Search Arts Ottawa

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 Watch the Learning Labs online now Jordan and Olivia in Conversation: The Artists in Residence in Government meet Report: Arts Impact Calculator Call to Artists - Artist Takeovers City of Ottawa Cultural Plan and Funding Framework Review Ottawa Nightlife Council City Budget 2025 On Our Radar Learn More Core 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 Tackle urgent issues, driving sector-wide change Become a Member Membership Obtain resources, connections, and support our advocacy efforts 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 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 To Come AGM, Action Labs, Shared Ground Event, Open Office Hours, and more stay informed through our newsletters Driving collective action to address the needs and priorities of Ottawa's arts sector. Photo: Curtis Perry Programs & Services Co-Creating Arts Ottawa We’re reimagining governance at Arts Ottawa with collaboration, transparency, and community input at the core. Arts & Cultural Leadership Series Gatherings that cultivate leadership, collaboration, and sustainability in the arts sector Open Office Hours Monthly discussions on rotating topics that interest the arts community Explore more programs & servicEs Subscribe to the Arts Ottawa newsletters Arts Ottawa offers three newsletters that will keep you up to date on the Ottawa arts community. Learn about our newsletters here. Email* Yes, subscribe me to the selected newsletters. * Which newsletters would you like to sign up for? Arts Ottawa Report (bi-weekly) WKND Bulletin (weekly) Artist Talk (bi-weekly) Submit

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 Report: Arts Impact Calculator City of Ottawa Cultural Plan and Funding Framework Review Ottawa Nightlife Council On Our Radar Report: Analysis of Cultural Workers in Ontario

Short description Watch the Learning Labs online now Short description

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 Learning Labs Exploring governance, advocacy, artist leadership, and collaboration. Learn More Co-Creation Labs Designing a Shared Leadership Governance Model Learn More Core Leadership Circle Mobilizes action, connects sectors, and guides collective vision Learn More Advisory Circle Amplifies arts voices and connects communities to action Learn More Action Labs Tackle urgent issues, driving sector-wide change Take Action Membership Obtain resources, connections, and support our advocacy efforts 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 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

Learning Labs Bringing together interest holders, Arts Ottawa staff, and sector experts to explore governance, advocacy, artist leadership, and collaboration. Photo: Quest WATCH THE LEARNING LABS ONLINE •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Learning Labs are a crucial part of Co-Creating Arts Ottawa . Next up: Co-Creation Labs. The Learning Lab series will bring interest holders, Arts Ottawa staff, and sector experts together. This series will serve as both an introduction to and exploration of key themes such as governance, advocacy, artist leadership, trust-building, and cross-sector collaboration. In these sessions, we will begin to bridge the gap between sector-wide learning and localized, actionable solutions. In these sessions we ... • Reimagined Governance – Many traditional governance models no longer serve the evolving needs of the arts sector. Learn how shared leadership, transparency, and equitable representation can create stronger organizations. • Strengthened Advocacy – Fragmented advocacy efforts limit our ability to influence policy. Explore strategies to amplify the sector’s collective voice and secure sustainable support. • Learnt from Experts – Hear from sector leaders, policy experts, and grassroots organizations actively reshaping governance and advocacy frameworks. • Collaborated & Took Action – Engage in a hands-on workshop to co-create practical governance solutions tailored to your organization’s needs. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• LEARNING LAB #1: Governance Models and Advocacy in the Arts Sector In this lab, we explored how shifting political landscapes, rising costs, and systemic inequities are reshaping the arts sector. LEARN MORE •••••••••• LEARNING LAB #2: Artists as Community Leaders This Learning Lab explored the ways in which artists drive systemic change and lead community development to create meaningful change in society. LEARN MORE •••••••••• LEARNING LAB #3: Redefining Volunteerism in Governance In this Lab, we examined the decline in volunteerism and its impact on arts governance, from leadership challenges to increased workloads. LEARN MORE

