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Arts Ottawa’s programming and services are designed to address critical gaps and challenges in Ottawa’s arts landscape. Explore what we offer here. Learning and Professional development Join the Arts Ottawa team for casual, in-person monthly drop-ins. Open Office Hours View Program What if we had better ways to calculate the social impact that the arts contribute to local communities?   Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts View Program Community-Engaged Arts Calling in Leadership on Cultural Spaces and Reimagining Downtown Through Arts and Culture Shared Ground Learn More Enacting sustainable, meaningful change in communities is a complex and ongoing challenge. That’s why Arts Ottawa and the City of Ottawa have launched the Artist-in-Residence in Government (AIRG) program. This initiative connects artists with municipal government staff and the community to tackle unique civic challenges and reimagine traditional approaches. By embedding an artist within a city department, their creative perspectives and lived experiences help co-create transformative models of community engagement—addressing pressing local issues in innovative ways that push beyond the status quo. Artist in Residence in Government View Program Takeover our Instagram and showcase your work! Artist Takeovers View Program Funding, recognition and showcasing opportunities The Arts Ottawa Awards celebrate Ottawa-based artists, creatives, educators, businesses, and organizations who help shape a vibrant, connected city. Arts Ottawa Awards View Program ARTicipate Project Grants View Program Programs & Services Arts Ottawa’s programming and services are designed to address critical gaps and challenges in Ottawa’s arts landscape. Through a lens of mentorship and peer-support, we provide a range of opportunities to engage, build careers, expand networks, and access funding. At the forefront, we are committed to platforming the voices of artists in our community to inform and shape our programs and services - working together to achieve a vibrant and sustainable sector.

Driving collective action to address the needs and priorities of Ottawa's arts sector. Arts Ottawa supports and advocates for artists and the arts in Ottawa. Through our focus on collaboration and partnership, we mobilize collective action in Ottawa’s arts community with an emphasis on inclusive and participatory decision-making. Artwork: Melanie Yugo, Nurture Future Photo: Curtis Perry What’s Happening Now Get. Together. on December 15th - Learn more and Register Arts Ottawa Awards nominations are now open! NEW! Artist Talk Group Forum - Sign up now! Support local arts - Matching donations until December 31st! Learn More Co-Leadership Circle Mobilizes action, connects sectors, and guides collective vision. Learn More Advisory circle Amplifies arts voices and connects communities to action. Take Action Action Labs and the Core Leadership Circle Tackle urgent issues, driving sector-wide change Become a Member Membership Connecting communities to action and amplifying arts voices. Volunteer Volunteer Connect with local artists and give back to your community Governance Board ensures accountability and aligns collective action with strategic goals. Donate Today Support Arts Ottawa Your contributions fuel the growth of our local arts sector Become a Sponsor Sponsorship Sponsor the arts in our local community Ways to Get Involved Be part of shaping Ottawa’s arts community. Your involvement amplifies creativity, builds connections, and drives collective action. Together, we can create a thriving, inclusive cultural landscape. Get Involved Co-Creating Arts Ottawa Timeline January Introduction of Co-Creating Arts Ottawa learn more First Open Office Hours: Welcome to Arts Ottawa learn more February Learning Lab no.1: Governance Models and Advocacy in the Arts learn more Open Office Hours: Discussing Arts Awards March Learning Lab no.2 : Artists as Community Leaders learn more Open Office Hours: Discussing Mentorship within the Arts April Learning Lab no. 3: Redefining Volunteerism in Governance learn more Co-Creation Labs: building a governance model learn more May Learning Labs recap videos available online watch now June AGMs held on June 18th Read the annual reports here Shared Ground first event of the initiative held on June 25th Learn more July Unveiling of our new Arts Ottawa Awards Learn more Launch of the Giving Circle Learn more Open Office Hours: Arts Ottawa's Shared Leadership Model Learn more August Updated Volunteer pathway Learn more Introducing Artist Talk: Online community forum Sign up now! September Introducing our new Action Lab: Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts Learn more Arts Awards Co-Design Process Read the report October Shared Ground Learning Lab Learn more Co-Create Mission, Vision and Values statements based on Community Co-Creation feedback with staff and board Collaborative Strategy Sessions outlining areas of focus for 2026 November Co-Create Arts Ottawa Report: Governance, Inclusion, and Volunteer Engagement Read the report December - Driving collective action to address the needs and priorities of Ottawa's arts sector. Photo: Curtis Perry Programs & Services Arts Ottawa Awards The Arts Ottawa Awards celebrate Ottawa-based artists, creatives, educators, businesses, and organizations who help shape a vibrant, connected city. Shared Ground Calling in Leadership on Cultural Spaces and Reimagining Downtown Through Arts and Culture Open Office Hours Join the Arts Ottawa team for casual, in-person monthly drop-ins. Explore more programs & servicEs Explore the new Artist Talk! Our new community hub brings together events, resources, and discussions — all in one place. Stay connected, informed, and inspired. Visit Artist Talk Subscribe to the Arts Ottawa Report! Arts Ottawa offers a bi-weekly report that will keep you up to date on all of the programs and services Arts Ottawa has to offer the Ottawa community. Learn about our newsletters here. Email* Yes, subscribe me to Arts Ottawa Report. * Submit

