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.

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

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 Register now: CWB Part 2 - Placemaking. November 9th Announcing the 2026-2027 Artists in Residence in ARTicipate Arts matter this election - learn about our asks for the City Watch the Mayoral Debate on Arts and Culture online Announcing the 2026 ARTicipate Endowment Fund Grant 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

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 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. 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 This summer, Arts Ottawa will help facilitate a storefront activation and transform vacant commercial space into a public-facing arts venue. The initiative will benefit landlords by activating their vacant space, create opportunities for future tenants and help revitalize Ottawa’s streets by bringing foot traffic and community engagement while restoring energy and creativity. Vacant Storefront activation 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 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 Happening now in Shared Ground: Hover over activities and projects to learn more Back to Shared Ground Back to Shared Ground Happening now in Shared Ground: Click to learn more Learning Labs 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. 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. Vacant Storefront Activation This summer, Arts Ottawa will help facilitate a storefront activation and transform vacant commercial space into a public-facing arts venue. The initiative will benefit landlords by activating their vacant space, create opportunities for future tenants and help revitalize Ottawa’s streets by bringing foot traffic and community engagement while restoring energy and creativity. Sparks Street Storefront 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 Cre:8, 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. State of the Arts Map 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. Research, Advocacy & Planning 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. Capacity Building Space Activation Advocacy Research Models

Short description How to ARTicipate | Get all your questions answered! Join Arts Ottawa for How to ARTicipate , an online info-session to help artists and arts organizations learn more about the ARTicipate Project Grant. How to ARTicipate July 28 | 12:00–1:00 PM Zoom REGISTER NOW

Sign up for the Arts Ottawa newsletters to stay up to date with the arts community. Newsletters Read more about Arts Ottawa's three newsletters here and sign up below. Arts Ottawa report Bi-weekly updates The Arts Ottawa Report will keep you up to date on all of the programs and services Arts Ottawa has to offer the Ottawa community. This newsletter is to inform you on all of our programs, job opportunities and staff changes within the organization, workshops, fundraising and reports, as well as the services Arts Ottawa offers. WKND Bulletin Community news every Thursday The Weekend Bulletin’s purpose is to help you unwind after a long week. It will go out on Fridays and act as your guide to an active weekend in Ottawa! It will showcase all kinds of activities happening in the city, ways to stay creative, as well as new trends, articles, and even recipes, that may spark interest. artist talk Bi-weekly artist resources The Artist Talk newsletters will feature opportunities in Ottawa that may help advance your artistic career. It will be a spotlight on opportunities outside of our organization, and through this newsletter you will be notified of local resources, calls to artists, requests for proposals, paid opportunities, grant opportunities, volunteering, and so on. This newsletter will also provide a space for Arts Ottawa to feature local Artists and their work. Subscribe to the Arts Ottawa Newsletters Arts Ottawa offers three different newsletters that will keep you up to date on the Ottawa Arts Community. Learn More and Subscribe

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

Short description Become an Arts Correspondent - Learn more and apply

Short description Call for Expressions of Interest: ACE District Advisory Table

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 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. Photo: Brooklyn Marok 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: Arts Ottawa is seeking Arts Correspondents to join the conversation and share their reflections through the lens of a community member. Correspondents will attend select Arts Ottawa sessions, events or labs then submit a written reflection of 1,000 to 2,000 words in a report or blog style format. This role is part of a new approach to centring voices from outside our organization. Arts Correspondents will offer an independent perspective on the work taking place, and their reflections will be shared across our channels to help broaden the conversation within the community. Payment for attending a session and completing a written piece is $376, in accordance with the CARFAC storyteller rate. Apply to be an Arts Correspondent COMMUNITY ADVISORY CIRCLE: 2027 Arts Ottawa Awards - August 12th 2026 Arts Correspondent: Yinkore Yinkore is a self-taught Nigerian digital artist living and working in Ontario, Canada. She navigates her unique lived experiences by exploring themes of intersectionality and representation, using art as a form of activism and a voice to resist the silence people with her identities were often taught to embrace. Read their article here ACTION LAB: Decolonizing Evaluation with Dr. Gladys Rowe - June 26th 2026 Arts Correspondent: Etta Gerrits Etta Gerrits is a cultural worker, musician, and visual artist based in Ottawa. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours from Carleton University in Art History and Gender Studies with minors in Music and English Literature. Read their comic Read their article here COMMUNITY FORUM: Turning Priorities into Action - April 23rd 2025 Arts Correspondent: Murray Dineen Murray Dineen is a professional artist and printmaker who teaches at the Ottawa School of Art. From 2020 to 2025, he served on the Board of Directors of Arts Network Ottawa (now Arts Ottawa), and was also Director-at-Large of the Ottawa-Gatineau Printmakers Connective. Read their article here Correspondant artistique : Dillon Orr Dillon Orr est un metteur en scène queer franco-ontarien et le producteur exécutif artistique de Créations In Vivo, à Ottawa. Originaire de la rivière du Détroit, diplômé de l’Université d’Ottawa et de l’École nationale de théâtre du Canada, il développe une pratique de théâtre franco-mino grassroots, nourrie par le bouffe. Lire leur article ici ACTION LAB: Social Impact in the Arts - December 15th 2025 Arts Correspondent: Meral Tan Meral Tan is a graduate of Carleton University’s Film Studies MA program. She’s currently working as an arts administrator at the Digital Arts Resource Centre, programming events and educational opportunities in media arts. Read their article here COLLABORATIVE STRATEGY SESSION - November 27th 2025 Arts Correspondent: Ava Margueritte Ava Margueritte graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design University with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts majoring in conceptual photography. Her work is in the City of Ottawa’s permanent art collection, in private collections and has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Read their article here Arts Ottawa's Arts Correspondents are funded by the Giving Circle