We’re reimagining governance at Arts Ottawa with collaboration, transparency, and community input at the core. Co-Creating Arts Ottawa We’re reimagining governance at Arts Ottawa with collaboration, transparency, and community input at the core. Photo: Quest Arts Ottawa is taking a new approach to addressing both the new and old challenges the arts sector faces. We are committed to driving change through a collaborative and inclusive model, fostering deeper community relationships and promoting innovation. Our new organizational model is founded upon the belief in collective action as the pathway to innovation and solutions for the complex challenges facing the arts sector today. The new model promotes a shift from centralized to distributed decision-making through collective leadership. Our Learning Labs and Co-Creation Labs will introduce key themes: governance, advocacy, artist leadership, trust-building, and cross-sector collaboration. To collectively shape Arts Ottawa’s governance structures, Arts Ottawa interest holders (artists, culture workers, and community members) will work together in co-learning and co-creation. This work will directly shape how the Core Leadership Circle (CLC) and Community Advisory Circle (CAC) will be formed, recruited, and run. Throughout this process we aim to create solutions that are inclusive, sustainable, and impactful. And we want to do this together . •••••••••• Built with the results of 2023-24’s Community Conversations and Co-Creation Workshops , we have introduced a model for shared leadership, distributed decision-making, and collective action for the organization. COMPLETED STEPS: → Launching Learning Labs : Learn and explore innovative ideas around collective advocacy, governance, leadership, and collaboration. THE NEXT STEPS: → Convening Co-Creation Labs - April 24 & 26: Workshops where the community uses the learnings and insights from the Learning Labs to contribute in shaping governance structures. 
 Labs will play a crucial role in how we structure governance within our 
organization to best prioritize the community’s needs. → Forming the Core Leadership Circle: The CLC will be responsible for strategic decision-making and organizational direction. They will work with staff and board of our Arts Ottawa. 
 → Assembling the Community Advisory Circle: The CAC is built from what we’ve learned about community needs in the Labs. They report directly to the Core Leadership Circle and advocates for the community’s priorities. 
 These groups will be formed based off the insights and results of the Learning and Co-Creation Labs. Co-Creating Arts Ottawa is funded by:

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 Gatherings that cultivate leadership, collaboration, and sustainability in the arts sector Arts & Cultural Leadership Series View Program Monthly discussions on rotating topics that interest the arts community Open Office Hours View Program Mentorship Program View Program Community-Engaged Arts We’re reimagining governance at Arts Ottawa with collaboration, transparency, and community input at the core. Co-Creating Arts Ottawa Get Involved Embedding artists to solve civic challenges Artist in Residence in Government View Program Neighbourhood Arts Ottawa View Program Takeover our Instagram and showcase your work! Artist Takeovers View Program Funding, recognition and showcasing opportunities ARTicipate Project Grants View Program Arts Ottawa Awards 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.

