Would you like to be an Arts Ottawa peer assessor? Apply now! Would you like to be an Arts Ottawa peer assessor? Or do you know someone who would make a good peer assessor? Arts Ottawa is seeking local artists , arts administrators , and community members to serve as peer assessors for the 2027 Arts Awards. Peer assessors play an important role in the selection process, bringing valuable perspectives, lived experiences, cultural knowledge, and community insight.

 Arts Ottawa is committed to accessibility. Assessors receive an honorarium for their time. We will also make every effort to cover or accommodate any accessibility-related supports needed to participate in a jury or advisory panel. If you would like to be considered as an Arts Ottawa peer assessor, please apply below. APPLY NOW Personal information collected on this form will be used in the selection process and for administrative purposes only.

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! 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. Nominations for the Arts Ottawa Awards close September 30th. 2026 at 11:59pm EST. Nominate an individual Nominate a business, organization or collective 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

Short description Nominations for the 2027 Arts Ottawa Awards are now open!

At Arts Ottawa, we’re dedicated to being a strong voice for the arts in the region, building relationships to increase awareness of their value and strengthening the local arts sector. Advocating for the Arts in the Ottawa Region A thriving arts scene fosters a community where ideas, talents, and cultures are celebrated, and where identities are shared. At Arts Ottawa, we’re dedicated to being a strong voice for the arts in the region, building relationships to increase awareness of their value and strengthening the local arts sector. We actively share information and opportunities with the community so that together, we can shape a vibrant arts scene that everyone can contribute to. As a member, you’re part of this collective voice. Photo: Eric Reid Stay informed The Ottawa Arts Initiative (OAI) Instagram page was created by our team to advocate for the social and economic value of art and culture in Ottawa, providing a platform to amplify the voices of our creative community. Follow Us @ottawaarts.initiative Advocacy Updates Why Arts Spaces Matters in the Future of the ByWard Market | Article by Cassandra Olsthoorn Ottawa Has Culture. What It Doesn’t Have Is a Cultural Economy Strategy | Article by Kwende Kefentse Introducing Arts Ottawa’s Shared Leadership Model Transforming Together: Systemic Change for Community Benefit On Our Radar

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 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 Nominations for the 2027 Arts Ottawa Awards are now open! September 12: Social Prescribing and Impact in the Arts - Registration Open APPLY NOW: ARTicipate grant applications open now! Something exciting is coming to Sparks Street! Learn about the Pop-up Shared Ground updates : one year later Arts Ottawa's First Community Forum - Outcomes and next steps Watch the CWB Learning Labs online now Learn More Co-Leadership Circle Mobilizes action, connects sectors, and guides collective vision. Learn More Advisory circle Amplifies arts voices and connects communities to action. Take Action Action Labs and the Core Leadership Circle Tackle urgent issues, driving sector-wide change Become a Member Membership Connecting communities to action and amplifying arts voices. Volunteer Volunteer Connect with local artists and give back to your community Governance Board ensures accountability and aligns collective action with strategic goals. Donate Today Support Arts Ottawa Your contributions fuel the growth of our local arts sector Become a Sponsor Sponsorship Sponsor the arts in our local community Ways to Get Involved Be part of shaping Ottawa’s arts community. Your involvement amplifies creativity, builds connections, and drives collective action. Together, we can create a thriving, inclusive cultural landscape. Get Involved Co-Creating Arts Ottawa Timeline 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 August - September - October - November - December - Driving collective action to address the needs and priorities of Ottawa's arts sector. Photo: Curtis Perry 2025 January Introduction of Co-Creating Arts Ottawa learn more First Open Office Hours: Welcome to Arts Ottawa learn more February Learning Lab no.1: Governance Models and Advocacy in the Arts learn more Open Office Hours: Discussing Arts Awards March Learning Lab no.2 : Artists as Community Leaders learn more Open Office Hours: Discussing Mentorship within the Arts April Learning Lab no. 3: Redefining Volunteerism in Governance learn more Co-Creation Labs: building a governance model learn more May Learning Labs recap videos available online watch now June AGMs held on June 18th Read the annual reports here Shared Ground first event of the initiative held on June 25th Learn more July Unveiling of our new Arts Ottawa Awards Learn more Launch of the Giving Circle Learn more Open Office Hours: Arts Ottawa's Shared Leadership Model Learn more August Updated Volunteer pathway Learn more Introducing Artist Talk: Online community forum Sign up now! September Introducing our new Action Lab: Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts Learn more Arts Awards Co-Design Process Read the report October Shared Ground Learning Lab Learn more Co-Create Mission, Vision and Values statements 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 Programs & Services Arts Ottawa Awards The Arts Ottawa Awards celebrate Ottawa-based artists, creatives, educators, businesses, and organizations who help shape a vibrant, connected city. Shared Ground Calling in Leadership on Cultural Spaces and Reimagining Downtown Through Arts and Culture Artist in Residence in Government 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. Explore more programs & servicEs Explore the new Artist Talk! Our new community hub brings together events, resources, and discussions — all in one place. Stay connected, informed, and inspired. Visit Artist Talk Subscribe to the Arts Ottawa Report! Arts Ottawa offers a bi-weekly report that will keep you up to date on all of the programs and services Arts Ottawa has to offer the Ottawa community. Learn about our newsletters here. Email* Yes, subscribe me to Arts Ottawa Report. * Submit

