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

Short description Arts matter this election - learn about our asks for the City

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 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 Watch the CWB Learning Labs online now COMING SOON - Community Wealth Building part 2 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

The Arts Ottawa Awards celebrate Ottawa-based artists, creatives, educators, businesses, and organizations who help shape a vibrant, connected city. Arts Ottawa Awards The Arts Ottawa Awards celebrate Ottawa-based artists, creatives, educators, businesses, and organizations who help shape a vibrant, connected city. Photo: Eric Reid Arts Ottawa is engaged in strategic conversations with public and private partners in relation to emerging cultural infrastructure development opportunities across the city. This work focuses on ensuring sector-informed input is considered in broader planning processes by advocating for clear, consistent data collection and evaluation measures to be embedded throughout. The goal is to build a practical evidence base that helps the sector better understand the logistics and feasibility of opening and sustaining arts-led spaces, including what is realistically achievable for smaller organizations and what conditions support long-term sustainability in independently run arts spaces. This stream of work supports a longer-term horizon goal of positioning the arts sector to be ready to engage with, respond to, and help shape major civic cultural infrastructure as these opportunities emerge across the city. Research, Advocacy & Planning The State of the Arts Map is an evolving research tool designed to strengthen Ottawa’s arts ecosystem by making its assets, resources, and opportunities more visible and connected. The map will identify and document creative infrastructure across the city, like studio spaces, learning environments, and community hubs, while capturing key information about their features, uses, and the resources that flow through them. By providing a clearer picture of what already exists and where gaps remain, the project helps break down silos, foster collaboration, and improve access to spaces and resources. The result is a more connected, informed, and resilient arts community, better equipped to support growth, advocacy, and long-term sector development. A collaboration with Memetic Media and Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS) Lab. State of the Arts Map Learning Cohort Launching in fall 2026, this Learning Cohort supports people who are working toward creating physical arts and culture spaces. Through mentorship, resources, and peer learning, participants will receive practical support as they take the next steps toward bringing their vision to life. In exchange, participants will contribute to a shared learning process by documenting key aspects of their journey, helping capture what it actually takes to create and sustain an arts and culture space. Through guided reporting, the cohort will track challenges, costs, timelines, relationships, and decision-making processes involved in developing a space. This information will create valuable knowledge for the sector, helping identify barriers, gaps, and opportunities while strengthening support for future arts and culture space projects. The 300 Sparks Street Pop-Up is made possible through the generous support of Crown Property Management Inc, who recognize the placemaking and engaging power of artists. This summer activation, led by Cre8, provides artists with a platform to showcase their work as well as bringing more creative life to our downtown. This pop-up will also serve as a live feasibility study. By observing how the space is used, including foot traffic, visitor engagement, and operational realities, the project will help build a clearer understanding of what it takes to activate and sustain arts and culture spaces in downtown settings. This dual purpose allows the initiative to both animate the street in the present and generate valuable insight to inform future placemaking and space activations. Sparks Street Storefront A storefront activation on Bank Street will transform vacant commercial space into a public-facing arts venue. Aligned with the ACE District vision the project will increase the visibility of arts and culture while bringing new energy to the street. The initiative benefits landlords by activating vacant spaces, creates opportunities for future tenants, and helps revitalize the downtown core by bringing community engagement and restoring energy, creativity, and foot traffic to one of the city’s main streets. Vacant Storefront activation Arts Ottawa’s Learning Labs are a key part of our commitment to building capacity across the local arts sector. Through professional development opportunities, knowledge sharing, and collaborative learning, the program supports artists and arts organizations in strengthening skills, expanding networks, and responding to evolving community needs. By investing in continuous learning, the Learning Labs help build a more resilient, connected, and sustainable arts ecosystem, enhancing the capacity of individual artists, organizations, and Arts Ottawa alike. Learing Labs Happening now in Shared Ground: 2027 Arts Ottawa Awards Every year, the Arts Ottawa Awards celebrate the people and organizations whose creativity, leadership, and dedication enrich Ottawa's arts community. On February 10, 2027, at the National Arts Centre, Arts Ottawa will honour five outstanding recipients whose work strengthens and enriches Ottawa's arts community. Each award recipient will receive: