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LaLande + Doyle Grant Guidelines DEADLINE: JULY 15th 2026 Access the Application Form ABOUT THE LALANDE + DOYLE EXHIBITION SPACE 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 LaLande + Doyle Exhibition Space Grant supports public presentation and exhibition by visual artists and visual arts groups within the Shenkman Arts Centre’s LaLande + Doyle Exhibition Space. This may include individual, collaborative, or group exhibitions. Applicants can apply for up to $2,800 in funding to support their exhibition. Four projects will be selected for in this funding stream. CLICK HERE for more information about the LaLande + Doyle Exhibition Space at the Shenkman Arts Centre. 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 if 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.  ELIGIBLE PROJECTS Presentation and exhibition of 2D visual artistic work in the Shenkman Arts Centre’s LaLande + Doyle Exhibition Space by local artists and arts organizations based in the Ottawa Region.  Please note: Artwork is to be hung on a track system or placed on the wall in the Exhibition Space.  Free-standing work that cannot be wall-mounted or hung on a track system is ineligible for this granting stream. Projects must take place between September 2025 and May 2026.  *Please contact Alex at Arts Ottawa if you have question on your project’s eligibility in this stream 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  Board and staff members of Arts Network Ottawa  Resident Art Partners at the Shenkman Arts Centre  Participating jurors or peer-assessors of the ARTicipate Grant Program    INELIGIBLE PROJECTS INCLUDE:  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  Projects that are part of the programming or operations of the Resident Arts Partners of the Shenkman Arts Centre ELIGIBLE EXPENSES  Only expenses directly related to the project are eligible.  A full list of eligible expenses can be found in the FAQ and 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: July 15th 2026 There are two required components to your LaLande + Doyle Exhibition Space application: Completed application form with budget Support materials (attached within your online application) Projects must take place in the Lalande + Doyle Exhibition Space. 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. 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 Clear plan for marketing and audience development and engagement 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 attendance of a mandatory ARTicipate Project Grant orientation session. 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. 

Want to know how to apply? Click here and get started today. 2025-26 RECIPIENTS: Iya Carson Lalande + Doyle PROJECT OUTLINE: In-Between is a poetic exploration of Ottawa, not just its scenery, but the fleeting emotions and quiet spaces that live within and around it. This series of watercolour paintings capture the city not as a map of landmarks, but as a living memory: soft silhouettes in mist, reflections in motion, moments suspended between light and shadow. Through granulation techniques, pigments drift and settle like thoughts between breaths – revealing the textures of passing time. I walk the streets of Ottawa, absorbing the mood: hush before snowfall, golden dusk behind old rooftops and silence after rain. These are not fixed images, but impressions – fragmented, tender, intimate. JustJamaal ThePoet Events & Performances PROJECT OUTLINE: Chambers is a deeply personal and spiritually rooted poetry collection that journeys through six stages of artistic and human transformation — mirroring the arc of the hero’s journey. In this official book launch concert , JustJamaal ThePoet will present a dynamic spoken word performance interwoven with live readings, music, and audience engagement. Each “chamber” explores themes of identity, healing, resistance, and purpose, offering the audience both introspection and celebration. Rooted in Black oral tradition, Afro-Caribbean sacred wisdom, and hip-hop cadence, the performance becomes a communal rite of passage, affirming the sacred power of language to restore and ignite. Rag'n'Bone Theatre Events & Performances PROJECT OUTLINE: Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre will present a new family audiences show, based on a series of classic books. Freddy the Detective, a fan of Sherlock Holmes, enjoys detecting and business is booming, but who stole the toy train? How do you incarcerate a misbehaving fly? And how can a diverse group of animals with unique cultures, needs, and personalities learn to get along? Four performing artists – two puppeteer, a dancer and a musician – will ponder these questions while making puppets, props, a set, and developing dance and music pieces, before their community outreach tour, and performances at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Ghost Rooster Collective Creation & Development PROJECT OUTLINE: Nutcracker Remix is a disability-led reimagining of The Nutcracker, a holiday ballet that has often excluded many. Ghost Rooster Collective invites diverse voices, bodies, and styles into this story. A version that is emotional, visually rich, and built on access and care. While traditionally limited to ballet-trained, non-disabled children, the production will welcome disabled artists, children, and community members across Ottawa. With the aim to create a Nutcracker everyone can see themselves in—on stage, backstage, and in the audience. Using the dreamlike spirit of the original, they’ll explore transformation, grief, and the connection