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 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.

Short description 2026 Mayoral Debate: Arts & Culture in Ottawa The future of Ottawa’s arts and culture is a municipal issue. What does Ottawa need to build a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive arts and cultural sector? Join Arts Ottawa for a non-partisan mayoral debate focused on the priorities, challenges, and opportunities identified by Ottawa’s arts community. Hear directly from mayoral candidates about their experience, values, vision, and plans for arts and culture, and discover how they would support the artists, cultural workers, organizations, and communities that make Ottawa vibrant. This conversation is shaped by the voices of the sector through Arts Ottawa’s Community Forum process. It’s an opportunity to listen, ask questions, compare perspectives, and make an informed choice at the ballot box. This is a conversation grounded in community priorities This debate is designed to support informed civic participation, not to endorse candidates or promote a particular political position. Arts Ottawa is committed to creating a space where candidates can share their perspectives fairly and where members of the arts community can engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue. The conversation will be guided by four principles: Fairness: All participating candidates will have equitable opportunities to respond and participate. Accessibility: We will work to reduce barriers and create an inclusive environment for attendees and participants. Transparency: We will communicate clearly about the format, participation process, and outcomes of the event. Respect: We expect candidates and attendees to engage thoughtfully, listen to different perspectives, and contribute to a safe and welcoming civic conversation. Your voice matters Ottawa’s arts and cultural community has identified the issues it wants municipal leaders to address. Now it’s time to hear how the candidates would respond. Come listen. Ask questions. Compare perspectives. Make your voice heard. Join us for the 2026 Mayoral Debate and take part in the conversation about the future of arts and culture in Ottawa.