The Arts Ottawa Awards celebrate Ottawa-based artists, creatives, educators, businesses, and organizations who help shape a vibrant, connected city. Arts Ottawa Awards The Arts Ottawa Awards celebrate Ottawa-based artists, creatives, educators, businesses, and organizations who help shape a vibrant, connected city. Photo: Eric Reid NOMATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! Applications close on December 11th, 2025. Nominate yourself or someone making a meaningful impact across Ottawa’s diverse arts community today! Five nominees across disciplines and stages will be recognized on February 5th, 2026. Nominations are open to individuals, collectives, arts and non-arts organizations or businesses contributing to the arts. Please review the Eligibility Criteria and Assessment Rubric below before applying. Nominate an Artist Click here to access the Assessment Rubric for Artists. Nominate a business or organization Click here to access the Assessment Rubric for businesses and organizations. Please email info@artsottawa.ca with any comments or questions. The Arts Ottawa Awards recognize the achievements of Ottawa-based artists, creatives, educators, businesses, and organizations who contribute to a liveable and engaged city, across disciplines, stages, and communities. We welcome and encourage nominations that represent a diverse range of artistic disciplines and creative practices. Please review our eligibility guidelines below: Nominees may be an individual artist or creative, collective, local business or organization. Nominees should demonstrate an ongoing connection to the Ottawa region, which may include an Ottawa-based artistic practice and/or residing in the Ottawa-Gatineau region or resident of the host nation: Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation or Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation. Nominees can self-nominate or be nominated by an individual or group (please note that nominators may only endorse one applicant in each category per year). 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. 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. 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: Recognize five nominees each year Accept nominations from individuals, collectives, volunteer-led organizations, youth, non-arts organizations contributing to the arts, and more Remove distinction between emerging and established artists Focus on demonstrated community impact Each recipient will receive: A cash prize of $1,000 Media kits Increased visibility through Arts Ottawa platforms 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.

Short description Get. Together. on December 15th - Learn more and Register Short description

At Arts Ottawa, we’re dedicated to being a strong voice for the arts in the region, building relationships to increase awareness of their value and strengthening the local arts sector. Advocating for the Arts in the Ottawa Region A thriving arts scene fosters a community where ideas, talents, and cultures are celebrated, and where identities are shared. At Arts Ottawa, we’re dedicated to being a strong voice for the arts in the region, building relationships to increase awareness of their value and strengthening the local arts sector. We actively share information and opportunities with the community so that together, we can shape a vibrant arts scene that everyone can contribute to. As a member, you’re part of this collective voice. Photo: Eric Reid Stay informed The Ottawa Arts Initiative (OAI) Instagram page was created by our team to advocate for the social and economic value of art and culture in Ottawa, providing a platform to amplify the voices of our creative community. Follow Us @ottawaarts.initiative Advocacy Updates Transforming Together: Systemic Change for Community Benefit On Our Radar

At Arts Ottawa, we believe that the arts thrive when communities have a voice in shaping them. That’s why we’re launching the Arts Ottawa Giving Circle, an innovative initiative that invites you to invest in the arts AND play an active role in deciding how funds are used to support artists and cultural programs across the city. Giving Circle: Help Shape the Future of the Arts in Ottawa At Arts Ottawa, we believe that the arts thrive when communities have a voice in shaping them. That’s why we’re launching the Arts Ottawa Giving Circle, an innovative initiative that invites you to invest in the arts AND play an active role in deciding how funds are used to support artists and cultural programs across the city. Here’s the reality: → The need for arts funding is growing, but resources remain limited. → Artists and arts organizations need our support now more than ever. → We can’t do this alone. We need a community of committed supporters who believe in the powerof the arts and want to ensure their future. That’s where the Giving Circle comes in. What is the Arts Ottawa Giving Circle? The Giving Circle is a community-led philanthropy initiative with a goal of raising $10,000 to sustain key Arts Ottawa programs. As a member, you won’t just donate—you’ll help determine how the funds are allocated through a collaborative, transparent decision-making process. How It Works: 1. Join the Giving Circle – Beginning in June 2025, make a monthly ($100+) or annual ($1,200+) contribution and receive a tax receipt. 2. Engage in Shared Decision-Making – Meet with fellow supporters 3 to 4 times a year (1-2 hours) to discuss funding priorities and collectively allocate where resources are needed most. 3. See the Impact – Receive transparent, regular updates on how your contributions are strengthening the arts community. To join the Giving Circle, contact: Nicole Milne Co-Leadership, Operations & Revenue Generation Thank you to our current Giving Circle Members: Barbara and Glenn McInnes Family Fund – Ottawa Community Foundation The Blue Pearl Foundation Fund – Ottawa Community Foundation Bill Staubi Jeff Richstone Rob Henderson Anne Jolicoeur

