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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 April 23 - Arts Ottawa Community Forum: Turning Priorities into Action Become and Arts Correspondent - Learn more and apply April 9th - CWB Learning Lab 2 | Registration Open 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 NEW! Artist Talk Group Forum - Sign up now! Watch the CWB Learning Lab 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

Learning and Co-Creation Labs Bringing together artists, interest holders, staff, and sector experts to explore governance, advocacy, artist leadership, and collaboration, to co-create a shared leadership model rooted in equity, volunteerism, and collective care. Photo: Quest 2026 Learning Lab Series: Community Wealth Building (CWB) This Learning Lab series is part of Arts Ottawa’s community-wide programming for 2026 and supports our ongoing work to strengthen the local arts sector. After months of community input and workshops, Arts Ottawa has identified three key focus areas for building a more sustainable arts sector: economic conditions, spaces, and social impact . The Learning Lab series offers a space for the community to collectively explore the Community Wealth Building model, widely used in other sectors, and consider how it might help address these priorities , strengthen coordination, and support long-term growth in Ottawa’s arts ecosystem. Across six sessions between March and June, participants will hear from guest speakers, experiment with practical tools, and work together in workshops. These sessions will lead into co-creation labs where the community will collaborate to build an economic coordination strategy that reflects shared priorities and expertise. Learn more Who is it for? This learning series is for anyone in the arts community who wants to explore innovative ways to strengthen the sustainability of their work. No expertise in economic development is required. The series is designed to be practical, accessible, and relevant to all areas of practice. We encourage artists and arts and culture workers to be part of the conversation and help identify actionable steps for both the short and long term. What to expect? Each session will be engaging and hands-on with dedicated workshop time for participants to experiment with ideas and apply concepts locally. Following the series, Arts Ottawa will host co-creation labs to collectively determine the next steps toward growth, sustainability, and shared prosperity in our sector, building an economic coordination strategy that reflects the priorities and expertise of the community. More about CWB Community Wealth Building is a people-centered approach to economic development that focuses on building, retaining, and recirculating wealth within local systems and industry by prioritizing local ownership, democratic control, and a more balanced distribution of wealth. It involves using strategies like supporting local cooperatives, social enterprises, and community land trusts, and leveraging the purchasing power of large local institutions to create good jobs and keep resources within the community. Learn more about the model here . Join us on April 9th for the second Learning Lab: CWB: Pluralistic Ownership Register April 9th 9:15am - 1:00pm Bayview Yards In this session we will explore democratic business models and asset-sharing models that prioritize community benefit and local wealth distribution. We will test the definition of 'collective ownership', explore the merits and challenges of consolidating social enterprise activities and governance through co-ops and land trusts, learn how to activate community investment to sustain these types of businesses, and play with the asset-based community developement process to simulate the design of a new collectively owned arts platform in Ottawa. We will be joined by guest speakers, Mike Bulthuis, Amanda Montague and Chris Cowperthwaite. The session will include a presentation followed by a roundtable discussion. Come with your questions for the Q&A portion of the event, and be ready to workshop your own ideas and insights following our time with the guest speakers. About the speakers Mike Bulthuis has worked with the Ottawa Community Land Trust (OCLT) since 2023, guiding the organization’s initial housing acquisitions, capital growth, partnership development and community engagement. Throughout the 20 years prior, he worked in various policy, research and community development roles promoting housing security and social inclusion. He has held various positions within the federal public service - developing policy on issues including homelessness, social finance, social innovation and infrastructure - and several leadership positions in the non-profit environment, including Ottawa’s Alliance to End Homelessness. Alongside the OCLT, he’s committed to the preservation and expansion of affordable housing, both within the Ottawa region and across Canada. Chris Cowperthwaite is the Founder & Principal of Groundforce Digital and Chief Technology Officer at the Art Canada Institute. He brings over a decade of experience helping social impact organizations navigate digital transformation. His approach combines practical technology implementation with team capacity building. From 2022 to 2024, Chris served as Director & Product Lead for Fineline, a special project of OCAD University funded through the Government of Canada's Future Skills Centre. Fineline set out to build an online art marketplace alongside an artist co-operative — creating an ecosystem where artists and creatives could grow their businesses and develop skills to thrive in a just economy. During his tenure, the project employed 77 staff and contractors and advanced the careers of 400+ artists, with more than 90% of participants reporting increased business skills and confidence. In the community, Chris serves as Chair of the Open Democracy Project and co-founded the DemocracyXChange Summit. He also serves as an AI & digital transformation coach at Impact Hub Ottawa. Chris holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business, a B.Sc . (Honours) and Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Waterloo, and is a Jostens Loran Scholar (1999). In 2025, Chris completed the AI for Business Specialization at Wharton. Amanda Montague