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Arts Ottawa Awards

The Arts Ottawa Awards celebrate Ottawa-based artists, creatives, educators, businesses, and organizations who help shape a vibrant, connected city.

Artist Painting a Mural

Photo: Eric Reid

Tickets for the Arts Ottawa Awards Ceremony are on sale now! Thursday, February 5th, 2026 7:00PM National Arts Centre, Fourth Stage $25.00




Join us as we celebrate and honour the outstanding work of local artists and arts leaders, shining a spotlight on creativity, innovation, and leadership across disciplines.

The ceremony will feature live music from The Seaborn Sisters Laura Seaborn (vocals) and Jennie Seaborn (drums), Featuring Mark Ferguson (piano/trombone), who bring decades of performance, teaching, and award-winning experience to the stage.

We’re also excited to welcome our hosts for the evening, Lydia Talajic and Velvet Wells, who will guide us through the ceremony with insight, warmth, and their signature styles.



A special thank you to our sponsors for investing in the recognition and celebration of Ottawa’s artists and creators.



Drift Murals is proud to sponsor the Arts Ottawa Awards in honour of Denise Landriault, whose lasting contributions continue to inspire the next generation of artists in Ottawa.










The Arts Ottawa Awards, originally led by the Ottawa Arts Council, have recognized local contributions to the arts for over 35 years. As the Council transitioned to Arts Ottawa, a review and redesign of the program was initiated to align with current sector needs and priorities.  Between February and June 2025, Arts Ottawa led a multi-phase community engagement process to inform the redesign of the awards. Click here to view the Arts Ottawa Awards Co-Design Process Report



New Model: Summary of Features 

The updated Arts Ottawa Awards will now: 

  1. Recognize five nominees each year 

  2. Accept nominations from individuals, collectives, volunteer-led organizations, youth, non-arts organizations contributing to the arts, and more 

  3. Remove distinction between emerging and established artists 

  4. Focus on demonstrated community impact 


Each recipient will receive: 

  1. A cash prize of $1,000

  2. Media kits 

  3. Increased visibility through Arts Ottawa platforms 

  4. Year-long recognition  


Award recipients may also have access to resources (mentorship, space) and professional development opportunities, depending on availability and sponsorship. 

 

Key Dates 

  • November 2025 – Launch event at Arts Court

  • February 2026 – Awards event where winners are announced at the NAC

Sign up for our Arts Ottawa newsletter for the announcement of exact dates

 

Call for Participation 

  • Volunteers: Various roles will be available for the event and supporting activities. Contact Joni Hamlin at joni@artsottawa.ca to express your interest. 

  • Sponsors: Opportunities include launch event invites and speaking opportunities, media presence, and contribution to in-kind or financial support. Reach out to Nicole Milne at  nicole@artsottawa.ca to learn more. 

For general information, contact info@artsottawa.ca. 

 


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