This Giving Tuesday, join us in raising funds to support our Mentorship Programs, a cornerstone of both our Action Labs and Arts Ottawa Awards. Support local arts - Matching donations until December 31st! This Giving Tuesday, join us in raising funds to support our Mentorship Programs, a cornerstone of both our Action Labs and Arts Ottawa Awards. Give Today Giving Tuesday Mardi je donne .zip Download ZIP • 3.04MB Want to help even more? If you would like to spread the word about Giving Tuesday, we have a promo package ready for you! A generous supporter is offering matching donations up to $1,000 until December 31st. This Giving Tuesday, every contribution will be matched, doubling the impact of your gift. Our Mentorship Programming is a central part of both Action Labs and the Arts Ottawa Awards. From dozens of surveys and extensive community engagement, we heard loud and clear that Ottawa artists want to see mentorship strengthened across the city’s arts community. Mentorship isn’t just one-on-one guidance. It’s co-learning, co-creating, and coming together to share knowledge, workshop ideas, and strengthen Ottawa’s arts community In our Action Labs , mentorship goes beyond theory. It allows us to fund events, provide resources, and create experiences that make learning impactful and collaborative. Learn more about our Action Labs here. For the Arts Ottawa Awards , we aim to extend mentorship to winning nominees. Recognition would not stop at a cash prize, as we hope to continue supporting artists in the months that follow to help them grow, learn, and thrive. We are reaching out to potential mentors and, if all goes according to plan, will pair them with Arts Awards recipients so these connections can truly flourish. Learn more about the Ottawa Arts Awards here. Thank you for being part of this vibrant community and for helping Ottawa artists reach their full potential. Your support makes a meaningful difference, and we are so grateful for your generosity.