What if we had better ways to calculate the social impact that the arts contribute to local communities?   Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts What if we had better ways to calculate the social impact that the arts contribute to local communities?   Photo: Brooklyn Marok 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: Social Prescribing and Impact in the Arts DATE: September 12th 2026
 TIME: 10am - 12pm
 LOCATION: 10 Daly Avenue, Ottawa Art Gallery, Studio Room (main floor by Jackson Cafe) REGISTER HERE Social prescribing: the practice of connecting patients to arts, nature, and community activities as part of their healthcare. This approach is reshaping how we think about the factors contributing to health, healing, and the role of culture in our lives. This event, which is part learning session and part collaborative collage workshop, brings together artists, health professionals, and community leaders. The speakers will share testimonials and examples of how social prescribing has helped patients and community members, and when it can be best applied in practice. You'll leave with shared vocabulary and frameworks to help better communicate the impact of arts and culture in concrete ways understood beyond the arts sector. We are pleased to welcome Sandra Houle, Aly Joy-Lily McDonald, and Natasha Beaudin as our guest speakers. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Sandra Houle Sandra is a registered occupational therapist and holds a PhD in rehabilitation sciences from the University of Ottawa. Her research focuses on exploring the role of community arts participation for social health and well-being using qualitative and visual approaches such as collage. She currently holds a postdoctoral appointment at Western University exploring access and inclusion in arts-based third places. Aly Joy-Lily McDonald Aly is an artist and community facilitator exploring emotion, trauma, bodily autonomy, and identity through acrylic painting. As a survivor and mad individual, her work centers lived experiences of the body, self-discovery, and healing through creativity. She facilitates art-based healing programs and workshops with organizations including the Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre and Project Agape , grounded in a belief that creativity is a powerful tool for empowerment and community connection. Natasha Beaudin Natasha Beaudin, has worked in the community health sector for over twenty years. She is currently the Social Prescribing Project Lead at the Alliance for Healthier Communities . She previously worked as a health promoter at Centretown Community Health Centre in Ottawa . Her portfolio included food security, smoking cessation, stress reduction, and physical activity and led the social prescribing project at the centre. Her passions are health equity, the social determinants of health, and health promotion. Outside of work, she loves gardening, cross country skiing and playing with her kids. REGISTER AND LEARN MORE As part of the session, participants will take part in a collaborative group collage workshop. We welcome donations of a variety of materials , such as magazines, old books, coloured paper scraps, and textiles or fabric remnants. If you'd like to contribute materials, please contact Alex at alex@artsottawa.ca . About the Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts Action Lab In 2024, Arts Ottawa embarked on a collaborative research project with Third Angle , funded by the Ottawa Community Foundation. This project explored the value and feasibility of a regional Arts Impact Calculator: a tool that helps Ottawa arts organizations measure and communicate their social and economic impact. Together, Arts Ottawa and Stephanie Nadeau from Third Angle identified gaps and opportunities to strengthen local capacity and better communicate the social impact of the creative sectors. Stephanie and Third Angle then synthesized the findings into the Impact Calculator Feasibility Study . VIEW THE IMPACT CALCULATOR FEASIBILITY STUDY HERE PAST EVENTS IN THIS SERIES: Get.Together. December 15, 2025 Read more Strengthening the Case for the Arts March 14, 2026 Read more Decolonizing Evaluation with Dr. Gladys Rowe June 26, 2026 Read more Why Social Impact Evaluation? We know the arts contribute to vibrant, healthy community and a thriving local economy. According to the Ontario Arts Council, Eastern Ontario’s Arts and Culture sector generates $2.7 billion in GDP. Yet still, current tools for measuring social impact lack consistency and accessibility across the sector. Why Measure Impact? Show the value of arts to partners and the community. Attract investment and build support. Advocate for funding and policy change. Through this Action lab, Arts Ottawa aims to address how we can use and build upon the Impact Calculator to capture the individual and collective impact of arts activities in Ottawa. Meet the Action Lab Prototypers MAEVE TAVAKOLI Project WARP projectwarp.ca | @projectwarp_ WARP is a paid learning and mentorship opportunity co-produced and co-facilitated by a consortium of DIY music and arts organizations in the Algonquin-Anishnaabe territory. Our goal is to equip and support early- and mid-career individuals and artist collectives with project development essentials, providing them the resources and tools needed to create safe(r), more accessible, and more sustainable experiences. NAHEEN AHMED BEING Studio www.beingstudio.ca | @beingstudio_ott BEING Studio is a Non-profit that provides accessible arts programs both online and in-studio for adults with developmental disabilities. I hope to learn how to assess impact of services and events for general public in order to secure grants that can help maintain the Studio's mission to support people with disabilities. RAE LANDRIAU Create Change Collective createchangecollective.weebly.com | @createchangecollective Create Change Collective is a community-based organization focused on environmental education using art. The aim of our work is to engage community in outdoor education and empower them to take climate action. Our goals in the Action Lab are to (1) develop more comprehensive methods to assess the impact of our work, going beyond standard quantitative data collection and (2) exploring practical frameworks for decolonizing evaluation. EMEL TABAKU Civic Imagination Lab info2047785.wixsite.com/imagination-lab | @civicimaginationlab As co-founder of Civic Imagination Lab, I help create spaces where people come together to imagine and build more just, joyful, and regenerative futures. Through creative workshops, storytelling, and collaborative dialogue, our work supports youth, artists, and community members to strengthen policy literacy, shape public