between human and animal. Familiar scenes become symbols of emotion and difference, grounded in lived disability experience. Armin Shohrati Creation & Development PROJECT OUTLINE: After immigrating to Ottawa in 2022, Iranian filmmaker and visual artist Armin Shohrati began experiencing disrupted sleep—a common condition among immigrants adjusting to new environments. Working closely with two fellow Iranian collaborators, a sound designer and the other an emerging performer, Shohrati aims to bring to life Deep Sleep, a collaborative multimedia project that includes live performance, live sound design, and video installation. Deep Sleep is an immersive performance, set on a mattress and layered with recorded sounds, pre-composed music, and a looped video projection. Through this layered environment, and through audience participation, Shohrati creates an immersive space of reflection—drawing attention to the often-unspoken emotional weight immigrants carry during quiet, sleepless nights. Bengal Untold Events & Performances PROJECT OUTLINE: Seasons of Bengal will be a cultural and artistic exploration of Bengal’s six distinct seasons — Grishsho (Summer), Borsha (Monsoon), Shorot (Early Autumn), Hemonto (Late Autumn), Sheeth (Winter), and Boshonto (Spring). Through music, poetry, visual presentations and storytelling, the project brings each season to life, capturing the emotions, traditions, and creativity they inspire. Rooted in heritage and reimagined for today, the event will be presented in English to foster intergenerational connection and cross-cultural engagement, while highlighting Bengali culture. Songs and dances will remain in Bengali, preserving the language’s poetic power and authenticity. With the use of visual presentations, lights, stage décor, music, dance, and poetry, the event aims to create a one-of-a-kind experience, transporting the audience into the heart of Bengal’s seasonal rhythms. This is both a celebration and an invitation – for Bengalis and non-Bengalis, to experience the spirit and soul of Bengal through its most expressive lens: the changing seasons. Integration 101 Hub Lalande & Doyle PROJECT OUTLINE: Polyphonie of Muses is a striking bilingual photographic exhibition that reclaims the “muse” as a force of creation, resistance, and cultural authorship. Curated by Miriam Faraja and photographed by Jean Stevenson Louis, this bold series of large-format portraits explores womanhood through poetic captions and audio storytelling accessible via QR code. Each image is a visual essay, celebrating resilience, identity, and diasporic memory across languages, generations, and traditions. Themes range from the hyper-sexualization of Black women to gender-based violence in conflict zones, offering a powerful lens into intersectional lived experiences. Rooted in a multicultural, decolonial framework and incorporating symbolic references to Mohawk worldviews, the project invites reflection and dialogue. First exhibited during International Women’s Rights Month and at Saint Paul University, this evolved presentation invites new audiences into a layered conversation on art, power, and truth. Polyphonie of Muses doesn’t ask to be viewed — it demands to be witnessed. Multicltural Artist's Coalition Lalande & Doyle PROJECT OUTLINE: Decolonize This Place is an art exhibition by Alejandro Salgado Cendales and presented by the Multicultural Artists’ Coalition (MAC-CAM). It features Indigenous artists from Kitigan Zibi and Timiskaming First Nations who explore the boundaries between Fine Arts and Crafts through a decolonial lense. The exhibition will include beadwork, moccasins, digital illustration, and painting. Alongside the exhibition, community-engaged programming such as beading and moose hide tanning workshops and an opening ceremony led by an Algonquin Elder will foster cross-cultural dialogue. This project challenges colonial hierarchies in art institutions and supports Indigenous resurgence in the Ottawa arts. Lia Keech & Lucie Raymond Lalande & Doyle PROJECT OUTLINE: Through Our Eyes: What Lies Beneath is the second installation in an evolving mother-daughter collaboration between Lia and Lucie. This piece traces key life transitions that have shaped their bond: birth, separation, re-blending, pandemic and adulthood. Each panel presents a dual perspective: how mother and daughter individually experienced each moment, revealing both connection and contrast. Movable elements built into the artwork invite viewers to uncover hidden layers symbolizing the emotions that often go unspoken in family relationships. Deeply personal yet universally relatable, Through Our Eyes: What Lies Beneath is an invitation to reflect on our own relationships with those who raised us: what was said, what wasn’t, and what still lingers beneath the surface. Théâtre du village Orléans Events & Performance PROJECT OUTLINE: Rumors is a comedic play by Neil Simon, translated and adapted by Normand Chouinard. Set in an upscale New York home, the play follows a dinner party gone hilariously wrong when the first guests arrive to find their host wounded and his wife missing. As more guests show up, a tangled web of cover-ups, confusion, and escalating chaos unfolds, as everyone scrambles to protect their reputations, and avoid scandal. Packed with sharp wit, rapid-fire dialogue, and physical comedy, Rumors is a wildly entertaining exploration of miscommunication, and the absurd lengths people will go to keep up appearances. 