A $1,000 cash prize Professional headshots and an in situ photoshoot Access to mentorship opportunities through Arts Ottawa Year-long recognition as a leader in Ottawa's arts community Recently we convened a Community Advisory Circle (CAC), consisting of artists, cultural workers, arts administrators, and community members. This Advisory Circle reviewed past Arts Ottawa Awards guidelines, criteria, supports and more, in order to help strengthen the Awards for the 2027 cycle. You can read their complete findings and recommendations here. Get Involved Volunteers We're looking for volunteers to support the awards celebration and related activities. To express your interest, please contact Joni Hamlin at joni@artsottawa.ca . Sponsors Sponsorship opportunities include event invitations, speaking opportunities, media visibility, and in-kind or financial partnership opportunities. To learn more, please contact Nicole Milne at nicole@artsottawa.ca . If you have any questions about the awards, how to get involved, or the nomination process, please contact us at info@artsottawa.ca 2026 Arts Ottawa Awards Meet the 2026 Arts Ottawa Awards Recipients! Oluchi Eze The Grove Studio Aly Joy-Lily McDonald Éditions L'Interligne Jacqui Du Toit Beandigen Café Learn more about the recipients here A special thank you to our sponsors for investing in the recognition and celebration of Ottawa’s artists and creators. Drift Murals is proud to sponsor the Arts Ottawa Awards in honour of Denise Landriault, whose lasting contributions continue to inspire the next generation of artists in Ottawa. We would also like to thank our partners for their support and contributions. Artists and Artisans Study Group Ottawa JustJamaal ThePoet Arts Ottawa Giving Circle Drift Murals Co. Caisse Desjardins Ontario Between February and June 2025, Arts Ottawa led a multi-phase community engagement process to inform the redesign of the awards. Click here to view the Arts Ottawa Awards Co-Design Process Report

The arts don't just enrich cities; they build them. As we head into the municipal election, we're bringing together artists, cultural workers, organizations, and residents to advocate for the investments and policies needed to support a thriving creative sector and a more vibrant city. Arts & Culture in Ottawa 2026 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. Photo: Noel Szabados Arts Ottawa is engaged in strategic conversations with public and private partners in relation to emerging cultural infrastructure development opportunities across the city. This work focuses on ensuring sector-informed input is considered in broader planning processes by advocating for clear, consistent data collection and evaluation measures to be embedded throughout. The goal is to build a practical evidence base that helps the sector better understand the logistics and feasibility of opening and sustaining arts-led spaces, including what is realistically achievable for smaller organizations and what conditions support long-term sustainability in independently run arts spaces. This stream of work supports a longer-term horizon goal of positioning the arts sector to be ready to engage with, respond to, and help shape major civic cultural infrastructure as these opportunities emerge across the city. Research, Advocacy & Planning The State of the Arts Map is an evolving research tool designed to strengthen Ottawa’s arts ecosystem by making its assets, resources, and opportunities more visible and connected. The map will identify and document creative infrastructure across the city, like studio spaces, learning environments, and community hubs, while capturing key information about their features, uses, and the resources that flow through them. By providing a clearer picture of what already exists and where gaps remain, the project helps break down silos, foster collaboration, and improve access to spaces and resources. The result is a more connected, informed, and resilient arts community, better equipped to support growth, advocacy, and long-term sector development. A collaboration with Memetic Media and Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS) Lab. State of the Arts Map Learning Cohort Launching in fall 2026, this Learning Cohort supports people who are working toward creating physical arts and culture spaces. Through mentorship, resources, and peer learning, participants will receive practical support as they take the next steps toward bringing their vision to life. In exchange, participants will contribute to a shared learning process by documenting key aspects of their journey, helping capture what it actually takes to create and sustain an arts and culture space. Through guided reporting, the cohort will track challenges, costs, timelines, relationships, and decision-making processes involved in developing a space. This information will create valuable knowledge for the sector, helping identify barriers, gaps, and opportunities while strengthening support for future arts and culture space projects. The 300 Sparks Street Pop-Up is made possible through the generous support of Crown Property Management Inc, who recognize the placemaking and engaging power of artists. This summer activation, led by Cre8, provides artists with a platform to showcase their work as well as bringing more creative life to our downtown. This pop-up will also serve as a live feasibility study. By observing how the space is used, including foot traffic, visitor engagement, and operational realities, the project will help build a clearer understanding of what it takes to activate and sustain arts and culture spaces in downtown settings. This dual purpose allows the initiative