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.

Action Labs and the Core Leadership Circle Action Labs and their Core Leadership Circles work together to move shared priorities into action. Photo: Jamaal Khaleefa ACTION LABS IN PROGRESS: → Shared Ground Initiative (click to learn more) → Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts (click to learn more) Arts Ottawa is listening closely to the local arts community. We are working to understand how we can collectively address the opportunities, challenges and priorities the sector is facing, that shape the sector’s role in city building. Arts Ottawa held three Collaborative Strategy Sessions to pilot a Core Leadership Circle (CLC) in late fall 2025. Community advisory members, partners, and sector leaders—those actively engaged in addressing challenges around spaces, local economic development, and impact measurement—shared experiences, tested ideas, and explored ways to coordinate collective action. By convening this CLC, we began building stronger connections across the sector to ensure Arts Ottawa’s work is informed by and reflects the realities of , Ottawa’s arts community. During our Collaborative Strategy Session on November 27, 2025, Ava Marguerite, one of our CAMs, joined to observe the session and share their experience and key takeaways as an Arts Correspondent. You can read the full article here. From these conversations, we and the CLC identified three Strategic Priority Pillars. Arts Ottawa is reframing these as interconnected components of Ottawa’s civic infrastructure. Physical Infrastructure: Artists need clearer pathways to engage with physical spaces, along with practical guidance on civic systems (planning development, zoning), and capital projects. Knowledge Infrastructure: Capturing and communicating sector impact is critical. Currently, data and storytelling are fragmented, and participants emphasized the need for simple, shared tools to make this work more effective. Economic Infrastructure: The sector is exploring ways to strengthen local economic development by supporting fair work, local ownership, equity, and long-term sustainability. Effective coordination and shared messaging are key to making this possible. Together, these layers create the infrastructure of cultural life — physical, economic, and social systems that sustain creativity and civic connection. Through this work, Arts Ottawa’s role in the sector has become clear: we serve as a backbone, convener, knowledge hub, and capacity builder, centering equity and representation. Looking ahead to 2026–2027, we will focus strategically on these core roles, engaging in project leadership selectively to maximize collective impact, support sustainable and coordinate sector growth. More about the Core Leadership Circle The Core Leadership Circle acts as a catalyst for activation, formed around each of our Action Labs. These purpose-driven groups bring together individuals, organizations, and advisors from both within and beyond the arts to support, shape, and champion the work being done. Each CLC is dedicated to exploring a key issue in the arts, offering insight, strategy, and connections, and is dissolved once that phase of the work evolves. Through its leadership, the CLC will help guide outcomes from Action Labs such as Shared Ground (which explores the potential of underused spaces as cultural hubs) and the Arts Ottawa Awards ( which celebrate and elevate the contributions of local artists and cultural leaders). More about Action Labs Action Labs are central to how we address key issues in the arts community. Each Lab focuses on a specific topic identified as important to artists and the community by our CAM. They may take the form of research groups, planning teams, advocacy hubs, or spaces for idea-sharing and collaboration. Each Lab is supported by a Core Leadership Circle, a group that helps guide the work and ensure its impact is shared with those who can drive broader change. Labs are formed in response to clear needs and conclude once their objectives are achieved, such as completing a project or sharing insights with the community. A Dual Approach to Change Project-Based Labs: These labs are designed to achieve specific goals, such as organizing a campaign or launching a new initiative. They have defined timelines and objectives and disband once the project is completed, or the goals are successfully met. Issue-Based Labs: These labs focus on ongoing challenges or policy-related issues. While they often operate on longer timelines, their purpose and impact are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

Leah Cogan Community Wealth Building Learning Labs https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-cogan-4abbab41/ Leah is a key advisor for Arts Ottawa’s Community Wealth Building Learning Lab series, bringing deep subject expertise alongside long-standing experience working across the sector. She has played a central role in shaping the series by coordinating and curating speakers, drawing on her network of practitioners and collaborators, and facilitating workshops to ensure the right questions are being asked and meaningful insights are gathered to move the work forward. Leah Cogan is a bilingual coach, facilitator and educator who combines strengths-based, arts-inspired, embodiment practices with human-centered design principles and innovation theory. She is also a multi-disciplinary artist with experience in performance, creation and arts education. Iterating from her thesis project at Brown University, Leah has been continuously exploring the intersection of creative practice and collective action. She has worked as an engagement and knowledge mobilization specialist at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa, leveraging her creative tools to lead multi-stakeholder strategic sessions to design and coordinate around new community-led housing solutions. Leah also served as Chair of PAL Ottawa, a non-profit housing initiative serving aging artists in the National Capital Region. Leah is currently hosting a Learning Series with Arts Ottawa to explore Community Wealth Building as an economic coordination model for the sustainability and growth of Ottawa’s creative sector.