Founder Visionary Patron Benefactor Champion Leader Builder Friend $250,000+ Government of Ontario | Gouvernement de l’Ontario Minto Foundation Inc. John and Jennifer Ruddy The William Shenkman Foundation $100,000 – $249,999 Singhal Family Foundation Forum Equity Partners Inc. $25,000 – $99,999 Richard Abboud et Jitanjli Datt Bel-Air Lexus Toyota Conseil des arts AOE / AOE Arts Council Dust Evans Lawyers / Avocats Simone et John Joanisse LaLande+Doyle Architects Inc. MBNA Bank of America MIFO Orléans Star – L’Express Ottawa Citizen Louise Ouellette et Denis Vézina Vibrant and Sustainable Fund – Fonds dynamique et durable Ottawa Community Foundation Ottawa School of Art – École d’Art d’Ottawa $10,000 – $24,999 Atomic Motion Chambre de commerce d’Orléans – Orléans Chamber of Commerce The KTL Group, Inc. Ottawa School of Theatre – L’École de théâtre d’Ottawa $5,000 – $9,999 Maureen Shenkman Place d’Orléans RONA $2,500 – $4,999 BERTSCHI ORTH SMITH LLP/s.r.l. Lyne et Ronald Caza Doug Feltmate & Lisa DiNoble Régimbal Promotions Ltd. Jim Keay Lincoln Ford Victoria Steele Heather Jamieson and Jean-Eudes Haché $1,000 – $2,499 Crayon Fund The Bertschi Family (David, Jason, Matt, Jenn & Chris) Conseiller Rainer Bloess Councillor DEL PRC/CAP Jennie and Ted Johnston Louise LaLande & Philippe Doyle MacInnis-Léonard Family Caroline Obeid and Mark Nassim Jim Orban In Memory of Christian Grivon Ottawa Beta Sigma Phi Chantal Rodier et Guy Gosselin SURE PRINT & GRAPHICS Dr. Sharleen Tan, Orthodontist Christine & Ghislain Tremblay In Memory of Sheila Watts Stephen M. Adler Cassandra Marlee Olsthoorn Rachel Duchesne $50 – $999 Claude Chapdelaine Danielle Allard Music George Brown Henry Hogeterp In Honour of The Edwards Family Gabriel Abbott-Leblanc Alan Dean Photography Jean-Pierre Allaire Arteast Susan Ashbrook J. Atherton Family G. R. Babcock Family Bailey Family Mark & Tracy Baker Jacqueline L. Ballhorn Matthew Barnes Megan Barnes Diane Barnett Katrina Barrett BCFSO Insurance Brokers Joanne Beaubien Beiersdorfer Family Carol Belchamber Tia Belle-Isle Conseiller Michel Bellemare Councillor Sarah C. Benfield Loretto Beninger Katherine Bishop Zygo and Jennifer Lynne Blaxell Hans & Marianne Blokpoel Susan Blyth-Schofield Angela Bolick Danielle Bolick Nicole Bolick Susan & Ted Bolick Leslie A. Bond Gilles Bouchard Gisèle Bourgeois Garry and Cavelle Bowes Sheree Bradford-Lea Mary J. Brett André Brisebois Camille Brisebois In Memory of Penny Brown Claudette Brûlé Nancy E. Burke Business Club d’Orléans Patrica Butchart Kayla Butt Bytown Beat Chorus Laudalina M. Cabral Margaret-Jane Campbell Judith Cane, Ian and Sam Fisher Capital Chordettes CAPITAL SOUND AND LIGHT Margaret Carver Arlette Castonguay Centre Séraphin-Marion d’Orléans David Chadala Mélanie Champagne Patrick Champagne Les Chansonniers d’Ottawa Diane et Richard Charlebois Denis et Julie Chauret Chénier Family Chhangur Family John H. Chibuk Chorum Chamber Choir Richard F. Clark Famille Jean-François Claude Family Club Photo Orléans Photo Club Connie Collette-Cole John Cook Coro Vivo Ottawa Inc. Yvonne and Fern Côté Aline et Michel Coulombe Irelande M. Finsten Crossan Jacqueline H. Finsten Crossan Rachel et Séan Crossan Cuisine et Passion Cumberland Community Singers Michael & Catrina Curran Laura Cyr Julia Scarlett Dan Stephen Decker Family Dennee Family Erika Déruaz Domenic