2007 Established in $ 1,077,590 Given to artists 253 Projects funded How to Apply About Past Recipients View the Spaces FAQ Contact The Articipate Endowment Fund was established in 2007 by Arts Ottawa (formerly Arts Network Ottawa) in partnership with the City of Ottawa to support artistic programming in professional spaces at the Shenkman Arts Centre.  Arts Ottawa is the steward of the Fund and is responsible for its promotion, administration. Each year, the interest earned on the Articipate Endowment Fund is distributed in the form of grants to Resident Arts Partners (Gloucester Pottery School, MIFO, Ottawa School of Art – Orléans Campus and Ottawa School of Theatre), and as Articipate Project Grants to local artists and arts organizations that will present or exhibit their work in professional spaces at the Centre. Project Grant recipients use funding toward rehearsal and production costs, to enhance their creative team, to create original work or to support promotional efforts. Project Grants are determined through a jury process. The Articipate Endowment Fund is made possible through the generosity of the Province of Ontario, foundations, local businesses and individuals. Donate 2024 2,250 1,750 1,750 5,000 2,250 2,000 2,250 2,000 5,000 2,250 2,250 2023 2,500 2,500 2,250 2,250 2,250 4,000 2022 2,500 2,500 2,500 4,000 4,000 5,000 4,000 5,000 2020 - 2021 10,000 10,000 5,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 8,260 9,350 8,000 10,000 10,000 2019 Tara Luz Danse 2,500 Tina Petrovicz 1,250 Chamber Opera Company Ottawa 2,500 Aroha Fine Arts 2,500 Dyanne Wilson 1,000 Carrie Brummer 1,000 John Voordouw 1,000 Karen Goetzinger 1,250 Sons of Scotland Pipe Band 1,500 Anjali Patil Dance Creations 2,500 Zac Pulak 1,000 Sandy Sharkey 1,250 Ginny Fobert 1,000 Théâtre du Village Orléans Inc 2,500 Cumberland Community Singers 300 Danielle Beaulieu 500 2018 East End Theatre 1,400 Cumberland Community Singers 1,425 Théâtre du Village Orléans inc 2,500 MDA Productions 2,500 Tara Luz Danse 2,500 Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre 2,500 Windows Collective 2,500 Aroha Fine Arts 2,500 Mark Stephenson 1,250 Jessie M Parker 1,100 Gail Bourgeois and Pira Pirani 2,500 Deirdre Hierlihy 1,250 2017 Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre 2,500 Cumberland Community Singers 1,159.50 Windows Collective 2,500 Théâtre du Village Orléans inc 2,300 Tara Luz Danse 2,500 Rapscallion Diversion 2,000 Gharana Arts 2,300 Marc Léger 1,000 Jessica Ruano & Amelia Griffin 2,325 Jeannine Robertson 1,250 Anjali Patil / Nick Storring Collective 2,300 2016 Jeannine Robertson 1,250 Chinh Nguyen 1,000 Windows Collective 2,500 Théâtre du village Orléans Inc. 2,300 Tara Luz Danse 2,500 Jessica Ruano & Amelia Griffin 2,325 Rapscallion Diversion 2,000 Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre 2,500 Anjali Patil & Nick Storring Collective 2,300 Gharana Arts 2,300 2015 Tara Luz Danse 2,500 Windows Collective 2,500 Théâtre du Village Orléans inc 2,500 Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre 2,500 MDA Productions 2,500 East End Theatre 1,425 Cumberland Community Singers 500 Tale Wagging Theatre 1,500 Coro Vivo Ottawa Inc 2,500 Susan Toman, Tess McManus, Dawn Bailey 1,000 Ralitsa Tcholakova 1,250 Karen Miller 775 Karen Goetzinger 1,250 Cynthia O'Brien 1,250 2014 Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre 2,000 Theatre Théâtre du Village d’Orléans 1,500 Music Ralitsa Tcholakova 1,000 Tara Luz Danse 2,000 Aroha Fine Arts 2,000 Vintage Stock Theatre 1,500 Jennifer Stewart 750 Anjali Patil 1,000 Alena Liapko 695 Ralph Nevins 1,000 Michel Luc Bellemare 750 John F. Marok 1,000 2013 Vintage Stock Theatre 1,500 Théâtre du Village Orléans Inc. 2,000 Tara Luz Danse 2,000 Tale Wagging Theatre 1,250 Aroha Fine Arts 2,000 Virginia Dupuis 750 Sayward Johnson 750 Raymond John Clements 1,000 Miguel De Armas 2,000 Doris Lamontagne 1,000 Anjali Patil 1,000 2012 Orléans Festival 2,000 Vintage Stock Theatre 1,500 Théâtre du Village Orléans 2,000 Tara Luz Danse 2,000 Tale Wagging Theatre 1,500 Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre 1,905 Aroha Fine Arts 1,500 One Word Dialogue 1,000 Michel Luc Bellemare 500 Michael Parkin 1,000 Mary Kritz 750 Karen Goetzinger 1,000 Anjali Patil 750 2011 Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre 1,505 Vintage Stock Theatre 2,000 Théâtre du Village Orléans inc 2,000 Dr. L's Music and Counterpoint Players 2,000 Gloucester Community Concert Band 500 Bytown Beat Chorus 1,000 Gharana Arts Festival 2,000 Tara Luz Danse 2,000 The Gumboots Dance Project 1,000 Asif Rehman 750 2010 Digi60 Film Festival 2,000 Alanna Baird 1,000 Propeller Dance 2,000 Blink Gallery 2,000 Gharana Arts 2,000 Vintage Stock Theatre 2,000 National Capital Suzuki School of Music 2,000 Ottawa Theatre School 2,000 LALANDE + DOYLE APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN! There are three ARTicipate Project Grant funding streams available. Please make sure you select the correct funding stream for your project and meet all eligibility criteria for that specific stream before applying. Please ensure you have reviewed our TERMS AND CONDITIONS prior to submitting your application. Still have questions about which stream is right for you or your project? We encourage you to consult our FAQ page or contact us at alex@artsottawa.ca to discuss your application. Lalande + Doyle Exhibition Space Events & Performances Creation & Development IM A VISUAL ARTIST/GROUP INTERESTED IN EXHIBITING MY WORK IM A VISUAL ARTIST/GROUP INTERESTED IN HOSTING A FESTIVAL, CONCERT OR EVENT IM A VISUAL ARTIST/GROUP LOOKING TO EXPLORE AND DEVELOP NEW WORK Harold Shenkman Hall Richcraft Theatre Ottawa Citizen Dance Studio Learn more Learn more Learn more Emmy and Victor Abboud Music Studio Upper Lobby Reception