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 Arts Ottawa is engaged in strategic conversations with public and private partners in relation to emerging cultural infrastructure development opportunities across the city. This work focuses on ensuring sector-informed input is considered in broader planning processes by advocating for clear, consistent data collection and evaluation measures to be embedded throughout. The goal is to build a practical evidence base that helps the sector better understand the logistics and feasibility of opening and sustaining arts-led spaces, including what is realistically achievable for smaller organizations and what conditions support long-term sustainability in independently run arts spaces. This stream of work supports a longer-term horizon goal of positioning the arts sector to be ready to engage with, respond to, and help shape major civic cultural infrastructure as these opportunities emerge across the city. Research, Advocacy & Planning The State of the Arts Map is an evolving research tool designed to strengthen Ottawa’s arts ecosystem by making its assets, resources, and opportunities more visible and connected. The map will identify and document creative infrastructure across the city, like studio spaces, learning environments, and community hubs, while capturing key information about their features, uses, and the resources that flow through them. By providing a clearer picture of what already exists and where gaps remain, the project helps break down silos, foster collaboration, and improve access to spaces and resources. The result is a more connected, informed, and resilient arts community, better equipped to support growth, advocacy, and long-term sector development. A collaboration with Memetic Media and Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS) Lab. State of the Arts Map Learning Cohort Launching in fall 2026, this Learning Cohort supports people who are working toward creating physical arts and culture spaces. Through mentorship, resources, and peer learning, participants will receive practical support as they take the next steps toward bringing their vision to life. In exchange, participants will contribute to a shared learning process by documenting key aspects of their journey, helping capture what it actually takes to create and sustain an arts and culture space. Through guided reporting, the cohort will track challenges, costs, timelines, relationships, and decision-making processes involved in developing a space. This information will create valuable knowledge for the sector, helping identify barriers, gaps, and opportunities while strengthening support for future arts and culture space projects. The 300 Sparks Street Pop-Up is made possible through the generous support of Crown Property Management Inc, who recognize the placemaking and engaging power of artists. This summer activation, led by Cre8, provides artists with a platform to showcase their work as well as bringing more creative life to our downtown. This pop-up will also serve as a live feasibility study. By observing how the space is used, including foot traffic, visitor engagement, and operational realities, the project will help build a clearer understanding of what it takes to activate and sustain arts and culture spaces in downtown settings. This dual purpose allows the initiative to both animate the street in the present and generate valuable insight to inform future placemaking and space activations. Sparks Street Storefront A storefront activation on Bank Street will transform vacant commercial space into a public-facing arts venue. Aligned with the ACE District vision the project will increase the visibility of arts and culture while bringing new energy to the street. The initiative benefits landlords by activating vacant spaces, creates opportunities for future tenants, and helps revitalize the downtown core by bringing community engagement and restoring energy, creativity, and foot traffic to one of the city’s main streets. Vacant Storefront activation Arts Ottawa’s Learning Labs are a key part of our commitment to building capacity across the local arts sector. Through professional development opportunities, knowledge sharing, and collaborative learning, the program supports artists and arts organizations in strengthening skills, expanding networks, and responding to evolving community needs. By investing in continuous learning, the Learning Labs help build a more resilient, connected, and sustainable arts ecosystem, enhancing the capacity of individual artists, organizations, and Arts Ottawa alike. Learing Labs Happening now in Shared Ground: Nominations for the 2027 Arts Ottawa Awards are now open! Nominations for the Arts Ottawa Awards close September 30th. 2026 at 11:59pm EST. Every year, the Arts Ottawa Awards celebrate the people and organizations whose creativity, leadership, and dedication enrich Ottawa's arts community. If you, or an individual, organization, business, or collective in the community, deserves recognition for their impact on Ottawa's arts scene, we encourage you to submit a nomination. Whether you're nominating yourself or someone else, the 2027 Arts Ottawa Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate and recognize outstanding contributions to Ottawa's vibrant arts community. Recently we convened a Community Advisory Circle (CAC), consisting of artists, cultural workers, arts administrators, and community members. This Advisory Circle reviewed past Arts Ottawa Awards guidelines, criteria, supports and more, in order to help strengthen the Awards for the 2027 cycle. You can read their complete findings and recommendations here. Nominate an individual If you are an individual interested in applying, please review these Application Guidelines. Nominate a business, organization or collective If you are an organization interested in applying, please review these Application Guidelines. Arts Ottawa is hosting two information sessions on September 3 and September 15 to help guide you through the nomination process. → Click here for registration to the September 3rd info-session → Click here for registration to the September 15th info-session On February 10, 2027, at the National Arts Centre, Arts Ottawa will honour five outstanding recipients whose work strengthens and enriches Ottawa's arts community. Each award recipient will receive: A $1,000 cash prize Professional headshots and an in situ photoshoot Access to mentorship opportunities through Arts Ottawa Year-long recognition as a leader in Ottawa's arts community Get Involved Volunteers We're looking for volunteers to support the awards celebration and related activities. To express your interest, please contact Joni Hamlin at joni@artsottawa.ca . Sponsors Sponsorship opportunities include event invitations, speaking opportunities, media visibility, and in-kind or financial partnership opportunities. To learn more, please contact Nicole Milne at nicole@artsottawa.ca . If you have any questions about the awards, how to get involved, or the nomination process, please contact us at info@artsottawa.ca 2026 Arts Ottawa Awards Meet the 2026 Arts Ottawa Awards Recipients! Oluchi Eze The Grove Studio Aly Joy-Lily McDonald Éditions L'Interligne Jacqui Du Toit Beandigen Café Learn more about the recipients here 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. We would also like to thank our partners for their support and contributions. Artists and Artisans Study Group Ottawa JustJamaal ThePoet Arts Ottawa Giving Circle Drift Murals Co. Caisse Desjardins Ontario 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