to both animate the street in the present and generate valuable insight to inform future placemaking and space activations. Sparks Street Storefront A storefront activation on Bank Street will transform vacant commercial space into a public-facing arts venue. Aligned with the ACE District vision the project will increase the visibility of arts and culture while bringing new energy to the street. The initiative benefits landlords by activating vacant spaces, creates opportunities for future tenants, and helps revitalize the downtown core by bringing community engagement and restoring energy, creativity, and foot traffic to one of the city’s main streets. Vacant Storefront activation Arts Ottawa’s Learning Labs are a key part of our commitment to building capacity across the local arts sector. Through professional development opportunities, knowledge sharing, and collaborative learning, the program supports artists and arts organizations in strengthening skills, expanding networks, and responding to evolving community needs. By investing in continuous learning, the Learning Labs help build a more resilient, connected, and sustainable arts ecosystem, enhancing the capacity of individual artists, organizations, and Arts Ottawa alike. Learing Labs Happening now in Shared Ground: Arts Matter This Election Ottawa's artists, cultural workers, and creative organizations are more than contributors to our city's identity. They are a vital part of our economic and social infrastructure. As Ottawa grows, so does the need for investment in the cultural spaces, programs, and people that help our communities thrive. Arts and culture attract talent, support local businesses, animate neighbourhoods, and create the connections that make Ottawa a great place to live. This municipal election is an opportunity to ensure arts and culture receive the recognition and support needed to build the city we all want. A Stronger Voice for Ottawa's Arts Sector At Arts Ottawa's Community Forum earlier this year, Ottawa's arts community identified three pressing challenges: Access to affordable and appropriate creative space Rising costs that continue to outpace available funding Fragmented information that makes it difficult to navigate opportunities and resources In response, Arts Ottawa has brought together community priorities and City objectives into a focused set of tangible actions for municipal leaders. By speaking with one voice, we can advocate for meaningful change and help ensure Ottawa's cultural sector has the support it needs to flourish. Learn more about the Actions and how to get involved Click here to read the plain text of the actions 3 Key Actions. One United Voice for the Future of Ottawa's Arts & Culture. The arts don't just enrich cities. They help build them. The City of Ottawa recognizes culture as the fourth pillar of sustainability, and Ottawa's Official Plan identifies culture as a key component of its vision to become the most livable mid-sized city in North America. Arts and Culture Are How We Build the City We Planned Investing in arts and culture is an investment in Ottawa's economic, social, and community well-being. Arts and culture generated $65 billion for Canada's GDP in 2024, rising to $131 billion when indirect and induced impacts are included. Ontario's cultural sector contributes $28 billion to GDP, representing 43% of Canada's cultural economy and supporting approximately 458,000 jobs . Arts and culture tourism generates three times the economic impact of other forms of tourism. For every $1 invested in the arts , approximately $29 in economic activity is generated. It's Time for Action Arts Ottawa is calling on mayoral and council candidates to commit to three key actions that will help deliver on existing municipal commitments and build a more vibrant, prosperous Ottawa through a stronger arts and culture sector. Action #1: Establish a Cultural Infrastructure Reserve Fund Outcome: Accessible, affordable, and appropriate space to create and present Artists and organizations need stable, suitable places to produce and present work. As Ottawa develops, these are the spaces at risk of being priced or planned out of our reach. What the City can do: Establish a Cultural Infrastructure Reserve Fund. This Fund would be a dedicated, recurring mechanism to fund the renovation, retrofit, and creation of cultural spaces, capitalized through Community Benefits Charges under Ontario's Planning Act. Treating cultural space as a civic asset the City invests in and operationalizes, not a one-off grant. Action #2: Permanently Increase Cultural Funding Outcome: Fair pay and scaled investment in the arts A growing city cannot build its cultural life if creatives are underpaid and unpaid labour. Sustaining and scaling the sector means real operating stability and more room for artists and organizations to be properly compensated for the public value they create. What the City can do: Commit to a permanent increase to the cultural funding envelope in the city's budget, with increases tied to inflation and population growth, so funding keeps pace with the city rather than eroding against it. A modernized, indexed envelope opens additional operating and project grant opportunities, underwriting fair-work models across the sector. Action #3: Coordinate Arts and Culture Governance Across City Functions Outcome: Aligned and helpful guidance for cultural activities The sector is ready. It has ideas, relationships, and will. What we need is a unified City organized to move with it, instead of fragmented departmental strategies. What the City can do: Include arts and culture in the 2027 Governance Review. Commit to coordination