Space Agora Minto-Orleans Outdoor Plaza Learn more Learn more Learn more Ottawa School of Theatre Studios Lower Lobby Reception Area LaLande + Doyle Exhibition Space Learn more Learn more Learn more FAQs About the grant Why do I need to use the Shenkman Arts Centre for funding received through the ARTicipate Project Grant? The Articipate Endowment Fund was established in 2007 by Arts Network Ottawa (now Arts Ottawa) in partnership with the City of Ottawa to support artistic programming in professional spaces at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Each year, the interest earned on the Articipate Endowment Fund is distributed in the form of grants to local artists and arts organizations that will present or exhibit their work in professional spaces at the Centre. While ARTicipate Project Grants are intended to fund local artists and arts organizations, these grants also work to animate/showcase the Centre. How will I know you have received my Project Grant application? We ask that you submit your complete application to articipate@artsottawa.ca . You will receive a message confirming that we have received your submission. I have received an ARTicipate Project Grant in the past, am I eligible to apply this year? Projects that have previously been funded through ARTicipate are ineligible BUT previous ARTicipate Grant recipients are eligible to apply for new projects, provided they meet eligibility criteria. About the Use of Space and Resources at Shenkman Arts Centre Who will come to my event or performance? Does ARTicipate or Shenkman Arts Centre promote my event for me? While the Shenkman Arts Centre and Arts Ottawa provide general support with promotion through newsletters and social media posts, we do not have the capacity to adequately promote and generate audiences for all ARTicipate-funded public events, performances, and exhibitions. Promotional materials and marketing campaigns are the responsibility of grant recipients. Successful applicants will be onboarded and provided additional resources to support promotion of their project. Where can I find out more about the spaces at the Shenkman Arts Centre You can find more information under "View the Spaces" or on their website or by contacting Booking Agents at: locationshenkmanrentals@ottawa.ca or telephone 613-580-2424 ext. 15930. I have received ARTicipate funding. Am I able to change the dates of my project? Yes, pending the availability of spaces and approval from Shenkman Arts Centre Booking Agents, project dates will be allowed to change. If you would like to change your dates please contact staff at Arts Ottawa or the Shenkman Arts Centre: locationshenkmanrentals@ottawa.ca   or telephone 613-580-2424 ext. 15930 alex@artsottawa.ca Budget What other costs or details should I include in my budget expenses? Artist fees (here are some resources to help you determine the amounts: Canadian Artists’ Representation/Le Front des artistes canadiens , Canadian Actors’ Equity Association ) Project Costs (E.g., Supplies, materials, access support for disability-related services and supports required to complete the project, equipment, and venue rentals, etc.). This might include additional costs for technicians or resources at the Shenkman Arts Centre (not applicable for the LaLande + Doyle Exhibition Space). Dissemination and Promotion (E.g., Digital tools and software for project dissemination, design of promotional materials, photo, and video documentation of the project, etc.) Administration (E.g., Insurance, administration personnel for the project, etc.) Access (Public access costs – e.g., Sign language interpretation, captioning, audio description, childcare, translation, etc.) Other costs specific to your project. What should I include in my budget revenues? The amount you are requesting from this grant If you have other confirmed or anticipated grants/donations, etc. Potential/estimated ticket sales Is it okay if the only source of revenue included in the budget is this grant? Yes. Liability Insurance options: Why do I need this, and who do I talk to? Arts Ottawa will arrange insurance with successful applicants through the City of Ottawa’s insurance program. This will not be an expense for grant recipients. The City of Ottawa typically requires anyone who uses their facilities to have liability insurance coverage to a minimum limit of $2,000,000, naming the City of Ottawa as an additional insured. Insurance is not required in the LaLande + Doyle Exhibition Space. What liability insurance does is protect you against claims resulting from injuries and damage to other people or property resulting from your project activities. By naming the City of Ottawa as an additional insured means that they will also benefit from your coverage should there be an incident. The cost of liability insurance can vary, depending on the nature of your activities. Still have questions? Applicants are encouraged to contact the Program Manager with any questions they may have regarding the ARTicipate Project Grant guidelines or their application: alex@artsottawa.ca Contact Us Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or would like to talk with our organization about the grant program, the application process, or how to become a donor. Be sure to read our F.A.Q. for answers to many of the common questions we get from applicants and donors! Alex Maltby Programming & Partnerships alex@artsottawa.ca Articipate Endowment Fund c/o Arts Ottawa Arts Court 2 Daly ave. Ottawa, ON K1E 0A1 Donate Donate to the Articipate Endowment Fund and help build the cultural life in Ottawa! Your donation builds a stable source of