Volunteer Get involved with the arts community through Arts Ottawa. Enjoy meeting other arts-lovers while giving back to your community. Volunteer opportunities range in time commitment and level of skills and experience required. Photo: Quest Want to register as a volunteer with Arts Ottawa? Fill out the form below: Volunteer Intake Form If you have any questions around volunteering, please email us at info@artsottawa.ca Please note that all volunteers must review and abide by our Volunteer Handbook . The Volunteer Hub Registered volunteers can access the Volunteer Hub Visit the Volunteer Hub If you have difficulty accessing the volunteer hub please contact info@artsottawa.ca Shaping the Volunteer Experience Together At Arts Ottawa, volunteers are at the heart of our work, from helping with events to shaping how we make decisions. But we know that volunteering isn’t always easy or accessible. That’s why we invited community members to join us in a co-creation session to map out what the volunteer experience should feel like, from the first time someone hears about us to when they move on to other things. Together, we looked at the full volunteer journey across five stages: Attract → Onboard → Engage → Grow → Exit What We Heard: A Volunteer Journey That Feels Welcoming, Clear, and Meaningful Attract People are drawn to Arts Ottawa when they feel they belong and when the purpose of the work is clear. But barriers like confusing language (“art speak”), lack of financial support, or not seeing themselves represented can make it harder to say yes. Onboard Volunteers want to feel seen and supported from the start. They asked for buddy systems, clear training, and welcome kits. When onboarding is unclear or inconsistent, it creates stress. Engage The key to keeping volunteers involved is feeling appreciated and connected. Good communication, flexible roles, and small gestures like food or thank-you messages go a long way. When roles are unclear or people feel left out, they start to disconnect. Grow Many volunteers want to build new skills or take on more responsibility. But we heard that there’s often no clear path forward. Mentorship, learning opportunities, and a way to track growth would help people stay longer and feel proud of their work. Exit When volunteers leave, they want closure. They suggested things like exit interviews, reference letters, and the chance to stay connected as mentors or alumni. Without this, volunteers leave without being thanked or without a way to return. What’s Next: How We’re Responding We’ve taken all this feedback to heart. Here’s how we’re starting to make changes in ways that work for our small team and help build long-term support for volunteers. 1. Laying the Groundwork for a Volunteer Hub As we grow, we plan to create a simple online space with everything in one place: open roles, training info, FAQs, and ways to get involved. When: Fall 2025 How It Helps: Makes it easier for people to get involved and stay involved at their own pace 2. Clear Role Snapshots We’re writing short and easy-to-read descriptions for all our main volunteer roles. These will explain what’s involved, how to get started, and any skills you can build along the way. When: Posted online by Fall of 2025 How It Helps: Makes it easier for people to find a role that fits them and understand what they’ll gain from the experience 3. Ongoing Recognition Dedicated monthly shoutouts to volunteers on social media channels showing our appreciation more often. We’ll also build a special recognition moment once a year at an event. When: January 2026 How It Helps: Keeps volunteers feeling valued, seen, and connected to the bigger picture 4. Quarterly Volunteer Meetups We’ll host low-key gatherings (online or in-person) every few months to say thank you, share updates, and stay connected. Volunteers can help plan or host. When: First session in March 2026 How It Helps: Builds relationships and makes space for feedback and celebration 5. A Better Welcome for Every Volunteer We’re creating a simple welcome sheet and matching each new volunteer with a contact person. This ensures you know what to expect and who to turn to for help, whether you're joining a short-term event or helping shape our programs. When: Starting Summer 2026 How It Helps: Reduces confusion and supports a stronger sense of belonging from Day 1 6. Exit and Return Pathways We’ll invite volunteers who are stepping back to fill out a short exit form. It’s a chance to reflect on what worked, what could improve, and whether they’d like to return or mentor in the future. When: Piloting in 2026 How It Helps: Builds long-term relationships and helps us learn from every volunteer experience We’re Building With You This roadmap is a starting point, and we’ll keep shaping it with your input. We’re working with limited staff and resources, so each change will be rolled out gradually. But the goal is clear: a volunteer experience that is welcoming, flexible, and rooted in community care. Want to get involved or offer feedback? Email Joni Hamlin at joni@artsottawa.ca Looking for other volunteer opportunities in Ottawa? Check out Volunteer Ottawa & Ottawa Festival Network

