Short description June 19 - Final CWB Learning Lab | Overview and Collective action

Support Arts Ottawa Photo: Eric Reid

Short description COMING SOON - Community Wealth Building part 2

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 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 Registration Open: October 21 - Placemaking Learning Lab Arts matter this election - learn about our asks for the City Watch the Mayoral Debate on Arts and Culture online Announcing the Lalande + Doyle ARTicipate Recipients! Shared Ground updates : one year later Community Wealth Building part 2 - Learn more Programs & Services Arts Ottawa Awards The Arts Ottawa Awards celebrate Ottawa-based artists, creatives, educators, businesses, and organizations who help shape a vibrant, connected city. Arts & Culture in Ottawa 2026 The arts don't just enrich cities; they build them. As we head into the municipal election, we're bringing together artists, cultural workers, organizations, and residents to advocate for the investments and policies needed to support a thriving creative sector and a more vibrant city. Shared Ground Calling in Leadership on Cultural Spaces and Reimagining Downtown Through Arts and Culture Explore more programs & servicEs Learn More Co-Leadership Circle Mobilizes action, connects sectors, and guides collective vision. Learn More Advisory circle Amplifies arts voices and connects communities to action. Learn More Test Tackle urgent issues, driving sector-wide change. Become a Member Membership Connecting communities to action and amplifying arts voices. Volunteer Volunteer Connect with local artists and give back to your community Meet the Board Governance Board ensures accountability and aligns collective action with strategic goals Donate Today Support Arts Ottawa Your contributions fuel the growth of our local arts sector Sponsorship Linking business and the arts in your community. Ways to Get Involved Be part of shaping Ottawa’s arts community. Your involvement amplifies creativity, builds connections, and drives collective action. Together, we can create a thriving, inclusive cultural landscape. Get Involved Co-Creating Arts Ottawa Timeline 2026 January Arts Ottawa Awards Ceremony Meet the recipients February AIRG Jordan Danger: Final exhibition on Feb. 26 Learn more March March 14 - Social Impact Evaluation Learning Lab Learn more March 19 - First Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more Watch online April April 9 - Second CWB Learning Lab Learn more watch online April 23 - Arts Ottawa's Community Forum Learn more April 29 - Third CWB Learning Lab Learn more watch online Launch of Arts Correspondents Learn more May May 13 - Fourth Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more watch online May 27 - AGM Read the 2025 Impact Report Launch of Artist in Residence in ARTicipate Learn more June June 1st - Fifth Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more watch online Social Impact Evaluation: Decolonizing Evaluation with Dr. Gladys Rowe on Jun. 26th Learn more June 25 - Shared Ground 1 year update Learn more July Shared Ground : Grand Opening of the 300 Sparks st. pop-up on July 21st Learn more Community Advisory Circle : Shaping the Future of the Arts Ottawa Awards Learn more August Ottawa municipal elections : Community priorities and City objectives Learn more September September 12 - Social Prescribing and Impact in the arts Learn more September 29 - Mayoral Debate - Arts and Culture in Ottawa Learn more October - November - December - 2025 January Introduction of Co-Creating Arts Ottawa learn more First Open Office Hours: Welcome to Arts Ottawa 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 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

Short description Registration Open: October 21 - Placemaking Learning Lab

Arts community updates we're keeping an eye on On Our Radar Arts Ottawa will keep our community posted on outcomes from the proposed Cultural Funding Framework and Policy Report once presented to the City Council in February 2025. A larger-scale public launch for the new Municipal Culture Plan will occur in the new year. Arts Ottawa will share details once dates and times are confirmed. The City of Ottawa (Economic Development) is working with Bloomberg Associates on the creation of a framework for an Arts, Culture and Entertainment District in downtown Ottawa. This is a key action item in A Living Capital: Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda , led by the Ottawa Board of Trade in partnership with several key stakeholders, including the City of Ottawa, and developed in collaboration with the Canadian Urban Institute. Arts Ottawa will keep the community posted on the development of the framework in 2025. 1010 Somerset Complex , new Barrhaven Civic Complex, the Findlay Creek Recreation Centre planning, and the Confederation Heights project. Should other files be on our radar? Let us know!