funding for artists and arts organizations. Through grants, the Fund supports the artistic activities at the Shenkman Arts Centre and will do so for generations to come, not to mention benefiting the local economy. DONATE NOW Take a look at our Donor Wall ! Resident Art Partners Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre Project Outline: Start Now Cumberland Community Singers Project Outline: Start Now Windows Collective Project Outline: Start Now Théâtre du Village Orléans inc Project Outline: Start Now Tara Luz Danse Project Outline: Start Now Rapscallion Diversion Project Outline: Start Now Gharana Arts Project Outline: Start Now Marc Léger Project Outline: Start Now Jessica Ruano & Amelia Griffin Project Outline: Start Now Jeannine Robertson Project Outline: Start Now Anjali Patil / Nick Storring Collective Project Outline: Start Now

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 Arts Ottawa's First Community Forum - Outcomes and next steps APPLY NOW: Artist in Residence in ARTicipate June 1st - CWB Learning Lab 5 | Registration Open Register for Arts Ottawa's AGM - May 27 Watch the CWB Learning Labs online now Giving Circle: Help Shape the Future of the Arts in Ottawa 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 Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more April 23 - Arts Ottawa's First Community Forum Learn more April 29 - Third Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more May May 13 - Fourth Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more May 27 - AGM June June 1st - Fifth Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more June 19th - Last Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more July - 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

Land Acknowledgment We acknowledge that our offices are on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. Today, many Indigenous communities continue to be denied the opportunity and resources to make and experience their traditional art on this land. We pledge to make justice and reconciliation a priority through our work by amplifying Indigenous voices and their experiences. Arts Ottawa is committed to meaningful reconciliation, not only in words, but in actions. We are dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices within Ottawa’s arts and culture sector, creating space for Indigenous artists and communities to lead, shape, and define the work we do together. We acknowledge that this commitment requires ongoing learning, deep listening, trust-building and accountability to the communities whose stewardship of this land we honour. Learn more about whose land you're on Learn more about the Chiefs of Ontario Learn more about the Anishinabek Nation The Indigenous People of the Ottawa Valley are Algonquin By Aimee Bailey, Algonquin Citizen Read the article here Who We Are Arts Ottawa was established through the 2025 merger of the Ottawa Arts Council (est. 1982) and Arts Network Ottawa (est. 1980)—two organizations that individually shaped the city’s cultural landscape for decades. Together, as Arts Ottawa, we carry forward a combined legacy of over 80 years of service to artists, arts workers, and arts organizations across the region. Arts Ottawa operates from a foundational belief: that the arts are not a luxury or a cultural add-on, but a form of civic infrastructure, as essential to a functioning, vibrant city as transit, housing, or public green space has been. Our theory of change holds that when artists and arts organizations are well-resourced, well-connected, and well-represented in civic decision-making, the entire city benefits through stronger communities, a more resilient economy, and a more inclusive public life. LEARN MORE ABOUT ARTS OTTAWA 2025 Impact Overview COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 796 total participants across 32 labs, events, meetups, and collaborative sessions. 31 sector leaders, experts, and knowledge holders contributed as speakers and facilitators. 27 volunteers supported program delivery and community activities. Total Audience & Engagement Reach (2025) DIGITAL REACH & COMMUNITY GROWTH 6,219 Social Media Followers 336 Members 316,112 Social Media Views 2,684 Email Subscribers 125 Artist Talk Subscribers 14,862 Website Views Total Audience & Engagement Reach (2025) DIGITAL REACH & COMMUNITY GROWTH 316,112 Social media views 6,219 Social media followers 2,684 Email subscribers 336 Members (CAMs) 125 Artist Talk subscribers 14,862 Website views INVESTMENT IN ARTISTS & CREATIVE PRACTICE Total Financial Distribution to Artists: $201,163 total distributed across programs and supports ÁjgqÎ|QWERTYqwerty CLICK HERE! CLICK HERE! Funding & Support Breakdown ARTicipate Project Grants and Shenkman Arts Centre Resident Arts Partners Artist in Residence in Government (AIRG) Program Photography/Videography Production Arts Correspondents & Writing Contributions Arts Ottawa Awards Performances and Production Social Impact Evaluation Prototypers Artist and Community Member Stipends Instagram Artist Takeovers Speakers and Facilitators 12 Shared Ground Advisors and Leaders 33 Arts Ottawa Awards CAM Advisory Group 11 Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts Advisors and Leaders 36 Community Consultation Session Participants LEADERSHIP CIRCLE & COMMUNITY ADVISORS Total Leadership Circle Participation: 92 Advocacy for Systems Change Community Voices Our Work In 2025, Arts Ottawa organized its programs and initiatives around four interconnected pillars, each reinforcing the others in service of a single goal: a stronger, more equitable arts sector in Ottawa. The work Arts Ottawa