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 Volunteer Connect with local artists and give back to your community Volunteer Governance Board ensures accountability and aligns collective action with strategic goals Meet the Board Support Arts Ottawa Your contributions fuel the growth of our local arts sector Donate Today

Arts Ottawa’s programming and services are designed to address critical gaps and challenges in Ottawa’s arts landscape. Explore what we offer here. The Arts Ottawa Awards celebrate Ottawa-based artists, creatives, educators, businesses, and organizations who help shape a vibrant, connected city. Arts Ottawa Awards Learn More The arts don't just enrich cities; they build them. As we head into the municipal election, we're bringing together artists, cultural workers, organizations, and residents to advocate for the investments and policies needed to support a thriving creative sector and a more vibrant city. Arts & Culture in Ottawa 2026 Learn more 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 Learn More ARTicipate Project Grants Learn More What if we had better ways to calculate the social impact that the arts contribute to local communities?   Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts Learn More Arts Correspondents act as community storytellers, attending Arts Ottawa programs and events to listen, reflect, and share the voices, experiences, and ideas that shape Ottawa’s arts community. Arts Correspondents Learn more Connect with local artists and give back to your community Volunteer Learn more Arts Ottawa is introducing a new role: Artist in Residence in ARTicipate. Artist in Residence in ARTicipate Learn more We’ve reimagined governance at Arts Ottawa, centering collaboration, transparency, and community input in everything we do.  Arts Ottawa Governance Model Learn more Exploring governance, advocacy, and artist-led collaboration to design a Shared Leadership Model. Learning and Co-Creation Labs Learn more Come together to shape shared priorities for Ottawa's arts sector Community Forums Learn more Tackle urgent issues, driving sector-wide change Action Labs and the Core Leadership Circle Learn more 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. Celebrate with us at The Arts Ottawa Awards Ceremony! Tickets are on sale now Thursday, February 5th, 2026 7:00pm - National Arts Centre (Fourth Stage) Learn more about the Arts Ottawa Awards Buy Tickets Driving collective action to address the needs and priorities of Ottawa's arts sector. Photo: Curtis Perry 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 Arts matter this election - learn about our asks for the City Watch the Mayoral Debate on Arts and Culture online Announcing the Lalande + Doyle ARTicipate Recipients! Shared Ground updates : one year later Community Wealth Building part 2 - Learn more 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. Arts & Culture in Ottawa 2026 The arts don't just enrich cities; they build them. As we head into the municipal election, we're bringing together artists, cultural workers, organizations, and residents to advocate for the investments and policies needed to support a thriving creative sector and a more vibrant city. Shared Ground Calling in Leadership on Cultural Spaces and Reimagining Downtown Through Arts and Culture Explore more programs & servicEs 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. Learn More Test 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 Meet the Board 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 Sponsorship Linking business and the arts in your 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 2026 January Arts Ottawa Awards Ceremony Meet the recipients February AIRG Jordan Danger: Final exhibition on Feb. 26 Learn more March March 14 - Social Impact Evaluation Learning Lab Learn more March 19 - First Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more Watch online April April 9 - Second CWB Learning Lab Learn more watch online April 23 - Arts Ottawa's Community Forum Learn more April 29 - Third CWB Learning Lab Learn more watch online Launch of Arts Correspondents Learn more May May 13 - Fourth Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more watch online May 27 - AGM Read the 2025 Impact Report Launch of Artist in Residence in ARTicipate Learn more June June 1st - Fifth Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more watch online Social Impact Evaluation: Decolonizing Evaluation with Dr. Gladys Rowe on Jun. 26th Learn more June 25 - Shared Ground 1 year update Learn more July Shared Ground : Grand Opening of the 300 Sparks st. pop-up on July 21st Learn more Community Advisory Circle : Shaping the Future of the Arts Ottawa Awards Learn more August Ottawa municipal elections : Community priorities and City objectives Learn more September September 12 - Social Prescribing and Impact in the arts Learn more September 29 - Mayoral Debate - Arts and Culture in Ottawa Learn more October - November - December - 2025 January Introduction of Co-Creating Arts Ottawa learn more First Open Office Hours: Welcome to Arts Ottawa 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 Community Co-Creation feedback with staff and board Collaborative Strategy Sessions outlining areas of focus for 2026 Learn more November Co-Create Arts Ottawa Report: Governance, Inclusion, and Volunteer Engagement Read the report December Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts Learning Lab :Audited by Meral Tan as an Arts Correspondent Read the report 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 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