What if we had better ways to calculate the social impact that the arts contribute to local communities?   Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts What if we had better ways to calculate the social impact that the arts contribute to local communities?   Photo: Brooklyn Marok Register now for Get. Together. December 15th, 10:00am - 1:00pm Carleton Dominion Chalmers Centre Register here Join Arts Ottawa for the launch of our Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts Action Lab. This public session is for anyone interested in exploring how to measure and share the impact of their work in the arts. What to expect: Meet Action Lab participants and prototypers. Learn from our Action Lab Advisor, Shanice Bernicky, about arts-impact frameworks. Participate in hands-on conversations and activities to build tools, connections, and approaches for capturing arts impact in Ottawa. About the Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts Action Lab In 2024, Arts Ottawa embarked on a collaborative research project with Third Angle , funded by the Ottawa Community Foundation. This project explored the value and feasibility of a regional Arts Impact Calculator: a tool that helps Ottawa arts organizations measure and communicate their social and economic impact. Together, Arts Ottawa and Stephanie Nadeau from Third Angle identified gaps and opportunities to strengthen local capacity and better communicate the social impact of the creative sectors. Stephanie and Third Angle then synthesized the findings into the Impact Calculator Feasibility Study . VIEW THE IMPACT CALCULATOR FEASIBILITY STUDY HERE Why Social Impact Evaluation? We know the arts contribute to vibrant, healthy community and a thriving local economy. According to the Ontario Arts Council, Eastern Ontario’s Arts and Culture sector generates $2.7 billion in GDP. Yet still, current tools for measuring social impact lack consistency and accessibility across the sector. Why Measure Impact? Show the value of arts to partners and the community. Attract investment and build support. Advocate for funding and policy change. Through this Action lab, Arts Ottawa aims to address how we can use and build upon the Impact Calculator to capture the individual and collective impact of arts activities in Ottawa. Meet our Action Lab Advisors These advisors will support the Action Lab as mentors to contribute expertise, findings, and resources from their work in research, evaluation, or practical tools. Robin Sokoloski From Mass Culture Robin Sokoloski (she/her) is a dedicated arts and culture professional based in Tkaronto/Toronto with over two decades of experience in the field. Currently serving as the Director of Research and Programming at Mass Culture, she collaborates with academics, funders, and arts practitioners to mobilize the creation, amplification, and community-informed research that supports the arts sector’s growth and sustainability. At Mass Culture, Robin has spent the last three years project managing Research in Residence: Arts’ Civic Impact, a national research initiative that led to the development of three qualitative arts impact frameworks. These tools help arts organizations better understand their civic impact through qualitative indicators. She also leads Mass Culture’s Evaluative Thinking Initiative, which supports a culture of reflection and continuous learning across the arts sector, and stewards the DNA: Data Narratives for the Arts program, which integrates data practices into the daily work of arts organizations through training, tools, and collaborative learning. Robin currently serves on the Board of the Toronto Arts Council and as a member of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Centre for Free Expression’s Steering Committee. She has recently taught a course on Art Policy, Equity, and Activism for Centennial College’s Arts Management program, and developed and taught a course on Cultural Entrepreneurship for MacEwan University’s Arts and Cultural Management program. Shanice Bernicky From Mass Culture Shanice Bernicky (she/her, elle) is a media maker and PhD student at Carleton University’s School of Journalism & Communication. She completed a Master’s research-creation thesis in Media Studies at Concordia University, as a non-linear documentary exploring themes of domestic violence, heritage, and multi-racial identity from the axis point of natural Black hair. As a freelance video editor, she has worked on a myriad of projects on rich topics such as Indigenous laws and practices outside the settler-Canadian legal framework, feminist commentary on science and technology studies, and environmental issues connecting the East and the West. At Carleton, Shanice researches equity practices in the settler-Canadian public arts institutions with the continued support of Mass Culture. When she’s not working, she can be found knitting or with her hands in earth. Natasha Qureshi From Sympl Solutions Natasha Qureshi is the Founder and Principal of Sympl Solutions, a Toronto-based consultancy that bridges strategy, finance, and data for the arts and nonprofit sectors. She is also the Co-Creator of ArtMetrica, a platform helping arts and culture organizations measure and communicate their impact through intuitive dashboards and shared data frameworks. A Fulbright Scholar with a background in Computer Science and an MBA from Cornell University, Natasha combines technical and strategic expertise to help the arts and culture sector tell its stories through data, strengthen its value to communities, and shape a more sustainable and equitable creative ecosystem. Action Lab Goals and Outcomes The Action Lab will strengthen conversations, shape practical outcomes, and build approaches that benefit the entire arts community. We aim to: Develop skills to process, articulate, and report qualitative and quantitative data   Build confidence in tracking and implementing impact indicators   Address roadblocks like HR capacity or skill gaps in evaluation   Leverage impact-evaluation skills for fundraising and advocacy   Engage with national and regional networks, aligning work with other impact-indexes, like the United Nation’s 16 Sustainable Development Goals LEARN MORE ABOUT ARTS OTTAWA'S ACTION LABS

Ways you can get involved with the Ottawa arts community. Get Involved Be part of shaping Ottawa’s arts community. Your involvement amplifies creativity, builds connections, and drives collective action. Together, we can create a thriving, inclusive cultural landscape. Explore ways you can get involved below. Photo: Shannon Hawn Membership Connecting communities to action and amplifying arts voices. Become a Member Arts Ottawa Governance Model We’ve reimagined governance at Arts Ottawa, centering collaboration, transparency, and community input in everything we do.  Learn More Learning and Co-Creation Labs Exploring governance, advocacy, and artist-led collaboration to design a Shared Leadership Model. Learn More Action Labs and the Core Leadership Circle Tackle urgent issues, driving sector-wide change Take Action Volunteer Connect with local artists and give back to your community Volunteer Sponsorship Sponsor the arts in our local community Become a Sponsor Support Arts Ottawa Your contributions fuel the growth of our local arts sector Donate Today

