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This Giving Tuesday, join us in raising funds to support our Mentorship Programs, a cornerstone of both our Action Labs and Arts Ottawa Awards. Giving Tuesday! Matching donations until December 31st! This Giving Tuesday, join us in raising funds to support our Mentorship Programs, a cornerstone of both our Action Labs and Arts Ottawa Awards. Give Today A generous supporter is offering matching donations up to $1,000 until December 31st. This Giving Tuesday, every contribution will be matched, doubling the impact of your gift. Our Mentorship Programming is a central part of both Action Labs and the Arts Ottawa Awards. From dozens of surveys and extensive community engagement, we heard loud and clear that Ottawa artists want to see mentorship strengthened across the city’s arts community. In our Action Labs , mentorship goes beyond theory. It allows us to fund events, provide resources, and create experiences that make learning impactful and collaborative. Learn more about our Action Labs here. For the Arts Ottawa Awards , we aim to extend mentorship to winning nominees. Recognition would not stop at a cash prize, as we hope to continue supporting artists in the months that follow to help them grow, learn, and thrive. We are reaching out to potential mentors and, if all goes according to plan, will pair them with Arts Awards recipients so these connections can truly flourish. Learn more about the Ottawa Arts Awards here. Thank you for being part of this vibrant community and for helping Ottawa artists reach their full potential. Your support makes a meaningful difference, and we are so grateful for your generosity.

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 Transforming Together: Systemic Change for Community Benefit Report: Arts Impact Calculator City of Ottawa Cultural Plan and Funding Framework Review City of Ottawa: Cultural Funding Framework Review Ottawa Nightlife Council City Budget 2025 On Our Radar Report: Analysis of Cultural Workers in Ontario

Driving collective action to address the needs and priorities of Ottawa's arts sector. Arts Ottawa supports and advocates for artists and the arts in Ottawa. Through our focus on collaboration and partnership, we mobilize collective action in Ottawa’s arts community with an emphasis on inclusive and participatory decision-making. Artwork: Melanie Yugo, Nurture Future Photo: Curtis Perry What’s Happening Now Arts Ottawa Awards nominations are now open! Join our new Action Lab: Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts Now announcing the 2025 ARTicipate Grant Recipients! NEW! Artist Talk Group Forum - Sign up now! Volunteer with Arts Ottawa Giving Circle: Help Shape the Future of the Arts in Ottawa Giving Tuesday! Matching donations until December 31st! 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 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 - November - December - Driving collective action to address the needs and priorities of Ottawa's arts sector. Photo: Curtis Perry 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 Open Office Hours Join the Arts Ottawa team for casual, in-person monthly drop-ins. 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

Learning and Co-Creation Labs Bringing together artists, interest holders, staff, and sector experts to explore governance, advocacy, artist leadership, and collaboration, to co-create a shared leadership model rooted in equity, volunteerism, and collective care. Photo: Quest Arts Ottawa hosted innovative Learning and Co-Creation Labs that brought together interest holders, sector experts, the arts community and staff to explore governance models that center artists, with advocacy, equity, and volunteerism playing pivotal roles in shaping leadership structures. Explore What We Learned Dive into a snapshot of the ideas, collaborations, and insights that emerged from this series of Labs. The report highlights conversations that inspired ideas for more equitable governance, showing how advocacy and shared leadership can better support artists. READ THE REPORT HERE Learning Labs The three Learning Labs we held between February and April served as an introduction to themes such as governance, advocacy, artist leadership, trust-building, and cross-sector collaboration. Participants reimagined traditional governance approaches, explored strategies to strengthen collective advocacy efforts, and heard from policy experts, grassroots organizers, and sector leaders who are reshaping governance and advocacy frameworks. These hands-on sessions bridged sector-wide learning with localized, actionable solutions. Learn more about each Learning Lab LEARNING LAB #1: Governance Models and Advocacy in the Arts Sector In this lab, we explored how shifting political landscapes, rising costs, and systemic inequities are reshaping the arts sector. LEARN MORE •••••••••• LEARNING LAB #2: Artists as Community Leaders This Learning Lab explored the ways in which artists drive systemic change and lead community development to create meaningful change in society. LEARN MORE •••••••••• LEARNING LAB #3: Redefining Volunteerism in Governance In this Lab, we examined the decline in volunteerism and its impact on arts governance, from leadership challenges to increased workloads. LEARN MORE WATCH THE LEARNING LABS ONLINE READ THE SUMMARIES HERE Co-Creation Labs Building on that foundation, the Co-Creation Labs held on April 24 th and 26th invited participants to collaboratively bring those insights to life. Over 4.5-hour interactive sessions, artists, community organizers, and arts advocates co-designed a governance model rooted in inclusive decision-making. Creative tools like café-style speed dating, visual storytelling, and consensus-building helped shape a shared leadership structure for Arts Ottawa. Together, we co-created a Governance Charter grounded in community values—ensuring leadership that is transparent, accountable, and artist-centered. WATCH THE CO-CREATION LAB RECAP These labs were designed not only to imagine new systems but to build them—reflecting the vibrant, diverse, and evolving arts community we serve. This work directly shaped how the Core Leadership Circle (CLC) and  Community Advisory Members (CAM)  were formed, recruited, and are run.  