Creation and Development Grant Guidelines DEADLINE: Applications closed ABOUT THE CREATION & DEVELOPMENT 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 Creation and Development grant supports the exploration, experimentation, and development of new artistic work for one week in the Richcraft Theatre at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Applicants can apply for up to $5000 (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. 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 We welcome collaborative projects, involving more than one artist, arts organization or collective. 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. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO:  Projects from 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   Successful proposals will demonstrate innovative and meaningful use of physical space at the Shenkman Arts Centre. We encourage applicants to explore bold and creative ways to engage with resources in the building. ELIGIBLE PROJECTS may include, but are not limited to: Rehearsals, choreography Design and/or creation of new artistic works (painting/visual arts/literary) Audio/film/multimedia production and project development Research aligning with your artistic practice Please contact Arts Ottawa (info@artsottawa.ca ) if you have questions about project eligibility. INELIGIBLE PROJECTS INCLUDE: Projects that do not occur or use spaces within the Shenkman Arts Centre Projects that do not take place during the specified date ranges Projects that have previously received an ARTicipate grant (previous ARTicipate Grant recipients are eligible to apply for new projects, provided they meet eligibility criteria) For-profit, corporate ventures Non-arts events and activities Presentation of public-facing performances or events (see our Events + Performance grant stream) Projects that are part of the programming or operations of the Resident Arts Partners of the Shenkman Arts Centre 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 Ottawa Participating jurors or peer-assessors of the ARTicipate Grant Program 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 Realistic, achievable goals, with a clear work plan and timeline 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 attending a mandatory ARTicipate Project Grant orientation session. Funding for the Creation and Development stream will be provided in 2 installments , with the final installment issued upon completion of the project and approval of final report. 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. 

Nicole Milne Co-Leadership, Operations & Revenue Generation nicole@artsottawa.ca Nicole’s leadership of the Ottawa Arts Council for the past five years was rooted in positioning the organization as a passionate and influential voice; as a champion for an engaged, thriving and connected arts community; as a facilitator in creating a healthier, more sustainable arts sector; and as an effective collaborator in building diversity and inclusion in the arts. A dedicated advocate for Ottawa’s vibrant arts community, Nicole brings 30 years of experience in arts administration, fundraising, marketing, communications, strategic planning, and community engagement. Her work with the Ottawa Arts Council, Great Canadian Theatre Company, Canada’s National Arts Centre, and the Canada Council for the Arts have offered her unique opportunities to shape and support the city’s dynamic cultural landscape. Nicole is committed to advancing the arts through innovative approaches, fostering collaboration, and building meaningful connections within the community.