Sponsorship We know the arts help build strong communities and we can help you tap into Ottawa’s creative economy. Our programs and events involve thousands of residents every year and engage representatives from local businesses and the three levels of governments. Let us help you grow your business by supporting the arts, and help us create a city where creativity and community thrive. Reach new audiences and make an impact by sponsoring one of our programs or events. All our sponsorships are fully customizable. Photo: Brooklyn Marok Professional Learning Develop arts entrepreneurs by sponsoring a Learning Series or sponsor of the Ottawa's Creative Continuum Conference, Mentorship for young arts professionals (annual), new Career Management and Arts Entrepreneurship Bootcamps. Arts Awards The investment you make demonstrates that you recognize the importance of artists who are aspiring and thriving in our community, and the contribution they make to our city. With your help, we can continue to create an environment where equity and diversity are celebrated, and artistic achievement is acknowledged and rewarded. Community-Engaged Arts Projects Engage with the community through our Neighbourhood Arts Ottawa program. Contact us to help support a community-engaged art project. Media Sponsorships We rely on in-kind agreements with local media to reach many audiences about our programming and events. In-Kind Products and Services Our events bring together dozens to hundreds of people from across our city, and in-kind donations are a great way to increase your visibility. Request a meeting or sponsorship package: Nicole Milne Co-Leadership, Operations and Revenue Generation nicole@artsottawa.ca Arts Ottawa Sponsorship Policy Purpose This policy outlines Arts Ottawa’s position on sponsorship and clarifies how we engage with external supporters. We are often approached with requests for sponsorships, naming rights, and visibility exchanges. While we value financial and in-kind support, we do not offer sponsorships in the traditional sense. Instead, we build values-based partnerships that reflect shared commitments to artists, equity, and community. Policy Overview Arts Ottawa does not offer sponsorship opportunities that involve standard benefits such as logo placements, tiered recognition levels, or advertising space in exchange for contributions. Our work is rooted in collaboration and shared decision-making. We prioritize relationships with individuals, organizations, and businesses who share our mission and who want to work alongside us to support long-term impact in Ottawa’s arts community. Requests and Inquiries If your organization or business is interested in supporting Arts Ottawa, we invite you to connect with our team to explore a collaborative partnership that aligns with your values and ours. We are happy to discuss options for meaningful engagement that contribute to community outcomes. For more information, please contact: info@artsottawa.ca We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the businesses and organizations that have generously supported and partnered with Arts Ottawa; their commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape has made a significant impact on our community. Our sponsors and partners play a crucial role in developing a thriving arts ecosystem, allowing us to continue our mission of advancing the arts in our region.


Support your local arts community today. Support Arts Ottawa Discover the many ways you can contribute to Arts Ottawa below. Help sustain our operations, fuel vibrant programming, or play an active role in shaping how your support makes an impact. Photo: Jamaal Khaleefa Giving Tuesday This Giving Tuesday, your donation will be matched up to $1,000 until December 31st - doubling your impact! Your support helps strengthen mentorship opportunities, a cornerstone of Arts Ottawa’s Action Labs and Awards, responding to the community’s call for more guidance and connection for local artists. Learn More and Give Today Join the Giving Circle Join a community-driven effort to support the arts in Ottawa. The Arts Ottawa Giving Circle empowers donors not only to give, but to actively help decide how funds are allocated to vital arts programs. Learn More and Sign Up ARTicipate Endowment Fund Text ARTS to 20222 to give $10 to the ARTicipate Endowment Fund today! Donate to our ARTicipate Endowment Fund to support artistic activity in the professional spaces of the Shenkman Arts Centre. Whether it is a stage performance, an art exhibition in one of the Centre’s galleries or the creation of new work, your donation to the Fund will enable local artists to share their work at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Donate to the ARTicipate Endowment Fund Donate to Arts Ottawa Arts Ottawa seeks to nurture the arts, to let them bloom and spread their roots deep into the cityscape. In so doing, we endeavour to build a city that hums with life, where equity and diversity are not just present, but celebrated. Together we can deliver on our mission to drive collective action in responding to community needs and priorities, fostering a thriving arts sector. Donate to Arts Ottawa Today Arts Ottawa Fund The Arts Ottawa Fund, established through the Ottawa Community Foundation, offers a transformative opportunity for donors to make a lasting impact on our city's vibrant arts community. Your contributions to this fund will ensure sustainable growth and innovation in the arts, as annual dividends are directed towards initiatives that unite and elevate the sector as a collective. By giving today, you are not only supporting artists, creators, and cultural organizations, but also strengthening the very fabric of Ottawa's identity as a city rich in creativity and cultural expression. This is a unique chance to be part of something bigger. Join us in driving the arts forward, ensuring that they continue to thrive for generations to come. Donate to the Arts Ottawa Fund Other ways to donate to Arts Ottawa Tangible personal property Donation Matching Legacy Giving Leave a donation in your will Life insurance Property RRSPs and RRIFs Securities Contact Us Explore the new Artist Talk! Our new community hub brings together events, resources, and discussions — all in one place. Stay connected, informed, and inspired. Visit Artist Talk Subscribe to the Arts Ottawa Report! Arts Ottawa offers a bi-weekly report that will keep you up to date on all of the programs and services Arts Ottawa has to offer the Ottawa community. Learn about our newsletters here. Email* Yes, subscribe me to Arts Ottawa Report. * Submit

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