Di Loreto Matthieu Doell Famille Shawn Doherty Family Betty Dolan Conseiller Clive Doucet Councillor In Memory of Caroline Ann Doyle Jean-Guy Doyon Marie-Jeanne Drew Yvan R. Dubeau André et Carmen Dufault Frances Dunn and Paul Caron Ernie and Virginia Dupuis Leonard Dupuis Stephanie Dupuis Cecilia Dwyer John Dwyer Liam Joseph Dwyer Doreen Dyet Noëlla Dyet Virginia Dyet Renée Dykeman East End Theatre Renée Edmunds Audreen M. Ellis Richard C. Ellis Christina Embleton Peter and Jacquie Embleton William Embleton Brad Evans In Memory of Flo & Ted Fancott Fédération des Femmes Canadiennes-Françaises d’Orléans Wendy Feldberg Alison & Anna Feltmate Françoise Ferguson Brazeau Susan Flemming Donna Fleras Margo & Don Ford Guy et Claudette Forget Marilyn Foster Sean Freill Friend of the Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre Judith Froome Barbara & Paul Fulford Elizabeth Galindo-Bloch Anne Pallascio Galipeau Claude Antoine Galipeau Louis Pallascio Galipeau Miriam “Mimi” Galipeau Paul Mathieu Galipeau Cody Oatway In Memory of Sheila Hanson In Memory of Susan Ruth Bowen Jahn Fawcett Jeffrey Richstone Julie Mercier Oded Ravek Family Adrian Marc Olsthoorn Johannus Olsthoorn Logan Ethan Olsthoorn Orleans Gardens Chiropractic Keith O’Rourke Ottawa Artisans Guild The Ottawa School of Speech & Drama Ottawa Voyageurs Walking Club / Club de marche des voyageurs d’Ottawa Marc Ouimet-McPherson Out of the Box Fibre Art Group Geneviève Painchaud Nicolas Pantieras & Family Alenka Paquet En mémoire de Denise J. Parent Karine Parent-Girard Louis et Nicole Patry Bronte Patterson Kashtin Patterson Tristan Patterson Emily Pearlman Lise & Denis Perrault Émélie Perron-Clow Jonathan Perron-Clow Hugh V.W. Phillips Norman Pirollo Susan & Dennis Pitt Linda Platt Marc Poirier Thérèse Poulin Kaitlyn Poupore Keri Poupore Adam T. B. Pyne Jana A. B. Pyne Sevren B. Pyne Terrence F. Pyne Stephen Quick Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre Jessica Reeve Martha Reeve Terry Rempel-Mroz Martin Rice Amanda Ricketts Éric et Lorraine Robineau Famille Frank Rodgers Family Francine & Yvon Rodrigue James & Lise Rody Roney-Heney Family Maureen Rooney Mitchell Helen Rosseau Anik Roy Daniel Roy Donald et Lise Roy Martin Roy Michel Roy Shawnah Roy Linda Russell Eliane Saheurs Joe Salazar In Memory of Joan Salgo Lydia Salgo Salon Funéraire Heritage Funeral Home Royal Galipeau, MP Stephen & Margie Lee Gallagher Allan & Jocelyne Garbutt Victor R. & Linda Mae Garbutt Jenna Gasper Sharron Gebert Christine Gendron GENIVAR Fiona Gilfillan Rachna & Ian Gilmore Sophia Giroux-Radisch Gloucester Community Concert Band Gloucester Pottery School Norm Goddard Mélanie Gosselin Stéphane Gosselin Thérèse et Léonard Gosselin Bernard et Mariette Grandmaître Gray / Coughlan Family Zachary T. Gray Carol-Anne Grenier Kaera Griffin Groupe S&S Bolton Group Laura Grunder Marguerite Grünwald Lucía Guerrero Maria Guevremont Louisa Haché Marion Jean Hall Lucie Hallé Joya and Drew Halpenny Shirley Hamre Richard Hancox Doreen Hardiman The Harding Family Luvai Hassanali Zaahra Hassanali In Memory of Ann Heard Chris and Sandy Heard Phyllis Heath Heron / Ebery Family Heron / Hopkinson Family Betty Hoff Herbert G. Hoff Marlene Hoff Samantha & Christina Hollands Katherine Howarth Shannon Howarth Sophia Hullin In Memory of Charles Maddison Innescents Floral Design Ruby