mom of four and deeply rooted in NDG. I’ve seen firsthand how creative spaces build confident kids, connected families, and thriving artists. I also grew up in an intergenerational home with my grandparents, so the idea of young creators, established artists, and seniors sharing space and inspiration feels especially meaningful to me. Additionally, our communities need more space to connect and be creative, where you don’t immediately have to reach for your wallet.
What was the situation like when you started?
NDA is primarily known for Semaine des Arts, our now well-loved, full week of summer arts programming that brings workshops, performances, and exhibitions into the neighbourhood. It has heart, momentum, and serious creative energy.
Over the past two years, we expanded beyond that anchor event. We added a winter lantern workshop and community parade, which has quickly become its own magical tradition.
At the same time, the arts sector is demanding. Running community arts means constant grant writing, partnership building, budgeting, and adapting. Chasing funding is no joke. Behind every joyful workshop photo is a spreadsheet and multiple funding applications.
We have always had the spark. Now we’re working on building sustainability.
How has it changed since?
The challenges remain, funding is competitive, space is precious, but we’re approaching them with renewed energy.
We’ve welcomed new board members and built meaningful collaborations with local partners who believe in what we’re creating. Collectively, the board has come together to hash out a long-term vision and stronger momentum.
Right now, we’re working to secure a new public-facing space that would be open five days a week — a true neighbourhood arts hub. A place for workshops and artistic drop-ins, but also a professional exhibition space where emerging and established artists can present their work with pride.
What more needs to be done?
We need a stable, welcoming space where anyone can walk in, sit down, and make something.
Not everyone signs up for a structured program. Sometimes what people need is a table, some materials, and another human being across from them. A place to draw, write, experiment, and connect.
We want NDA to be a space where a teenager can build a portfolio, a professional artist can mentor informally, a senior can try something new, and a neighbour can simply connect.
To make that possible, we need sustained funding, long-term space security, and community support. The vision is simple: open doors, open tables, open conversations.
How can our readers help?
Show up. That genuinely matters.
Come to an exhibition. Bring a friend. Follow us, like and share our work so more people discover local artists. Volunteer your time or professional skills. If you’re able, donate directly to help keep programs accessible and artists fairly supported.
And here’s something many people don’t think about: does your workplace have a corporate sponsorship, community investment, or donation-matching program? If so, we’d love to connect. Many companies are looking to support local initiatives and we’re building something that directly benefits the NDG community.
Every share, every introduction, every sponsorship helps keep the doors open.
Do you have any events coming up?
Yes, we’re in full creative mode!
First up is our March Break Studio Experience & Exhibition. Participants spend the week exploring different artistic mediums, learning new skills, and creating original work that culminates in a public exhibition.
We’re also ramping up for Semaine des Arts, our signature summer arts celebration. This year, we’re inviting the community to take part in workshops leading up to our Promenade des Arts, where participants will create pieces installed throughout NDG! Essentially, an artistic treasure hunt woven into the neighbourhood.
And because 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of NDG, we’re launching a special Semaine des Arts: NDG 150 Edition contest to celebrate the history, creativity, and cultural heartbeat of our community. Callout coming soon for logo submissions for all our gear for this once-in-a-century-and-a-half event!
NDG is turning 150. We plan to make it colourful.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Our partner in art, NDG Art Hive.
They create radically welcoming, barrier-free creative spaces throughout NDG, operating in various public locations across the neighbourhood rather than from a single permanent site. That flexibility is part of their magic. They meet people where they are.
Their open studio model invites anyone to sit down and make art, no experience, no pressure, no cost barriers. It builds connection across generations and cultures in the most organic way possible.
We collaborate, share ideas, and strengthen each other’s work. When Art Hive thrives, the entire NDG arts ecosystem grows stronger.
NDG is lucky to have them, and we’re proud to work alongside them.
