NIAD Art Center

Founded in 1982 by Florence Ludins-Katz and Dr. Elias Katz, the National Institute for Art & Disabilities was established as an incubator for artist-led initiatives and sustainable art practices. In the intervening decades, NIAD (now Nurturing Independence through Artistic Development) has become a pioneering force in the art world, making a lasting impact at the intersection of art, disability and creativity. Currently, our studios are home to 75 talented artists. Located in close proximity to influential art and cultural centers like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Oakland Museum of California, NIAD stands alongside  them as a beacon of creative expression, intertwining art with local narratives and themes of activism and community resilience. Looking to the future, NIAD envisions expansion: in our physical footprint, our new and existing institutional partnerships, and in our presence in gallery, museum, and public spaces around the globe. Our ongoing mission reflects a dedication to breaking down barriers, empowering artists, and fostering genuine collaborations within the art world and beyond.