within and across departments, commit to data sharing and shared frameworks, and finish and release the Municipal Culture Plan. Join Us as a United Voice for the Arts in Ottawa You asked Arts Ottawa to be the coordinating body of the arts sector, so we will champion these asks for you at City Hall, but we can get there faster if we're all voicing the same asks. Here are 3 ways you can help amplify these actions across the city: Email Candidates to Commit to Supporting the Arts Through the 3 Key Actions Ask mayoral and council candidates to pledge their support for: Action #1: Creating a Cultural Infrastructure Reserve Fund Action #2: Permanently increase cultural funding and attach it to inflation Action #3: Include arts and culture in the 2027 Governance Review. A pre-written email is available and can be customized with your organization's story. SEND A MESSAGE TO CANDIDATES Share The 3 Key Actions with Your Community - and spread the word on the impact of the arts! Circulate this PDF and Share the 3 Key Actions: In your newsletter On social media With your members With your board With community partners Join Ottawa’s Arts & Culture Mayoral Debate – September 29th – Arts Court Theatre Arts Ottawa and our partners are organizing a forum for the arts and cultural sector, to get answers about Ottawa's future from the people who want to lead it. Join us at the Arts Court Theatre to hear directly from mayoral candidates: Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Councillor Jeff Leiper, Candidate Alex Lawson, and Candidate Neil Saravanamuttoo. Invite your staff, artists, volunteers, board members, and communities together to discuss the future of arts and culture in Ottawa. REGISTER NOW Mayoral Debate: Arts and Culture in Ottawa Hear Where Candidates Stand on Arts & Culture With Ottawa's municipal election taking place on October 26, Arts Ottawa brought mayoral candidates together for an important conversation about the future of arts and culture in our city. Candidates shared their vision for Ottawa and discussed the policies that will shape the future of the cultural sector. Co-hosted by Arts Ottawa, the Ottawa Festivals Network, and OMIC, and moderated by Marwan Mansour of CreativeMornings. Watch the Debate online here The Case for Cultural Investment Arts and culture are essential to delivering the vision outlined in Ottawa's Official Plan. To better understand the opportunities ahead and the impact of strategic cultural investment, explore our research and recommendations. Read Arts Ottawa's full report and sources here: A Framework for Delivering Ottawa's Official Plan Through Arts and Cultural Investment

Arts Ottawa’s programming and services are designed to address critical gaps and challenges in Ottawa’s arts landscape. Explore what we offer here. The Arts Ottawa Awards celebrate Ottawa-based artists, creatives, educators, businesses, and organizations who help shape a vibrant, connected city. Arts Ottawa Awards Learn More The arts don't just enrich cities; they build them. As we head into the municipal election, we're bringing together artists, cultural workers, organizations, and residents to advocate for the investments and policies needed to support a thriving creative sector and a more vibrant city. Arts & Culture in Ottawa 2026 Learn more Calling in Leadership on Cultural Spaces and Reimagining Downtown Through Arts and Culture Shared Ground Learn More Enacting sustainable, meaningful change in communities is a complex and ongoing challenge. That’s why Arts Ottawa and the City of Ottawa have launched the Artist-in-Residence in Government (AIRG) program. This initiative connects artists with municipal government staff and the community to tackle unique civic challenges and reimagine traditional approaches. By embedding an artist within a city department, their creative perspectives and lived experiences help co-create transformative models of community engagement—addressing pressing local issues in innovative ways that push beyond the status quo. Artist in Residence in Government Learn More ARTicipate Project Grants Learn More What if we had better ways to calculate the social impact that the arts contribute to local communities?   Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts Learn More Arts Correspondents act as community storytellers, attending Arts Ottawa programs and events to listen, reflect, and share the voices, experiences, and ideas that shape Ottawa’s arts community. Arts Correspondents Learn more Connect with local artists and give back to your community Volunteer Learn more Arts Ottawa is introducing a new role: Artist in Residence in ARTicipate. Artist in Residence in ARTicipate Learn more We’ve reimagined governance at Arts Ottawa, centering collaboration, transparency, and community input in everything we do.  Arts Ottawa Governance Model Learn more Exploring governance, advocacy, and artist-led collaboration to design a Shared Leadership Model. Learning and Co-Creation Labs Learn more Come together to shape shared priorities for Ottawa's arts sector Community Forums Learn more Tackle urgent issues, driving sector-wide change Action Labs and the Core Leadership Circle Learn more Programs & Services Arts Ottawa’s programming and services are designed to address critical gaps and challenges in Ottawa’s arts landscape. Through a lens of mentorship and peer-support, we provide a range of opportunities to engage, build careers, expand networks, and access funding. At the forefront, we are committed to platforming the voices of artists in our community to inform and shape our programs and services - working together to achieve a vibrant and sustainable sector.