delivered in 2025 can be mapped across six core areas of focus: Building Community Power Learning and Knowledge Sharing Arts as Civic Infrastructure Recognition and Celebration Our Work In 2025, Arts Ottawa organized its programs and initiatives around three interconnected pillars, Physical, Economic, and Knowledge Infrastructure, each reinforcing the others in service of a single goal: a stronger, more equitable arts sector in Ottawa. The work Arts Ottawa delivered in 2025 can be mapped across six areas of focus in relation to these pillars: Building Community Power, Learning and Knowledge Sharing, Arts as Civic Infrastructure, Recognition and Celebration, Community Voices, and Advocacy for Systems Change. BUILDING COMMUNITY POWER Through a series of Learning Labs and Co-Creation Labs held between January and April, we invited sector leaders, artists, arts workers, and community members to help us prototype what a truly community-driven organization could look like. The process was iterative, at times messy, and deeply generative. LEARN MORE ABOUT ARTS OTTAWA’S LEARNING AND CO-CREATION LABS EXPLORE WHAT WE LEARNED By July, we had arrived at a governance structure that reflects the genuine priorities and values of the people it serves. The result is a circle-based leadership model built around three interlocking components: Co-Leadership Circles, Community Advisory Members and Action Labs. Hear what the community had to say ARTS OTTAWA’S SHARED GOVERNANCE MODEL CO-LEADERSHIP CIRCLES COMMUNITY ADVISORY MEMBERS ACTION LABS ARTS OTTAWA AS A LEARNING ORGANIZATION A central conviction of Arts Ottawa’s work is that the expertise needed to strengthen Ottawa’s arts sector already exists within the community, and that our role is to convene it. In 2025, our Learning Labs series gave form to that conviction. Across 5 sessions spanning governance models, advocacy strategies, artist leadership, trust-building, and cross-sector collaboration, the Learning Labs brought together 142 sector professionals and community members to learn from one another. Watch the Learning Lab and Co Creation Lab Videos See the full playlist September saw the launch of one of Arts Ottawa’s most ambitious initiatives: the Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts Action Lab. Developed in direct response to a challenge surfaced repeatedly in community conversations (the difficulty of measuring and articulating the value of artistic work) LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WORK AROUND SOCIAL IMPACT IN THE ARTS ARTS AS CIVIC INFRASTRUCTURE If there is a single issue that defined Arts Ottawa’s first year of advocacy, it is space . Access to affordable, accessible, and stable space is the single largest constraint facing Ottawa’s arts community, and in 2025, Arts Ottawa stepped forward to lead a sector-wide response. Shared Ground, our first Action Lab dedicated to cultural space, launched in June with a focus on reimagining vacant and underused spaces in downtown Ottawa as vibrant cultural hubs. Conversations continued throughout the year, generating new models and new coalitions through events including the (Un)Common Grounds Community Living Rooms. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHARED GROUND INITIATIVE JUNE 25TH EVENT REPORT AND KEY FINDINGS (UN)COMMON GROUNDS EVENT REPORT AND KEY FINDINGS The Artist in Residence in Government (AIRG) program represented another dimension of Arts Ottawa’s civic engagement, embedding an artist within a City of Ottawa department to apply creative practice to a concrete civic challenge. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST IN RESIDENCE IN GOVERNEMENT PROGRAM VIEW OLIVIA ONUK'S WEBSITE OLIVIA'S CLOSING STATEMENT PROJECT - MAPPING JOY VIEW JORDAN DANGER'S WEBSITE Recognition, Celebration & Sector Visibility In its inaugural merged year, Arts Ottawa’s Awards program was reimagined through a 28-member Community Advisory Group, which led a process to rethink recognition and centering accessibility, inclusion, and sector representation. Launched in November, the refreshed awards reflect the diversity of Ottawa’s arts community. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ARTS OTTAWA AWARDS The ARTicipate Project Grants program continued to provide direct support to artists and arts organizations, distributing $ 29,200 across 10 grants in 2025. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ARTICIPATE ENDOWMENT FUND STAY UP TO DATE WITH ARTICIPATE PROJECTS ON INSTAGRAM The Artist Takeover series showcased individual artists across Arts Ottawa’s digital platforms, offering insight into creative practice and reaching a wide online audience. 4 artists participated in 2025, collectively reaching a social media audience of 17,598. The Giving Circle launched as a new donor engagement model, inviting supporters to help guide funding decisions and strengthening the connection between donors and the community while supporting a more sustainable funding approach. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GIVING CIRCLE Community Voices The most meaningful measure of Arts Ottawa’s impact is the experience of the community we serve. Here, in their own words, are the people who make this work matter. “These shared conversations are an important reminder of the collective strength of our creative community and the value of coming together to shape the future of the arts.” 
- Jennifer Prevost What stood out most was the energy in the room — ideas shared, frameworks discussed, and stories brought forward [...] a powerful reminder that governance isn't just about policy—it's about people, passion, and purpose.”