Electra Millar Marketing and PR Lead electra@artsottawa.ca Electra believes Ottawa's arts community deserves to be recognized for the value they bring to our city. Not just appreciated quietly, but understood by the city, funders, and the public as something worth investing in and talking about. She does this by translating what local artists and arts organizations are doing into language and stories that resonate with the audiences who need to hear it, and by building a marketing and PR strategy that puts the sector's value in front of the people who can act on it. As Marketing & PR Lead for Arts Ottawa, Electra leads the organization's marketing and PR strategy and is the primary point of contact for media inquiries. She brings a background in nonprofit marketing and creative writing to the work of positioning Ottawa's arts sector clearly and compellingly. She's always glad to hear from artists and media with a story or opportunity worth raising visibility on.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Below you will find events, resources, educational materials, and local Indigenous businesses and organizations to support year round. Jump to a category: Events Survivor Testimonials Phyllis Webstad Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports Mental health Resources Local Indigenous Organizations and Businesses Online Educational Resources Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports Truth and Reconciliation Commission Highlighted Reports All Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Reports Legislation Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action Residential School Survivors and Testimonials About Phyllis Webstad Louise Longclaws: Residential school survivor explains the impact on her family Louise Hall: Residential school survivor: 'I grew up hating the colour of my skin.' Clifford Claw, Cora Voyageur, and Rose Grace Miller: Residential school survivors on the scars of abuse The Survivors Speak - A Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada The Witness Blanket: A Collaborative art piece containing hundreds of items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings and traditional and cultural structures from across Canada. Canada’s Residential Schools: Missing Children and Unmarked Burials Canada’s Residential Schools: The History, Part 1 Origins to 1939 Canada’s Residential Schools: The History, Part 2 1939 to 2000 Canada’s Residential Schools: The Inuit and Northern Experience Canada’s Residential Schools: The Métis Experience Canada’s Residential Schools: Reconciliation Tim Wolochatiuk: We Were Children (Documentary, Feature-length fiction) Events Ottawa Public Library: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Turning Learning into Action at the Library Digital Arts Resource Centre: DARC Highlights Indigenous Filmmakers and Co-Productions on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Canadian Museum of History: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Parliament Hill: National Commemorative Gathering: Remembering The Children – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Beechwood Cemetery: A Screening of the Story of a National Crime, and guided Reconciliation Tour Online Educational Resources Who's Land Am I On? A Beginner's Guide to Decolonization | Kevin Lamoureux | TEDxSurrey Separating children from parents: The Sixties Scoop in Canada The Indian Act: Its Ongoing Impact on First Nations | NDN POV Has Canada achieved reconciliation? | NDN POV | TVO Today All My Relations: A Podcast where hosts Matika Wilbur (Swinomish and Tulalip) , and Temryss Lane (Lummi Nation), explore relationships to land, to creatural relatives, and to one another. Indigenous Insights: An Evaluation Podcast Alanis Obomsawin: "Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance" Nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up Alanis Obomsawin: Trick or Treaty? Local Indigenous Businesses and Organizations Beandigen Café Spirit Berry Adaawewigamig Kokom Scrunchies ADAAWE MĀDAHÒKÌ FARM OTTAWA ABORIGINAL COALITION Isaruit Inuit Arts Kelu’si Collective Deliaestelle Birch Bark Coffee Co. Mental Health Resources for Indigenous Peoples Hope for Wellness Helpline 1-855-242-3310 (Available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada) The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419 (Learn more about coverage for professional counselling here. ) MMIWG2S+ Crisis Line (toll-free) 1-844-413-6649 Indian Residential School Survivors Society 1-800-721-0066 Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 Suicide Crisis Helpline 9-8-8

Arts Ottawa advocates for and enforces Safer Spaces. Safer Spaces Policy What is the Safer Spaces Policy? This safer spaces policy applies to all Arts Ottawa sponsored spaces and programs, including our in-person and online events, online platforms, emails, as well as any other spaces that Arts Ottawa hosts. The goal of safer spaces is to encourage all participants to work together to prevent or reduce harm, particularly for those who are often the targets of violence and harassment. Oppressive behavior that makes others feel unsafe will not be tolerated. Jump to section: Reporting Enforcement Feedback Reporting Please do not hesitate to contact us, at any time, if you feel unsafe or notice another person who feels or is being made to feel unsafe. Being made to feel “unsafe” means that you are experience discomfort, harassment caused by another individual or group of individuals. Any reports will be handled privately and will be acted upon with your safety in mind first. Anonymous reports will be fully investigated and taken seriously. We want you to be happy at our events and spaces. In no way, should you ever feel bad or guilty for reporting an incident. This policy exists for you and for fostering an inclusive space in which everyone can feel safe to participate. You have the option to provide your information if you choose to. Report an Incident Enforcement Arts Ottawa is dedicated to providing a harassment-free space for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity + expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, language, body size, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic standing, or otherwise. Arts Ottawa does not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. Anyone who violates this safer space policy may be sanctioned, expelled, or banned from these spaces. If a person engages in harassing behavior, they will be asked to stop and expected to comply immediately. If the person continues to engage in harassing behavior, the organizers/coordinators retain the right to take any actions to keep the event, programs, spaces (online & physical) a welcoming space for everyone. This can include warning the offender or even expulsion, whether temporary or permanent, from Arts Ottawa spaces, events, and/or programs. Organizers/coordinators may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants. All reports, anonymous or otherwise, are investigated, discussed, and reviewed by Arts Ottawa Executive Director and/or Board or Directors President before action is taken. Questions, Concerns, or feedback? If you have any questions as to enforcement, review process, reporting process, etc. or have a suggestion to improve our safer spaces policy, please contact us using the button below. Contact Arts Ottawa

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

Chelsey Fawcett Grant Solutions Canada https://www.artsottawa.ca/grantsolutionscanada www.grantsolutionscanada.ca Chelsey Fawcett - Founder & CEO of Grant Solutions Canada Chelsey has secured over $30 million in grant funding for clients, establishing herself as a leading expert in the field. She has successfully obtained some of the most competitive grants in Canada, leveraging her extensive experience in Arts Administration with organizations such as Ottawa Fringe, Alberta Dance Theatre, and Kaeja d’Dance. Chelsey’s ability to develop innovative, tailored funding strategies has consistently enhanced and diversified her clients' revenue streams. Her corporate background includes training from the Miller Heiman Institute at E.I. duPont, where she honed her skills in conceptual sales. Over the past 15 years, Chelsey has applied these techniques to craft effective strategies and grant proposals. In addition to writing grants, RFPs, and business plans, Chelsey has provided mentorship, coaching, and consulting services to both companies and individuals, guiding them toward successful applications. In April 2024, she founded Grant Solutions Canada to expand her impact and assist more organizations in making a meaningful difference. Chelsey holds a master’s degree from the University of Ottawa and serves on the Board of Directors for the Ottawa Real-Estate Investors Organization. She is deeply committed to addressing the housing crisis and advancing climate research, advocating for solutions that ensure long-term prosperity for future generations.