Reports Explore our collection of insightful reports, articles, and studies that reflect the pulse of Ottawa’s vibrant arts community. From in-depth research on cultural trends to practical guides for artists and arts organizations, our publications provide valuable resources to support and inspire the local arts ecosystem. Stay informed and engaged with the latest updates and initiatives shaping Ottawa's creative landscape. Jump to a category: Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts Arts Correspondents Shared Ground Annual Reports Arts Ottawa Governance Model Youtube Policy and Cultural Planning Artist in Residence in Government Learning Labs Artist in Residence in Articipate Shaping the Future of the Arts Ottawa Awards - Final Report of the 2026 Community Advisory Circle read Arts Awards Co-Design Process Report, 2025 read Co-Create Arts Ottawa Report: Governance, Inclusion, and Volunteer Engagement, 2025 read Shaping the Volunteer experience together, 2025 read Arts Correspondent, Ava Margueritte - Arts Ottawa’s Collaborative Strategy Session, 2025 read Transforming together: Systemic change for community benefit. The merger of Ottawa Arts Council and Arts Network Ottawa,2024 read Arts Leaders Breakfast : Feedback Analysis Report, 2024 read Co-Creation Lab Report, 2024 read Community Conversations Report, 2023 – 2024 read Arts Ottawa Impact Report, ONLINE, 2025 read Arts Ottawa Impact Report, 2025 read Arts Network Ottawa Annual Report, 2024 read Ottawa Arts Council Annual Report, 2024 read Arts Network Ottawa Annual Report, 2023 read Ottawa Arts Council Annual Report, 2023 read Arts Ottawa Governance Model Annual Reports Ottawa Has Culture. What It Doesn’t Have Is a Cultural Economy Strategy - and Downtown Will Pay the Price, Article by Kwende Kefentse, 2026 read Why Arts Spaces Matters in the Future of the ByWard Market, Article by Cassandra Olsthoorn, 2026 read Shared Ground Inaugural Learning Day, 2025 read (Un)Common Grounds and Community Living Rooms Event, 2025 read Newly formed Arts Ottawa wants artists to be involved in office conversion discussions, Article by By Mia Jensen, OBJ read New Shared Ground event explores who will lead the transformation of Ottawa’s empty spaces, Article By Willemijn Bunskoek read Shared Ground Action Lab Launch Report, 2025 read Shared Ground: A Framework for Cultural Co-Design in Downtown Ottawa, Article by Kelly Wilhelm, 2025 read Social Prescribing and Impact in the Arts read Strengthening the case for the arts with Kadija De Paula, 2026 read Arts Correspondent, Etta Gerrits - Decolonizing Evaluation, 2026 read Decolonizing Evaluation with Dr. Gladys Rowe, 2026 read Get.Together with Shanice Bernicky, 2025 read Arts Correspondent, Meral Tan- Get.Together Event, 2025 read Impact Calculator feasibility study, Third Angle, Arts Ottawa, Ottawa Community Foundation, 2024 read Shared Ground Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts Arts Correspondent, Yinkore - Community Advisory Circle for the Arts Ottawa Awards read Arts Correspondent, Etta Gerrits - Decolonizing Evaluation, COMIC, 2026 read Arts Correspondent, Etta Gerrits - Decolonizing Evaluation, 2026 read Arts Correspondent, Murray Dineen - Community Forum: Turning Priorities into Action, 2025 read Arts Correspondent, Dillon Orr - Community Forum: Turning Priorities into Action, 2025 read Arts Correspondent, Meral Tan - Get.Together Event, 2025 read Arts Correspondent, Ava Margueritte - Arts Ottawa’s Collaborative Strategy Session, 2025 read ARTicipate Endowment Fund: Community Consultation Summary, 2026 read Arts Correspondents Artist in Residence in Articipate CWB - Pillars 4 & 5: Progressive Procurement & Fair Work Practices, 2026 read CWB - Pillar 3: Just Use of Land and Property, 2026 read CWB - Pillar 2: Locally Rooted Finance, 2026 read CWB - Pillar 1: Pluralistic Ownership, 2026 read An introduction to Community Wealth Building (CWB), 2026 read Getting vocal about local: A case for local procurement in the arts, Article by Valerie Stam, 2026 read Learning Lab 3: Redefining Volunteerism in Governance, 2025 read Learning Lab 2: Artists as Community Leaders, 2025 read Learning Lab 1: Governance Models and Advocacy in the Arts Sector, 2025 read Community Conversations Report, 2023 – 2024 read Get.Together: Jordan and Olivia in Conversation, 2024 read What Olivia has been up to, 2024 read Learning Labs Artist in Residence in Government A framework for delivering Ottawa's Official Plan through arts and cultural investment read A Liveable City for All: A New Cultural Roadmap for Ottawa 2019-22, OCA read Arm’s Length Cultural Sector Development Feasibility Study Final Report, OCA, 2019 read A Renewed Action Plan for Arts, Heritage and Culture in Ottawa, 2013-2018 read 2026 Mayoral Debate: Arts and Culture in Ottawa watch Community Wealth Building Learning Labs, 2026 watch Arts Ottawa Community Forum, 2026 watch Shared Ground Learning Day, 2025 watch Interview with Artist in Residence in Government, Olivia Onuk, 2025 watch Learning Labs: Part of Co-Creating Arts Ottawa, 2025 watch ARTicipate Endowment Fund Grant Recipients: effect of the grant, 2025 watch Community Conversations, 2023 – 2024 watch Policy and Cultural Planning Youtube

