Arts Ottawa's first Community Forum: Turning Priorities into Action took place April 23rd, you can read about the outcomes HERE.
WHAT'S NEXT:
The conversations and priorities identified through the first session of the Community Forum are only the beginning. The next phase is about turning shared ideas into coordinated action across Ottawa’s arts sector.
Complete the Community Survey
If you participated in the Forum — or want to contribute to the ongoing conversation — we encourage you to complete the Arts Ottawa Community Input Survey. This survey asks: what do you need to play your part, and what campaign ideas do you suggest? Your responses will help identify the supports, partnerships, and collective actions needed to strengthen Ottawa’s arts sector and shape advocacy and organizing efforts.
Attend the AGM
Each year, Arts Ottawa hosts its Annual General Meeting (AGM) — a yearly gathering of members, community, and other invested parties. At the AGM, Arts Ottawa presents its financials, annual report, and organizational updates, while invested parties have the opportunity to vote on issues at hand.
This year’s AGM is also an opportunity to continue the conversations sparked through the Forum, hear how outcomes will inform future work, and stay engaged in shaping the direction of Ottawa’s arts community.
SAVE THE DATE:
May 27, 2026 – Follow-up Community Forum where we will build on the first forum, share key outcomes, and outline next steps in unifying our voice ahead of the upcoming election.
About Arts Ottawa's Community Forums:
Arts Ottawa Community Forums are facilitated working sessions where artists, cultural workers, and community members come together to shape shared priorities for Ottawa’s arts sector. We focus on collective challenges and practical next steps across economic, social, and physical infrastructure. All the background and insights can be found here.
The purpose of these sessions is to:
share where the sector is going
test priorities and assumptions
co-create next steps across economic, social, and physical infrastructure
create clear feedback loops into decision-making
What Makes an Arts Ottawa Forum Different?
Designed, not open mic
Participation is structured around real questions Arts Ottawa is actively working on.
Co-creation, not consultation
Participants help shape priorities, not just react to them.
Visible outcomes
Each Forum produces documented insights, decisions, and next steps.
Repeatable system
Forums are part of an annual cycle, not standalone events.
For our CAMsAs part of your role as a Community Advisory Member, and AO commitments to co-creation and community-led initiatives, we invite CAMs to contribute to the design of the Community Forums. The questions in the survey below will support how the Forum is delivered, and how CAM participation is being structured. You can become a CAM here.