Cassandra Olsthoorn Co-Leadership, Strategy & Community Mobilization cassandra@artsottawa.ca Cassandra has been leading and developing noteworthy projects for the Ottawa arts community through different roles at Arts Network Ottawa for 15 years. Her visionary, thoughtful approach to a team-driven workplace focuses on the delivery of dynamic programming and services to the community. Her unique brand of leadership has positioned Arts Ottawa as a collaborative champion within the sector. Cassandra is passionate about Ottawa and believes that the arts help build strong, vibrant communities.

Brooklyn Marok Digital Engagement & Design brooklyn@artsottawa.ca As the Digital Engagement & Design Coordinator for Arts Ottawa, Brooklyn plays a key role in connecting the local arts community. She is the primary point of contact for sharing exciting events and opportunities, helping to amplify these initiatives through our social media, website, and newsletters. Her goal is to strengthen and foster a more inclusive, connected arts ecosystem in Ottawa. Brooklyn manages the organization’s social media, so if you message us, you’re likely chatting with her! Additionally, she handles the creation of graphics, ensuring our visual identity reflects the vibrancy of our community. Brooklyn supports all communications efforts to maintain clear, engaging messaging that keeps the arts community informed, involved, and excited about what's happening in Ottawa.

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

APPLY NOW : We're Hiring! - Marketing & Public Relations Lead Marketing & Public Relations Lead (1-year contract, with pathway to permanent full-time) Salary: $57,000 plus benefits Contract: July 2026 to July 2027 Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Location: Hybrid; weekly on-site collaborative work in person at Arts Court every Wednesday Deadline for application: Friday, July 10th, 2026 at 1:00 pm EST Interview availability: Wednesday, July 15 and Thursday, July 16, day or evening. About the position Arts Ottawa is looking for a strategic, collaborative marketing and PR professional to lead how our work shows up in the community, across the city, the province, and on national platforms where it matters. This is a one-year contract with a clear pathway to a permanent full-time position based on fit, performance, and funding. Salary is $57,000, paid bi-weekly through an online payroll system. This role is for someone who thinks before they post, plans before they pitch, and knows the difference between marketing and communications well enough to explain it clearly to a board, a funder, or a journalist. You'll work alongside our Digital Engagement & Design Lead, and our Content and Impact Documentation Coordinator, bringing strategic thinking, steady judgment, and clear planning to a team that already does excellent work. Click for details Read the plain text version of the call Marketing & Public Relations Lead (1-year contract, with pathway to permanent full-time) Salary: $57,000 plus benefits Contract: July 2026 to July 2027 Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Location: Hybrid; weekly on-site collaborative work in person at Arts Court every Wednesday Deadline for application: Friday, July 10 th , 2026 at 1:00 pm EST Interview availability: Wednesday, July 15 and Thursday, July 16, day or evening. About Arts Ottawa Arts Ottawa is Ottawa's primary arts service organization, bringing together artists, cultural workers, and arts groups to build the shared systems and infrastructure that a thriving creative city requires. Established in January 2025 through the merger of Arts Network Ottawa and Ottawa Arts Council, Arts Ottawa carries forward more than 40 years of sector history while operating with a renewed, sector-facing mandate: coordinating partners, reducing duplication, amplifying collective advocacy, and developing tools that strengthen the full arts ecosystem. The organization is guided by community co-created principles including equity, shared governance, transparency, and accountability, and delivers all programming and communications in both official languages. About the position Arts Ottawa is looking for a strategic, collaborative marketing and PR professional to lead how our work shows up in the community, across the city, the province, and on national platforms where it matters. This is a one-year contract with a clear pathway to a permanent full-time position based on fit, performance, and funding. Salary is $57,000, paid bi-weekly through an online payroll system. This role is for someone who thinks before they post, plans before they pitch, and knows the difference between marketing and communications well enough to explain it clearly to a board, a funder, or a journalist. You'll work alongside our Digital Engagement & Design Lead, and our Content and Impact Documentation Coordinator, bringing strategic thinking, steady judgment, and clear planning to a team that already does excellent work. What you'll own Developing and stewarding short- and long-term marketing plans in partnership with our communications and programming teams, to amplify strategies and work intentionally and not reactively. Building and maintaining