Short description September 12: Social Prescribing and Impact in the Arts - Registration Open

Meet the Arts Ottawa team Meet the Arts Ottawa Team Alex Maltby Programming & Partnerships Brooklyn Marok Digital Engagement & Design Lead Cassandra Olsthoorn Co-Leadership, Strategy & Community Mobilization Electra Millar Marketing and PR Lead Joni Hamlin Program Operations & Member Relations Nicole Milne Co-Leadership, Operations & Revenue Generation Noel Szabados Content & Impact Documentation Coordinator Advisors Chelsey Fawcett Grant Solutions Canada https://www.artsottawa.ca/grantsolutionscanada Leah Cogan Community Wealth Building Learning Labs https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-cogan-4abbab41/ Kwende Kefentse Shared Ground Initiative https://www.kwendekefentse.com/ Board of Directors Chirag Gehani Financial Steward Emily Ramsay Chairing Member Hanna Nizman Knowledge Steward Jeff Richstone Board Member Justine Stewart Support Chair Patrick Blackman Board Member

Short description Ottawa Has Culture. What It Doesn’t Have Is a Cultural Economy Strategy | Article by Kwende Kefentse

Noel Szabados Content & Impact Documentation Coordinator noel@artsottawa.ca Noel (she/her) is based in Ottawa, Ontario, on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation. As the Content & Impact Documentation Coordinator at Arts Ottawa, she supports programming through documentation, communications, and administrative coordination, with a focus on capturing and sharing the impact of local arts initiatives. She has completed four years of her Bachelor of Fine Arts and has presented research on interactivity in computer-based art at the SUNY New Paltz Undergraduate Art History Symposium. Her background as a visual artist informs a thoughtful and detail-oriented approach to her work in arts administration.