 - Zoha Khalid Advocacy & Systems Change In 2025, Arts Ottawa advanced a focused advocacy agenda, participating in and contributing to some of the most consequential civic conversations shaping Ottawa's cultural future. Through Shared Ground, Arts Ottawa led a community-driven response to one of the sector's most pressing challenges: access to affordable and stable cultural space. Arts Ottawa also joined the City of Ottawa’ Nightlife Council, bringing an arts and culture lens to conversations about Ottawa's evening economy and the conditions that allow creative communities to thrive. Through years of sustained advocacy, Arts Ottawa helped lay the groundwork for the City of Ottawa's upcoming Culture Plan, ensuring that the priorities of artists, arts workers, and arts organizations are embedded in the policy framework. And through formal City Council Delegations, we ensured that the arts sector's perspective was heard directly by elected decision-makers at critical moments in the city's planning and budgeting processes. These initiatives reflect an organization that is actively shaping the civic decisions that matter most to the community it serves. Looking Ahead: 2026 Priorities The foundation we built in 2025 exists to be built upon. As we look toward 2026, Arts Ottawa is focused on deepening the impact of our inaugural year while expanding our reach and influence across Ottawa’s arts and culture sector. The goal is a sector that is better equipped to measure, articulate, and advocate for its own value. Stay Connected and follow along: info@artsottawa.ca Vision: Arts Ottawa is accountable to the community and to the public trust. The following summary reflects the organization’s financial activity in 2025, highlighting the sources of support that made our work possible and the areas where those resources were invested. These figures reflect Arts Ottawa’s commitment to directing the majority of its resources toward programs and community impact. Financial Summary THANK YOU Arts Ottawa’s work in 2025 was made possible by the generosity, partnership, and dedication of a remarkable community of funders, donors, board members, staff, members, volunteers, and partners. We are grateful to each of them. Our Community Advisory Members Your lived experience and sector expertise shaped every program, priority, and decision Arts Ottawa made in 2025. BECOME A MEMBER Our Funders Your investment made it possible to build a unified, community-driven organization with the capacity to advocate, convene, and lead on behalf of Ottawa's entire arts sector. SEE MORE Giving Circle Members & Individual Donors By investing directly in Ottawa's arts community and participating in the decisions about where that investment goes, you helped us model a new kind of relationship between donors and the sector they support. DONATE NOW Our Board of Directors Your governance leadership through a year of significant organizational transformation provided the stability and strategic direction that made everything else possible. LEARN MORE Staff Team You built Arts Ottawa from the ground up in a single year: the programs, the relationships, the governance structures, and the community trust that now define this organization. LEARN MORE Key Partners & Collaborators Your willingness to show up at the table, in the room, and in the work gave Arts Ottawa's programs the depth, credibility, and reach that no single organization could achieve alone. SEE MORE Our Community Advisory Members Your lived experience and sector expertise shaped every program, priority, and decision Arts Ottawa made in 2025. Our Funders Your investment made it possible to build a unified, community-driven organization with the capacity to advocate, convene, and lead on behalf of Ottawa's entire arts sector. Giving Circle Members & Individual Donors By investing directly in Ottawa's arts community and participating in the decisions about where that investment goes, you helped us model a new kind of relationship between donors and the sector they support. Board of Directors Your governance leadership through a year of significant organizational transformation provided the stability and strategic direction that made everything else possible. Staff Team You built Arts Ottawa from the ground up in a single year: the programs, the relationships, the governance structures, and the community trust that now define this organization. Key Partners & Collaborators Your willingness to show up at the table, in the room, and in the work gave Arts Ottawa's programs the depth, credibility, and reach that no single organization could achieve alone.

Browse Arts Ottawa's annual reports and learn about our AGM. Annual General Meeting + Reports Each year Arts Ottawa hosts its Annual General Meeting (AGM). This is the yearly gathering of our members, community, and other invested parties. At the AGM, Arts Ottawa will present our financials, annual report and more. Invested parties will have the opportunity to vote on the issues at hand. Photo: Jamaal Khaleefa 2025 AGM Arts Ottawa Annual General Meeting May 27th, 2026 5:00 - 8:00pm Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins This AGM is open to members in good standing. If you are unsure about your membership status, or have any questions, please contact us at info@artsottawa.ca . Register for the AGM here Download AGM Documents Annual Reports 2025 Arts Ottawa Annual Report 2025 Download 2024 Arts Network Ottawa Annual Report 2024 Coming Soon Ottawa Arts Council Annual Report 2024 Coming Soon 2024 Arts Network Ottawa Annual Report 2024 Download Ottawa Arts Council Annual Report 2024 Download 2023 Arts Network Ottawa Annual Report 2023 Download Ottawa Arts Council Annual Report 2023 Download 2025 Arts Ottawa Impact Report 2025 Download Read online

Meet the Arts Ottawa team Meet the Arts Ottawa Team Alex Maltby Programming & Partnerships Brooklyn Marok Digital Engagement & Design Cassandra Olsthoorn Co-Leadership, Strategy & Community Mobilization Joni Hamlin Programming and Operations Nicole Milne Co-Leadership, Operations & Revenue Generation Noel Szabados Content & Impact Documentation Coordinator Advisors Leah Cogan Community Wealth Building Learning Labs Kwende Kefentse Shared Ground Initiative Board of Directors Chirag Gehani Financial Steward Emily Ramsay Chairing Member Hanna Nizman Board Member Jeff Richstone Support Chair Justine Stewart Board Member Patrick Blackman Board Member