relationships with local, provincial, and federal media, and knowing when and how to use them. Writing and placing media releases, facilitating op-eds, and feature pitches that reflect the depth of Arts Ottawa's work and the sector we serve. Leading the marketing strategy for the upcoming municipal election cycle, with a clear plan for how Arts Ottawa contributes to a more informed public conversation about the arts. Identifying and securing podcast opportunities that feature Arts Ottawa staff and sector leadership as guests, placing our team's expertise in front of the right audiences, on the right shows, with messaging that's prepared and on point. Partnering with our Co-Leadership, Strategy, and Community Mobilization teams to source, edit, and distribute guest storytelling content from community leaders in relation to programming and policy recommendations, bringing their voices to wider audiences and ensuring their stories are told with care, accuracy, and reach. Launching and editorially shaping an Arts Ottawa Substack: setting the publication strategy, cadence, and voice; commissioning or writing pieces, including community-led storytelling, that build our audience and position Arts Ottawa as an essential read on the local arts sector. Bringing structure and rhythm to marketing and PR work across the team, with the judgment to know when to accelerate a project and when to slow it down. What we're looking for Solid experience in marketing and public relations, ideally with time spent in or near the arts and culture sector. A track record of earned media placements and durable relationships with journalists and editors. Strong writing and editing: clean, clear, and tonally aware, with the judgment to shape someone else's voice without overwriting it. Experience developing marketing campaigns with measurable outcomes. A genuine understanding of the current needs of the arts sector, not just trends. Experience pitching spokespeople to podcasts or building and editing a newsletter or publication with a real audience. Comfort and care in working with community voices, particularly those of equity-deserving leaders, and a clear ethic around consent, attribution, and respectful amplification. A collaborative working style. You thrive on a team that values thoughtfulness, consistency, and quality. You bring out the best in colleagues by being prepared, generous, and clear, and you take ownership of your own work while supporting the work of others. Abiltiy to communicate in French would be considered a strong asset. Why work with us A four-day work week. Arts Ottawa operates Tuesday through Friday, with Mondays off as a paid non-working day. Flexible scheduling within the four-day week: early start, late start, or a split day, so the schedule works with your life. Hybrid work, with at least one in-person day per week (Wednesdays) at the Arts Ottawa head office at Arts Court in downtown Ottawa. Fully remote for summer months (July and August) Eight paid personal days per year Eight paid vacation days per year Eligible for 4% RRSP matching contribution (after 4 months) Health Benefit Plan – employer pays 50% effective upon hiring and enrollment Employee Assistance Program offering free confidential counselling support for employee and immediate family members Professional development support: Arts Ottawa contributes to courses, certifications, and conferences that are relevant to your role and growth. Reimbursement for work-related travel, including transit, rideshare where appropriate, mileage, parking, and per diem meals when travelling out of town. A values-driven workplace, committed to equity, accessibility, and amplifying Indigenous voices on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. How to apply Please submit: A cover letter (no more than two pages) telling us how you think about the work, not just what you've done , to the attention of Nicole Milne, Co-Leadership, Operations and Revenue Generation ( nicole@artsottawa.ca ), with the subject line: Application: Marketing & PR Lead at Arts Ottawa A current résumé Two to three examples of media placements, campaigns, or published pieces you led or significantly shaped The Interview Process Interviews are held in person at Arts Ottawa's office in Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa. The conversation runs one hour and involves two members of our team: Nicole Milne, Co-Lead, Operations and Revenue Generation, and Brooklyn Marok, Digital Engagement and Design Lead. We send interview questions to all candidates in advance. We believe everyone deserves the same opportunity to prepare, and we're more interested in your thinking than your ability to perform under pressure. If you require any accommodations to participate fully, whether for the application process or the interview itself, please reach out to Nicole Milne directly at nicole@artsottawa.ca . All requests are handled with care and confidentiality. Arts Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer. We particularly welcome applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available at every stage of the hiring process; please let us know what you need.

Short description Introducing Arts Ottawa’s Shared Leadership Model