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 Arts Ottawa Governance Model We’ve reimagined governance at Arts Ottawa, centering collaboration, transparency, and community input in everything we do.  Learn More Learning and Co-Creation Labs Exploring governance, advocacy, and artist-led collaboration to design a Shared Leadership Model. Learn More Action Labs and the Core Leadership Circle Tackle urgent issues, driving sector-wide change Take Action Volunteer Connect with local artists and give back to your community Volunteer Sponsorship Sponsor the arts in our local community Become a Sponsor Support Arts Ottawa Your contributions fuel the growth of our local arts sector Donate Today

Explore Arts Ottawa's collection of insightful reports, articles, and studies that reflect the pulse of Ottawa’s vibrant arts community. Publications 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. 2025 Co-Creation & Learning Lab Report Download Shared Ground Report: The June 25th Launch Event Download Shared Ground: A Framework for Cultural Co-Design in Downtown Ottawa by Kelly Wilhelm Download Arts Impact Calculator - Third Angle | Arts Ottawa | Ottawa Community Foundation Download Co-Creation Lab Participant Package | Arts Ottawa Download Arts Ottawa Learning Lab 3 - Summary Download Arts Ottawa Learning Lab 2 - Summary Download Arts Ottawa Learning Lab 1 - Summary Download 2024 Transforming Together: Systemic Change for Community Benefit Download Arts Leaders Breakfast June 5 : Feedback Analysis Report Download Co-Creation Lab Report Download Community Conversations Report Download 2023 Arts Network Ottawa Annual Report 2023 Download Ottawa Arts Council Annual Report 2023 Download 2013 - 2023 A Renewed Action Plan for Arts, Heritage and Culture in Ottawa (2013-2018) Download Arm’s Length Cultural Sector Development Feasibility Study Final Report, OCA Download A Liveable City for All: A New Cultural Roadmap for Ottawa 2019-22, OCA Download

Providing feedback on the City of Ottawa's recent cultural initiatives City of Ottawa Cultural Plan and Funding Framework Review Providing feedback on the City of Ottawa's recent cultural initiatives Update: The Community Services Committee approved a new  Cultural Funding Policy  to govern how the City allocates more than $12 million in annual funding for the local arts, cultural and heritage sector. The new policy was developed in partnership with the community, with extensive public engagement throughout the review. Applicants would benefit from more flexible categories that reflect the current cultural landscape, as well as increased funding limits for some programs. Items considered at this meeting will rise to Council on Wednesday, March 26. You can learn more here: Community Services Committee Feb 25 Agenda and Reports   Agenda item 6  This is the first major update to Cultural Funding Framework since it was put in place by the City of Ottawa more than twenty years ago. The City Cultural Funding team has led a comprehensive community engagement process to inform this update. We champion this work and are eager to see it succeed.  The City of Ottawa’s investment in this policy and the upcoming Municipal Culture Plan demonstrates its commitment to vibrant, livable communities and recognizing the crucial role of the Arts and artists.  We know the positive impact that the arts have on building livable communities. Arts and culture attracts tourists, fosters community pride, and enhances Ottawa's reputation as a thriving cultural capital.   We are encouraged by the important Equity lenses being applied and prioritized in the proposed Cultural Funding Policy. In particular, that the values of the program are so clearly stated:  Values culture   Acknowledges Anishinaabe Algonquin territory and commits to reconciliation   Prioritizes equitable access to funding   Commits to bilingualism   Commits to accountability and transparency    Supports freedom of expression   As our City population grows, so does the demand for cultural services. It is essential to ensure that the City’s funding model evolves to match this growth. With an increasing number of qualified applicants and a commitment to growing the Cultural Funding programs, the pressures on the Cultural Funding Envelope will continue to rise. This raises some important considerations:  How will the equity framework be implemented with the current Cultural Funding Envelope budget  As the city grows and more residents seek opportunities to engage in cultural activities, how will the funding structure evolve to meet this growing demand?  We look forward to working together as a community so that Ottawa arts and culture continues to flourish, benefiting all Ottawa residents.  Thank you for your continued dedication to Ottawa’s cultural landscape.  More information: Culture Funding Framework Review on Engage Ottawa   ‘ 'What We Learned Report’  The Engage Ottawa site includes many background documents about the programs.  

Support Arts Ottawa Photo: Eric Reid

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

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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

Arts Ottawa is advocating for greater investment in the City of Ottawa's Culture Funding Envelope City Budget 2025 Arts Ottawa is advocating for greater investment in the City of Ottawa's Culture Funding Envelope Arts Ottawa delegated to the Community Services Committee on Tuesday, November 26th, 2024 to speak to the importance of greater investment in the City of Ottawa's Culture Funding Envelope, and its new Cultural Plan. We asked that the plan have an appropriate budget for the scale and scope of the work it is undertaking, with residents able to contribute and help direct the future of arts and culture. We also advocated for significant increases to the cultural funding envelope so the sector can prepare to deliver on the outcomes of the plan and support all Ottawa communities to thrive. The 2025 draft budget, approved by City Council, shows a 2% increase in the Cultural Funding Envelope, representing an additional investment of $285,000 in 2025. Learn more about what services benefit from this advocacy. Watch the Delegation