22 Dec 2025

ARIDO Award: Nia Centre for the Arts

As Canada’s first Black Art Centre, goals centered on envisioning a space that is deeply rooted in the Centre’s mission to foster creativity, learning, and cultural expression for all.

Category: IMPACT

Interior Designer: Robin Fraser, ARIDO
Design Firm: Fraser Design Studios

Photographer: Yianni Tong

A completely black room with a stage at the far end, black floor to ceiling curtains, black floor and ceiling, and black wall coverings

A library within a meeting room is available to encourage users to learn about Black artists and Black culture

NIA Centre enriches the user learning experience through immersion in Black arts and culture while fostering exploration in an inclusive community environment. Subtle cultural details, like brass hardware symbolizing African mining history and distinct color accents on each floor reflects Black-nation flags, link the space to the Black diaspora’s heritage.

Front lobby with wooden slat detailing running along the wall behind the reception desk and up the ceiling. The elevator door is surrounded by a bright yellow wall

The “blank canvas” concept prioritizes artistic freedom, ensuring the space accommodates artists’ needs. With a focus on art and culture, a community hub for gathering, learning, and engagement comes to life. By establishing a secure atmosphere, the space invites diaspora artists to participate in a safe setting. Youth and transitioning adults gain access to necessary equipment and materials for creative exploration, engage in self-expression, share knowledge, and learn from one another.

A lounge/waiting area in the lobby with a yellow leather sofa and mid century stule coffe table and side table. The wood slat detailing is on the wall and running up the whole ceiling, where a round pendant hangs above the lounge area

A white gallery wall in a hallway with small framed pictures and some text written on the wall

A library within a meeting room is available to encourage users to learn about Black artists and Black culture.

The NIA Centre was designed with a clear set of goals aimed at creating a dynamic, sustainable, and inclusive space that serves both the artistic community and the public.

Text by: The Interior Designer

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