Arts Correspondents act as community storytellers, attending Arts Ottawa programs and events to listen, reflect, and share the voices, experiences, and ideas that shape Ottawa’s arts community. Arts Correspondents Arts Correspondents act as community storytellers, attending Arts Ottawa programs and events to listen, reflect, and share the voices, experiences, and ideas that shape Ottawa’s arts community. Photo: Brooklyn Marok Arts Ottawa is seeking Arts Correspondents to join the conversation and share their reflections through the lens of a community member. Correspondents will attend select Arts Ottawa sessions, events or labs then submit a written reflection of 1,000 to 2,000 words in a report or blog style format. This role is part of a new approach to centring voices from outside our organization. Arts Correspondents will offer an independent perspective on the work taking place, and their reflections will be shared across our channels to help broaden the conversation within the community. Payment for attending a session and completing a written piece is $376, in accordance with the CARFAC storyteller rate. Apply to be an Arts Correspondent COMMUNITY FORUM: Turning Priorities into Action - April 23rd 2025 Arts Correspondent: Murray Dineen Murray Dineen is a professional artist and printmaker who teaches at the Ottawa School of Art. From 2020 to 2025, he served on the Board of Directors of Arts Network Ottawa (now Arts Ottawa), and was also Director-at-Large of the Ottawa-Gatineau Printmakers Connective. Read their article here Correspondant artistique : Dillon Orr Dillon Orr est un metteur en scène queer franco-ontarien et le producteur exécutif artistique de Créations In Vivo, à Ottawa. Originaire de la rivière du Détroit, diplômé de l’Université d’Ottawa et de l’École nationale de théâtre du Canada, il développe une pratique de théâtre franco-mino grassroots, nourrie par le bouffe. Lire leur article ici ACTION LAB: Social Impact in the Arts - December 15th 2025 Arts Correspondent: Meral Tan Meral Tan is a graduate of Carleton University’s Film Studies MA program. She’s currently working as an arts administrator at the Digital Arts Resource Centre, programming events and educational opportunities in media arts. Read their article here COLLABORATIVE STRATEGY SESSION - November 27th 2025 Arts Correspondent: Ava Margueritte Ava Margueritte graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design University with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts majoring in conceptual photography. Her work is in the City of Ottawa’s permanent art collection, in private collections and has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Read their article here Arts Ottawa's Arts Correspondents are funded by the Giving Circle

Arts Ottawa’s programming and services are designed to address critical gaps and challenges in Ottawa’s arts landscape. Explore what we offer here. Learning and Professional development What if we had better ways to calculate the social impact that the arts contribute to local communities?   Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts View Program Community-Engaged Arts 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 View Program 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 Arts Ottawa is introducing a new role: Artist in Residence in ARTicipate. Artist in Residence in ARTicipate Learn more Funding, recognition and showcasing opportunities The Arts Ottawa Awards celebrate Ottawa-based artists, creatives, educators, businesses, and organizations who help shape a vibrant, connected city. Arts Ottawa Awards View Program ARTicipate Project Grants View Program Programs & Services Arts Ottawa’s programming and services are designed to address critical gaps and challenges in Ottawa’s arts landscape. Through a lens of mentorship and peer-support, we provide a range of opportunities to engage, build careers, expand networks, and access funding. At the forefront, we are committed to platforming the voices of artists in our community to inform and shape our programs and services - working together to achieve a vibrant and sustainable sector.

Joni Hamlin Programming and Operations joni@artsottawa.ca With over 30 years of experience in event management, volunteer coordination, and office administration, Joni Hamlin is dedicated to fostering a thriving and inclusive arts community in Ottawa. As the Programming and Operations Manager at Arts Ottawa, she oversees a diverse portfolio of initiatives, including donation campaigns, membership engagement, program development, and both small and large-scale event management. Her expertise lies in bringing people together—artists, donors, community leaders, and arts supporters—to create meaningful experiences that celebrate and sustain the arts. Whether managing logistics for major events like the Arts Ottawa Awards, coordinating co-creation programs, or building relationships with equity-deserving communities, she is committed to ensuring every initiative runs smoothly and makes a lasting impact.

Alex Maltby Programming & Partnerships alex@artsottawa.ca Alex is a musician, arts administrator and programmer, living and working on unceded Algonquin Anishnaabe territory. He has played an active role in the local music and arts scene for nearly two decades, with a focus on community engagement, equity, and relationship building. At Arts Ottawa, Alex collaborates with various interest holders to develop and expand programs and strategic partnerships that support Ottawa's arts community. Past artistic experience includes programming and performing at renowned festivals across Canada, such as Pop Montreal, Megaphono, Bluesfest, CityFolk, Westfest, Arboretum Arts Festival, Ottawa International Animation Festival, as well as participating in international events like PATIOS in León, Spain.

Nicole Milne Co-Leadership, Operations & Revenue Generation nicole@artsottawa.ca Nicole’s leadership of the Ottawa Arts Council for the past five years was rooted in positioning the organization as a passionate and influential voice; as a champion for an engaged, thriving and connected arts community; as a facilitator in creating a healthier, more sustainable arts sector; and as an effective collaborator in building diversity and inclusion in the arts. A dedicated advocate for Ottawa’s vibrant arts community, Nicole brings 30 years of experience in arts administration, fundraising, marketing, communications, strategic planning, and community engagement. Her work with the Ottawa Arts Council, Great Canadian Theatre Company, Canada’s National Arts Centre, and the Canada Council for the Arts have offered her unique opportunities to shape and support the city’s dynamic cultural landscape. Nicole is committed to advancing the arts through innovative approaches, fostering collaboration, and building meaningful connections within the community.

Brooklyn Marok Digital Engagement & Design brooklyn@artsottawa.ca As the Digital Engagement & Design Coordinator for Arts Ottawa, Brooklyn plays a key role in connecting the local arts community. She is the primary point of contact for sharing exciting events and opportunities, helping to amplify these initiatives through our social media, website, and newsletters. Her goal is to strengthen and foster a more inclusive, connected arts ecosystem in Ottawa. Brooklyn manages the organization’s social media, so if you message us, you’re likely chatting with her! Additionally, she handles the creation of graphics, ensuring our visual identity reflects the vibrancy of our community. Brooklyn supports all communications efforts to maintain clear, engaging messaging that keeps the arts community informed, involved, and excited about what's happening in Ottawa.