Events and Performances Grant Guidelines DEADLINE: Applications closed ABOUT THE EVENTS AND PERFORMANCE GRANT: Carefully review the ARTicipate Project Grant Guidelines (found below) and Terms and Conditions before completing the application. Use the guidelines as a reference when completing the application. The ARTicipate Events and Performance Grant supports public-facing artistic presentation and activity at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Applicants can apply for up to $5,000 in funding (in addition to $5000 of in-kind support from the Shenkman Arts Centre, including rentals and staffing). The program will prioritize projects from artists and arts groups who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers, immigrants, refugees, Older Adults, People with Disabilities, Francophones, and Rural Residents applying to the program. CLICK HERE for more information about space at the Shenkman Arts Centre. ELIGIBILITY: Lead applicants must be based in the Ottawa/Gatineau Region, including Pikwàkanagàn and Kitigan Zibi First Nations , and have a mandate to present arts programming or have an arts practice.  APPLICANTS MUST BE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:  An incorporated, not-for-profit arts organization A non-incorporated arts collective (a group of two or more artists who are active in their discipline) An individual artist Only one application is required for collaborative projects submitted by the lead applicant.  Collaborators are not required to be based in the Ottawa/Gatineau region as long as the lead applicant is a local artist. If the application is successful, the lead applicant will be responsible for the grant, budgeting, fulfillment, and reporting requirements.  ELIGIBLE PROJECTS Public festivals, performances, or showcases Public presentations, screenings or gatherings Projects taking place between the provided dates Applicants are encouraged to contact Arts Ottawa staff before applying if they have questions about eligibility criteria. INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS INCLUDE:  Artists and/or arts organizations whose reports for previous ARTicipate Grants are overdue or incomplete Non-arts organizations (organizations whose primary mandate is not arts related) For-profit organizations and businesses Political parties Government bodies or crown corporations Resident Art Partners at the Shenkman Arts Centre, including board and staff members of Arts Network Ottawa Participating jurors or peer-assessors of the ARTicipate Grant Program INELIGIBLE PROJECTS INCLUDE:  Projects that do not occur or use spaces within the Shenkman Arts Centre For-profit, corporate ventures Non-arts events and activities Development of new work or non-public-facing events and/or performances (see Creation + Development granting stream here) Projects that are part of the programming or operations of the Resident Arts Partners of the Shenkman Arts Centre PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO: Projects from or engaging equity seeking artists and groups who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, Metis, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQ+, immigrants, refugees, newcomers, Older Adults, People with Disabilities, Francophones, and Rural Residents Events and/or performances that can generate or attract audiences to the Shenkman Arts Centre Original works and/or performances ELIGIBLE EXPENSES Only expenses directly related to the project are eligible. A full list of eligible expenses can be found in the FAQ and the budget section of the application form. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: You can access the online application form above. Read all instructions carefully and complete all application questions and the budget form. Upon submitting successfully, you will receive a confirmation message. If you cannot access the online form, please contact noel@artsottawa.ca. Application Deadline: Applications closed Projects must take place at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Late projects may be subject to grant repayment. Exact dates will be determined between Shenkman Arts Centre staff and the successful applicant upon receiving the grant. For more information about spaces within the Shenkman Arts Centre, please visit: https://shenkmanarts.ca/en/rentals. We encourage applicants to contact Arts Ottawa for any additional accessibility arrangements.  SUPPORT MATERIAL Applicants are to submit support material to be reviewed by the peer assessment committee.  Support material should demonstrate the applicant’s previous work and accomplishments as they relate to the application. This can include photos, video, links, or other documentation of past or proposed activities.   It is important that all materials are labelled with a description of the contents. BUDGET FORM All applicants are required to complete a detailed budget in their application form, outlining the allocation of grant funding, any additional funding sources and costs of project delivery. Grant recipients will have their projects insurance costs covered by Arts Ottawa and need not include this in their budget. Please reference this checklist to ensure you have properly completed all steps before submitting your application package APPLICATION ASSESSMENT ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The criteria used in the assessment process are the artistic relevance of the project, its viability and impact on the community. Both the application form and support material will be evaluated. Priority is given to projects meeting the funding objectives of the ARTicipate Project Grant.   Please refer to the assessment criteria below for more details: ARTISTIC RELEVANCE Project concept is distinct and unique Applicant has a clear vision and artistic goals that reflect the applicant’s mandate and/or artistic practice Relevant and compelling support materials PROJECT VIABILITY Demonstrated skills and capacity to successfully deliver project Effective budgeting, including an appropriate breakdown of expenses Clear plan for marketing and audience development and engagement IMPACT OF THE PROJECT Engages and/or reflects priority groups outlined in grant guidelines Clear impact on the development of the artist, group, or artistic project Appropriate use of available spaces and resources within the Shenkman Arts Centre RELEASE OF FUNDS Successful applicants will be notified by email. The grant recipient will work with Shenkman Arts Centre staff for final confirmation of booking dates within the facility. Funding will be released upon signing Booking and Grant contracts with the Shenkman Arts Centre and Arts Ottawa, and attendance of a mandatory ARTicipate Project Grant orientation session. REPORTING  Mandatory Final Reporting Forms will be provided to grant recipients. Grant recipients are encouraged to review the Final Reporting Form at the beginning of the project to ensure that they are prepared to collect and report on all required components.  This report must be submitted within 2 months upon the completion of funded project activities. IF YOU ARE NOT AWARDED FUNDING Grant assessment decisions are final. Applicants will receive a letter to indicate that they have not received funding. Applicants are encouraged to reapply at the next deadline. Applicants are encouraged to speak with the Program Manager to receive Jury feedback. The program’s limited funds are not sufficient to fund all applications, regardless of their merit. 

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 Why Arts Spaces Matters in the Future of the ByWard Market | Article by Cassandra Olsthoorn Ottawa Has Culture. What It Doesn’t Have Is a Cultural Economy Strategy | Article by Kwende Kefentse Introducing Arts Ottawa’s Shared Leadership Model Transforming Together: Systemic Change for Community Benefit On Our Radar

Brooklyn Marok Digital Engagement & Design Lead brooklyn@artsottawa.ca As Arts Ottawa's Digital Engagement & Design Lead, Brooklyn shapes how the organization's work is communicated to the community. She oversees communications across programs, initiatives, and partnerships, translating complex ideas into clear, accessible content that connects with artists, cultural workers, and the broader public. Brooklyn leads the development of visual assets and helps ensure Arts Ottawa's messaging remains consistent across platforms and collaborative projects. Outside of her work at Arts Ottawa, she is a practicing visual artist.

Short description Register for Arts Ottawa's AGM - May 27