Arts Ottawa Awards

YOU'RE INVITED! Arts Ottawa Awards Launch Party November 12th 2025 6:00 - 8:00pm Black Box Studio, Arts Court

This celebration is your first look at the newly reimagined Arts Ottawa Awards and the exciting ways we’re celebrating Ottawa’s incredible Arts Community.

Spend the evening enjoying food and drinks, as well as performances from Apollo the Child and DJ Celestial, while connecting with local artists, arts supporters, and community members while we toast to Ottawa’s creative spirit and the opportunities ahead.

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.

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

Would you like to be an Arts Ottawa Awards Peer Assessor? Peer assessors review applications and help determine recipients for the Awards. Learn more and apply here.

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 nominee will receive: 

1. A cash prize (final amount pending sponsor confirmation) 

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.