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

Short description Watch the Mayoral Debate on Arts and Culture online The future of Ottawa’s arts and culture is a municipal issue, a nd your voice matters . Join Arts Ottawa for a non-partisan mayoral debate focused on the priorities, challenges, and opportunities identified by Ottawa’s arts community. This conversation is shaped by the voices of the sector through Arts Ottawa’s Community Forum process. Ottawa’s arts and cultural community has identified the issues it wants municipal leaders to address. Now it’s time to hear how the candidates would respond. Come listen. Ask questions. Compare perspectives. Make your voice heard. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DEBATE REGISTER NOW

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

Browse Arts Ottawa's exhaustive list of resources for artists in Ottawa. Funding ORGANIZATIONS City of Ottawa Ottawa Community Foundation Ontario Arts Council Ontario Trillium Foundation Ontario Creates Ontario Arts Foundation Canada Council for the Arts Canadian Heritage The Actors' Fund of Canada Canadian Writers Foundation Metcalf Foundation Michaëlle Jean Foundation Factor Canada Media Fund Telefilm Canada Filmmaker Assistance Program International Federation of Arts Councils & Culture Agencies Theatre Action Telus Community Boards The Hnatyshyn Foundation MICRO-GRANTS Music x Business Grants Ottawa Art Society Awesome Foundation Tontine Awards 100 Women Who Care Ottawa 100 Men Who Care Ottawa GRANT PROPOSAL WRITING Ontario Arts Council Guide Ontario Presents – Webinar Series for Arts Presenting Canada Council Guide FUNDRAISING SKILLS AFP Ottawa: Association of Fundraising Professionals (Ottawa chapter) WorkInCulture: WorkSmarts Algonquin College Charity Village FUNDRAISING TOOLS Grant Connect by Imagine Canada GoFundMe Indiegogo Arts Service Organizations MULTIDISCIPLINARY ArtsBuild Culture Outaouais Ontario Presents Ottawa Festivals PERFORMING ARTS Dance Ontario Dance Umbrella Théâtre Action Ottawa Fringe Festival Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) Canadian Music Centre Canadian Media Producer Association VISUAL, CRAFT AND MEDIA ARTS ARCA Artscape Craft Ontario Canadian Media Producer Association Ottawa Film Office Ottawa Art Gallery Ontario Society of Artists Digital Arts Resource Centre Services GRANT WRITING Grant Solutions Canada LEGAL Artists’ Legal Services Ottawa (ALSO) Ontario Government Independent Legal Advice for Survivors of Sexual Assault Artists Legal Advice Services (ALAS) Steps to Justice Pacific Legal Education & Outreach Society (PLEO) Canadian Intellectual Property Office Copyright Visual Arts National Network of Legal Clinics for the Arts CONTRACTS CARFAC Ontario NETWORKING Artengine Ottawa-Gatineau Printmakers’ Connective Ottawa Black Art Kollective Ottawa Guild of Potters National Capital Network of Sculptors West Carleton Arts Society Association des auteures et auteurs de l’Ontario français (AAOF) WorkInCulture Indigenous Arts Collective of Canada artsUNITE CAPACOA The Musicians’ Association of Ottawa-Gatineau including Huntsville and Sudbury ArtsConnect Ottawa Editors Association of Canada Canadian Freelance Guild Writers Guild of Canada Canadian Actors' Equity Association Associated Designers of Canada Playwrights Guild of Canada Union des Artistes International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Canadian Federation of Musicians Canadian League of Composers Songwriters Association of Canada Canadian Dance Assembly HOUSING PAL Ottawa Ottawa Community Housing Centretown Citizens Corporation FINANCIAL Employed artists: Income tax for artists and writers Young and Associates Art Producer Resource CAREER MANAGEMENT Art of Managing Your Career – CHRC INSURANCE The Arts & Entertainment Plan Group Health Benefit Program Assurart RESEARCH AND POLICY Hill Strategies Creative City Network Arts and Belonging: Community Foundations Canada VOLUNTEER City of Ottawa Volunteer Ottawa Charity Village Volunteer Listings Volunteer Canada Supplies and Equipment VISUAL ARTS Patrick Gordon Framing Studio Wallack’s Art Supplies and Framing DeSerres National Capital Network of Sculptors list of suppliers MUSIC Lauzon Steve’s Music Long & McQuade Musical Instruments PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO Henry’s Vistek Independent Filmmakers Co-operative of Ottawa Digital Arts Resource Centre OTHER Ottawa Tool Library Presenting GALLERIES Ottawa Art Gallery Annexe City of Ottawa Galleries and Exhibition Spaces Ottawa School of Art Gallery SAW Gallery Gallery 101 Voix visuelle Orange Art Gallery Wallspace Gallery de Montigny Contemporary Luna Glass Studio STUDIO SPACES AND RESIDENCIES City of Ottawa Artist Studio Program Studio Space Ottawa Enriched Bread Artists SPAO Residency Ottawa School of Art Residency Program The Flava Factory Artengine Diefenbunker Artist Residency TOURING Canada Arts Presenters - CAPACOA Ontario Presents Réseau Ontario LOCAL MEDIA Apt613 Ottawa Life CKCU CHUO CBC Ottawa Morning CBC All in a Day Ottawa Citizen Artlist Centretown News Artsfile Nosy Mag PERFORMANCE VENUES Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre Live on Elgin Algonquin Commons Theatre Bronson Centre Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe Arts Court Great Canadian Theatre Company Club SAW Micaela Fitch Room La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins Shenkman Arts Centre The Gladstone Ottawa Little Theatre The Origin Arts & Community Centre Ottawa Dance Directive Studio Rental Gigspace ONLINE SPACES Etsy Artsy Behance Dribbble Medium 500px Soundcloud Bandcamp Spotify TALENT AGENCIES Angie's Models & Talent Inc. First Stage Mensour Agency Professional Development Community Conversations Community Conversations FULL SPECTRUM SERIES Brand Strategy: How to Create a Compelling Strategy for Artists - Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah Going Digital: Moving Your Performance Online, Allison Burns Patreon: The Ins and Outs of Peer Funding, Colin White Brand Longevity: Localising, Evolving, and Diversifying Your Brand Over Time, Kwende Kefentse NFTs: A New Revenue Generator for Digital Arts, Carmilla Sumantry Advocacy: a Tool Guide to Using Your Voice for Action in the Arts, Fae Johnstone Get Insured: Navigating the World of Liability Insurance, Colette Mendenhall Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Best Practices in Creating Authentic Change, Sharon Nyangweso Arts+ series Mac-Cam COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES HIGH SCHOOLS Canterbury High School De La Salle High School École secondaire catholique Béatrice-Desloges The Ottawa School of Art SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre Algonquin College School of Media and Design University of Ottawa, Department of Visual Arts University of Ottawa, Department of Theatre University of Ottawa, School of Music Carleton University, Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership Carleton University, Art History Carleton University, Music La Cité, Arts et Design OTHER INSTITUTIONS AND ONLINE LEARNING Gloucester Pottery School Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association Ottawa Acting Studio Cultural Human Resources Council Digital Arts Resource Centre Propeller Dance Odyssey Theatre Youth Apprenticeship Program OrKidstra The School of Dance Ottawa School of Theatre Level Up The Royal Conservatory, Artist Educator Professional Training Alcorn Music Studios Kick Start Arts Digital Toolkit SOCIAL MEDIA Drive Social Engagement with Bio Sites from Unfold Canadian Federation of Independent Business Hubspot - Social Media Marketing: The Ultimate Guide OPERATIONS The Art of Good Governance Cultural Human Resources Council Volunteer Ottawa Future of Work HR Toolkit Canadian Code of Conduct for the Performing Arts Respectful Workplaces in the Arts SOFTWARE SketchUp TechSoup Canada Google for Nonprofits Sumac OTHER RESOURCES Resources - Ontario Presents Advocacy CANADA Canadian Arts Coalition Canadian Heritage – Creative Canada Policy Framework ONTARIO Ontario Culture Stategy Ontario Non-Profit Network OTTAWA Ottawa 2013-18 Cultural Action Plan Ottawa Cultural Alliance Artist Wellbeing HEALTH Ottawa Public Health Mental Health Crisis Line Mental Health Links Youth Services Mind Beacon Unison Benevolent Fund Indian Residential School Survivors Society Ontario Health and Safety, Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development Guide to the Occupational Health and Safety Act Artists Health Alliance SAFETY Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (SASC) WISE Ottawa Sexual Assault Network (SAN) Ontario Human Rights Commission — Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policies AOcVF (Action ontarienne contre la violence faite aux femmes) Respectful Workplaces in the Arts Canadian Code of Conduct for the Performing Arts Dandelion Initiative Not in Our Space! Artist Producer Resource—Creating a Harassment Policy Project Sound Check Commit to Kids The Lifeline Canada Foundation Kids Help Phone Reconciliation The staff and Board of Directors of Arts Ottawa stand in solidarity with the Indigenous families and community members affected by residential schools, ongoing injustices, and systemic discrimination across this land. Working internally and externally, we are committed to keep learning, building trust, and removing barriers across our operations and services, to become a stronger, more supportive ally. For those affected by the legacy of residential schools, please note that support is available: The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides support for former students and those affected. The emotional and crisis referral services can be accessed by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419. - The Indian Residential School Survivors Society offers a crisis line for grief, crisis, and trauma counselling: 1-800-721-0066. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation University of Alberta, Indigenous Canada course Indigenous Ally Toolkit Guiding Principles for Presenting Indigenous Work Towards Braining, by Elwood Jimmy and Vanessa Andreotti Article: “21 things you may not know about the Indian Act” Resources for Indigenous People We acknowledge that our offices, located on Daly Street in downtown Ottawa, stand on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. For generations, the Algonquin people have lived on, cared for, and protected this land. It remains their homeland to this day. This acknowledgment is not a declaration of history alone, it is a recognition of the ongoing presence, rights, and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples. In offering this statement, we aim not only to honour the Algonquin Nation but also to actively resist the erasure of Indigenous identities, cultures, and voices from our shared history and present, many of whom continue to be denied the opportunity and resources to make, share, and experience their traditional art and ways of life on these very lands. True reconciliation begins with awareness and continues through action. Through our work, we commit to amplifying Indigenous voices, stories, and experiences, and to supporting the sovereignty, rights, and cultural resurgence of Indigenous peoples. This is one small but vital step in the ongoing journey toward truth, accountability, and meaningful change. Tungasuvvingat Inuit Inuit Specific Services Gignul Non-Profit Corporation Housing Services Tewegan Housing Services Kagita Mikam Employment Services Makonsag Children and Family Services Larga Baffin Health Services Minwaashin Lodge Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health
 Assembly of Seven Generations Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families Odawa Native Friendship Centre Multi-Services The Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance Media Indigena Mashkawazìwogamig Indigenous Resource Centre Indigenous Arts Collective of Canada Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition Resources Jump to category: Funding Arts Organizations Services Supplies Presenting Professional Development Advocacy Artist Wellbeing Reconciliation For Indigenous People

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Ways you can get involved with the Ottawa arts community. Get Involved Be part of shaping Ottawa’s arts community. Your involvement amplifies creativity, builds connections, and drives collective action. Together, we can create a thriving, inclusive cultural landscape. Explore ways you can get involved below. Photo: Shannon Hawn Membership Connecting communities to action and amplifying arts voices. Become a Member Volunteer Connect with local artists and give back to your community Volunteer Governance Board ensures accountability and aligns collective action with strategic goals Meet the Board Support Arts Ottawa Your contributions fuel the growth of our local arts sector Donate Today