conversations, and envision bold new systems from the ground up. CANDIDE UYANZE www.candide.xyz | @ candide.xyZ My name is Candide, and I'm a Creative Technologist working at the intersections of digital media, access, storytelling, and open source software. As a past WARP participant, I organized a hybrid video editing workshop series for local BIPOC artists, designers, and creatives. As an emerging event organizer, I'm eager to learn more about the tools and emerging frameworks for social impact evaluation. I also want to explore alternative, anti-colonial, and accessible approaches to the field. BLUE PETTIES Queer Arts & Culture Network @queerartsandculture The Queer Arts and Culture Network (QACN) is a community-based, by and for Queer Art Organization that serves Queer and gender-diverse artists and creators in Ottawa. QACN is dedicated to empowering creators, reimagining systems, and co-creating communities of care. We are looking to build our capacity in the areas of impact evaluation, community-based storytelling, and sustainability. MIRIAM FARAJA Integration 101 Hub integration101hub.org | @the101hub We are a team working at the intersection of art, technology, and social justice. Through visual storytelling, photography, and participatory projects, we explore memory, integration, resilience, and power within marginalized communities. Through Integration 101 Hub, we create artistic and technological programs that help youth and adults share their stories, using art as a tool for expression, healing, and connection. Our work centers lived experience and aims to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen communities, and contribute to lasting social change. EMILY RAMSAY & MERAL TAN Digital Arts Resource Centre digitalartsresourcecentre.ca | @ digitalartsresourcecentre We are a media arts organization that supports artists and creators at every stage of the creative process, with a focus on community, collaboration, and accessibility. We also work to amplify the voices of grassroots and equity-deserving organizations, helping ensure their stories and contributions are recognized within the broader cultural landscape. By participating in this lab, we hope to strengthen our ability to document and communicate the social impact of grassroots arts initiatives, and to develop tools that help highlight the cultural and community value of this work. Meet our Action Lab Advisors These advisors will support the Action Lab as mentors to contribute expertise, findings, and resources from their work in research, evaluation, or practical tools. Robin Sokoloski From Mass Culture Robin Sokoloski (she/her) is a dedicated arts and culture professional based in Tkaronto/Toronto with over two decades of experience in the field. Currently serving as the Director of Research and Programming at Mass Culture, she collaborates with academics, funders, and arts practitioners to mobilize the creation, amplification, and community-informed research that supports the arts sector’s growth and sustainability. At Mass Culture, Robin has spent the last three years project managing Research in Residence: Arts’ Civic Impact, a national research initiative that led to the development of three qualitative arts impact frameworks. These tools help arts organizations better understand their civic impact through qualitative indicators. She also leads Mass Culture’s Evaluative Thinking Initiative, which supports a culture of reflection and continuous learning across the arts sector, and stewards the DNA: Data Narratives for the Arts program, which integrates data practices into the daily work of arts organizations through training, tools, and collaborative learning. Robin currently serves on the Board of the Toronto Arts Council and as a member of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Centre for Free Expression’s Steering Committee. She has recently taught a course on Art Policy, Equity, and Activism for Centennial College’s Arts Management program, and developed and taught a course on Cultural Entrepreneurship for MacEwan University’s Arts and Cultural Management program. Shanice Bernicky From Mass Culture Shanice Bernicky (she/her, elle) is a media maker and PhD student at Carleton University’s School of Journalism & Communication. She completed a Master’s research-creation thesis in Media Studies at Concordia University, as a non-linear documentary exploring themes of domestic violence, heritage, and multi-racial identity from the axis point of natural Black hair. As a freelance video editor, she has worked on a myriad of projects on rich topics such as Indigenous laws and practices outside the settler-Canadian legal framework, feminist commentary on science and technology studies, and environmental issues connecting the East and the West. At Carleton, Shanice researches equity practices in the settler-Canadian public arts institutions with the continued support of Mass Culture. When she’s not working, she can be found knitting or with her hands in earth. Natasha Qureshi From Sympl Solutions Natasha Qureshi is the Founder and Principal of Sympl Solutions, a Toronto-based consultancy that bridges strategy, finance, and data for the arts and nonprofit sectors. She is also the Co-Creator of ArtMetrica, a platform helping arts and culture organizations measure and communicate their impact through intuitive dashboards and shared data frameworks. A Fulbright Scholar with a background in Computer Science and an MBA from Cornell University, Natasha combines technical and strategic expertise to help the arts and culture sector tell its stories through data, strengthen its value to communities, and shape a more sustainable and equitable creative ecosystem. Action Lab Goals and Outcomes The Action Lab will strengthen conversations, shape practical outcomes, and build approaches that benefit the entire arts community. We aim to: Develop skills to process, articulate, and report qualitative and quantitative data   Build confidence in tracking and implementing impact indicators   Address roadblocks like HR capacity or skill gaps in evaluation   Leverage impact-evaluation skills for fundraising and advocacy   Engage with national and regional networks, aligning work with other impact-indexes, like the United Nation’s 16 Sustainable Development Goals During the introductory session to our Arts Impact Evaluation Action Lab on December 15th, 2025, Meral Tan, one of our CAMs, joined to observe the session and share their experience and key takeaways as an Arts Correspondent. Read the article here. LEARN MORE ABOUT ARTS OTTAWA'S ACTION LABS

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.

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

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