Ireland Frances Isaac In Memory of the Hon. Donald and Barbara Jamieson Johanna Jansen April Jarrett Jennifer Jarvis Laura Jellett Catherine Jellett Conseiller Rob Jellett Councilor Susan Jellett James Jette Melanie Rose Jette Aline Joanis Sonia Joanis Micheline Joanisse Johnston Family Johnstone Family Jayne Jonker Anne Jutras Marc Thivierge Megan Piercey Monafu Rachel Horsley Roger Trudel Stephen Adler Terrie Kember Fried Kemper John Kemper Michael & Lynda Kemper Francis & Katie Kenny Sheila King John and Joan Klenavic Barbara Kloepfer David Knight-Martin Chantal Lafontaine & Martin Patterson Steve Langlois Jessi Langston Pappy Langston Patrick Langston Irfôna Larkin Marie Larocque Cazabon Roger Larose Ned & Diane Lathrop Laureate Gamma Sigma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Yves Le Gal Guy-Michel Lebel Richard Lebel Émilie Lebel-Lessard Annette et Wilbrod Leclerc Alton Legault Denis, Nathalie et Sophie Legault Isabella Lévêque Dr. Todd R. Lewis Dentistry Professional Corporation Tom and Mary Little Marie Lizotte Loch Murray Dancers The Loveridge Family Erin MacDonald Sam MacDonald Macdonnell-Hopkins Family Denyse Mageau Carter Malette Jordan Malette Lise Malette Eric Manherz Manoir Portobello Manor Alan and Pam Marjerrison Jag Maru Dr. Mike Mattinen & Dr. Lyne Rivet Marie McCormack Famille Eric McKay Family Phil & Anna Marie McNeely Mi Casa Theatre Louise Michaud Elena Milito Sofie Milito Sue Mills Conseiller Bob Monette Councillor Andrew Moore Renata Morawiecka Alan Morissette Marjorie Mueller Robert Murrell Jérémy Nantel-Saint-Fort Albert-Nicholas Nassrallah National Capital Network of Sculptors The Nevins Family AnnMarie Nielsen M. Santerre Kellie Sarazin Hellmut & Margaret Schade Karen J. Scott Thomas Scott Carolle Séguin and David Edmunds Ann Seman Margaret Shaw Fred Sherwin and Family Lois Siegel Sinclair Chicago de Hildebrand Diane Smith Hayden Alexander Smith Sydney Smith Tyler Smith Cassia Snyder Gwen Snyder Michel & Chantal Soucy Jackie Squires Lynne Stacey Nicole St-Amand Victoria Steele Josette et Jean Ste-Marie Sterling Family Hailey Stewart Peter and Cynthia Stewart En mémoire d’Elizabeth St-Jean Savoie Frances M. Stronach Dawn Stroz Alastair Swan Kira Swan Rosemary Swan Tara Luz Danse Katherine Taylor Mike Taylor TECH EXPERTS Automotive The Promenade Théâtre du Village d’Orléans inc. Patricia Thibault Richard Thibault Sean Thibault Trejo Letechipía Family Christopher Tremblay Karina Tremblay & Christian Abbott-LeBlanc Sidney K. Treml Louise Valle Jeannine van Berkel Cathy Velazquez Vintage Stock Theatre Chloé Vuicic George Vuicic Jessica Vuicic Wall Space Gallery David N. Ward Hon. Jim Watson, MPP Fiona Watts Gordon Watts Patricia Watts Wealth Strategies Barbara Welke Sue Widyaratne Peter & Gerri Wilkes Gerda J. Wolker Olivia Woods Robert Woods In Memoriam of Dorothy Wynes You Deserve It The Yuill Family Nicole Zuger Take a bow! On behalf of Articipate Grant Recipients who benefit from your private and public financial support, thank you to all donors of the Articipate Endowment Fund. This electronic Donor Wall pays tribute to the vision and leadership shown by a community who support of a flourishing local art scene. All annual gifts, bequests and gifts in memorial of $50 and more are included because together , we’ve built a strong cultural legacy for years to come! Donor Wall