Arts Ottawa was created as a result of a merger of Arts Network Ottawa and Ottawa Arts Council. History Arts Ottawa was created as a result of a merger of Arts Network Ottawa and Ottawa Arts Council in order to bring Ottawa’s arts community under a united voice. Learn more about all phases of the engagement process that brought us to where we are today: Read the Case Study Ottawa Arts Council Ottawa Arts Council was established in 1982 with a mandate to advocate for the arts in Ottawa, connect artists of all disciplines and backgrounds by providing information and skills development, organize an annual festival, and to establish a municipal arts centre in the urban core. Following significant financial obstacles, the Council re-examined its mandate in the nineties to focus its efforts as an arts service organization. Through increased financial resources, the Council solidified its role as an arts and culture advocate. Arts Network Ottawa Arts Network Ottawa began in 1980 as Arts Gloucester, a volunteer umbrella organization created to serve Gloucester. In 1987, Gloucester Arts Council incorporated as a non-profit charity and in 1997, signed a purchase of service agreement with the City of Gloucester to provide service and professional assistance to groups, becoming the first arts council in Ontario to do so with their municipality. The following year a similar agreement was signed with the Township of Cumberland. Following municipal amalgamation in Ottawa, the organization later rebranded to Arts Ottawa East, then AOE Arts Council, then Arts Network Ottawa. A timeline of Merging Ottawa Arts Council & Arts Network Ottawa 2000 Initial merger discussions for Arts Ottawa East and Council for the Arts in Ottawa 2012 City of Ottawa publishes Renewed Action Plan 2019 Ottawa Cultural Alliance's Cultural Roadmap encourages sector collaboration 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic: Increased collaboration between OAC and ANO 2021 Financial analysis conducted by Brynaert Brennan & Associates 2022 Phased engagement process with local consultants May 2023 Develop community co-creation framework to pursue merger October 2023 Announcement of OAC and ANO Merger and Community Feedback Survey December 2023 Community Conversations March 2024 Design thinking workshops held June 2024 Workshop Organizational Model at Arts Leaders' Breakfast and present at AGMs 2025 New Arts Service Organization and organizational model implementation Collaboration After the amalgamation of the City of Ottawa in 2000, both organizations worked collaboratively on arts advocacy, including in the early 2000s on Ottawa’s first arts and heritage master plan (Ottawa 20/20). Preliminary merger discussions were had by staff and boards at the time, but it was determined that each organization would be stronger in achieving unique goals for the community as separate organizations. Collaborative work did continue: both organizations partnered with the City of Ottawa and on Join the Crowd, an arts awareness campaign; a community-wide campaign called My Ottawa Includes Culture in 2004 that stopped a proposed 80% cut to Ottawa City Council arts funding; and again in 2008 partnered to run Our Ottawa Still Includes Culture, another rally in response to a City Council proposed 54% cut to arts funding. Both also participated on the Steering Committee and in consultations that resulted in the City of Ottawa’s 2013-18 Renewed Action Plan for Arts, Culture and Heritage. In 2015, both organizations co-formed Ottawa Cultural Alliance with five other cultural umbrella groups to undertake joint initiatives to strengthen Ottawa’s cultural sector. From 2017-2019, the Alliance completed a community-driven, community-wide Arms-Length Cultural Development Feasibility Study, hosted an Ottawa Culture Summit, and facilitated the creation of this new community-driven A Liveable City for All: A New Cultural Roadmap for Ottawa 2019-22. Building Trust Arts Network Ottawa and Ottawa Arts Council reinforced their partnership through the COVID-19 lockdowns. As the priorities and needs in the sector sharpened, a stronger unified approach continued to be taken by the organizations and consistently saw increased impact and results when working in collaboration. We actively engaged with key internal invested parties, including board members, staff and funders, to understand their perspectives. This process developed a careful yet important environment of openness to a merger between Arts Network Ottawa and Ottawa Arts Council, which generated excitement and curiosity about the process and its possibilities. On October 30, 2023 we made a formal announcement about our plans to merge into a united organization and voice for the arts in Ottawa. On October 30, 2023 we made a formal announcement about the merger. By coming together as a merged organization, we can provide a stronger, more unified response to the complex issues facing the arts community in Ottawa. We are driven by the urgent need to respond to today’s challenges in the arts sector. Learn more about all phases of the engagement process that brought us to where we are today. Subscribe to the Arts Ottawa newsletters Arts Ottawa offers three newsletters that will keep you up to date on the Ottawa arts community. Learn about our newsletters here. Email* Yes, subscribe me to the selected newsletters. * Which newsletters would you like to sign up for? Arts Ottawa Report (bi-weekly) WKND Bulletin (weekly) Artist Talk (bi-weekly) Submit

Co-Creation Labs Arts Ottawa invites you to participate in an innovative co-creation session where artists are at the center of governance, and advocacy, equity, and volunteerism play pivotal roles in shaping the leadership structure. Photo: Brooklyn Marok Thank you all for joining us on April 24th and 26th for our Co-Creation Labs! Co-Creation Labs are a crucial part of Co-Creating Arts Ottawa . Building on everything we've explored in the Learning Labs , these sessions will focus on bringing your insights to life. In these 4.5 hour interactive sessions, you will: Collaboratively design a governance model that ensures inclusive decision-making. Explore advocacy, artist leadership, and redesigning volunteerism in arts governance. Engage in creative activities like café-style speed dating, visual storytelling, and consensus decision-making to build a shared leadership structure for Arts Ottawa. Co-create a Governance Charter that reflects community values, ensuring leadership that is accountable, transparent, and community-driven. Whether you're an artist, community organizer, or arts advocate, this session is designed to ensure that your voice and your values shape the governance framework of Arts Ottawa. We invite you to bring your creativity, experience, and insights to this collaborative process, and together, we will build a governance model that reflects the diverse and vibrant arts community we serve.

Cassandra Olsthoorn Co-Leadership, Strategy & Community Mobilization 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.

Governance Photo: Quest

Nicole Milne Co-Leadership, Operations & Revenue Generation 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.