is a Postdoctoral Fellow in community-engaged digital humanities at Carleton University and the lead of StudioDH, a community-based hub for collaborative digital storytelling projects. Through StudioDH, she works with students, researchers, and community organizations to design participatory projects that highlight local knowledge and support more inclusive and equitable approaches to city-building. Amanda’s work focuses on community facilitation and participatory research methods that center collaboration, creativity, and shared learning. She partners with community groups to build capacity for co-designed research and storytelling initiatives rooted in asset-based community development. Using methods such as participatory media, arts-based workshops, and creative storytelling activities, she helps communities document lived experience, surface local strengths, and engage residents in conversations about belonging and community life. Her approach emphasizes playful and accessible ways of engaging people in research, creating spaces where community members, students, and researchers can work together to co-produce knowledge and public narratives that reflect diverse perspectives and experiences. CWB 2026 Learning Lab Schedule March 19th An introduction to Community Wealth Building LEARN MORE April 9th Pillar 1: Pluralistic Ownership REGISTER April 29th Pillar 2: Locally Rooted Finance REGISTER May 13th Pillar 3: Just Use of Land and Property REGISTER June 1st Pillar 4: Progressive Procurement REGISTER June 19th Pillar 5: Fair Work Practices REGISTER Watch the 2026 CWB Learning Lab Series online now: Watch Here 2024 - 2025 Arts Ottawa hosted innovative Learning and Co-Creation Labs that brought together interest holders, sector experts, the arts community and staff to explore governance models that center artists, with advocacy, equity, and volunteerism playing pivotal roles in shaping leadership structures. Explore What We Learned Dive into a snapshot of the ideas, collaborations, and insights that emerged from this series of Labs. The report highlights conversations that inspired ideas for more equitable governance, showing how advocacy and shared leadership can better support artists. READ THE REPORT HERE Learning Labs The three Learning Labs we held between February and April served as an introduction to themes such as governance, advocacy, artist leadership, trust-building, and cross-sector collaboration. Participants reimagined traditional governance approaches, explored strategies to strengthen collective advocacy efforts, and heard from policy experts, grassroots organizers, and sector leaders who are reshaping governance and advocacy frameworks. These hands-on sessions bridged sector-wide learning with localized, actionable solutions. Learn more about each Learning Lab LEARNING LAB #1: Governance Models and Advocacy in the Arts Sector In this lab, we explored how shifting political landscapes, rising costs, and systemic inequities are reshaping the arts sector. LEARN MORE •••••••••• LEARNING LAB #2: Artists as Community Leaders This Learning Lab explored the ways in which artists drive systemic change and lead community development to create meaningful change in society. LEARN MORE •••••••••• LEARNING LAB #3: Redefining Volunteerism in Governance In this Lab, we examined the decline in volunteerism and its impact on arts governance, from leadership challenges to increased workloads. LEARN MORE WATCH THE LEARNING LABS ONLINE READ THE SUMMARIES HERE Co-Creation Labs Building on that foundation, the Co-Creation Labs held on April 24 th and 26th invited participants to collaboratively bring those insights to life. Over 4.5-hour interactive sessions, artists, community organizers, and arts advocates co-designed a governance model rooted in inclusive decision-making. Creative tools like café-style speed dating, visual storytelling, and consensus-building helped shape a shared leadership structure for Arts Ottawa. Together, we co-created a Governance Charter grounded in community values—ensuring leadership that is transparent, accountable, and artist-centered. WATCH THE CO-CREATION LAB RECAP These labs were designed not only to imagine new systems but to build them—reflecting the vibrant, diverse, and evolving arts community we serve. This work directly shaped how the Core Leadership Circle (CLC) and  Community Advisory Members (CAM)  were formed, recruited, and are run.   https://3679add4-6079-46cc-ab56-6b492f2b383f.filesusr.com/ugd/a98cda_db384b6171c44755ba1d2b4d00736881.pdf

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

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 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.

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 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. Photo: Olivia Onuk MEET THE ARTISTS OLIVA ONUK Integrated Neighbourhood Services 2024-2025 More about Olivia Olivia Onuk is dedicating herself to tackling community issues through her involvement with Arts Ottawa and the City of Ottawa’s Artist in Residence in Government Program. Within this role, she is working closely with the Host Department to shape policy decisions for the city. Through collaborative efforts with city staff and active participation in municipal consultations and public hearings, Olivia strives to address the pressing concerns of our community. Her expertise in organizing community art installations and performance events, along with her skill for developing programs and leading workshops for people of all ages, especially those in vulnerable communities, enables her to foster meaningful connections and create spaces for self-expression and healing. These experiences strengthen her resolve to bridge service gaps and promote equity. Olivia’s contributions to the Artist in Residence in Government program emphasize the importance of innovative and creative approaches in tackling civic challenges within our community. https://inbloom.space/ www.instagram.com/mo.o.nflower JORDAN DANGER Solid Waste Services 2024-2025 More about Jordan Jordan Danger is an Ottawa-based professional artist working in multiple media, with two decades of experience and a history of award-winning work. As a queer, genderqueer artist with an invisible disability, she approaches art from a lifetime of challenging the 'norm'. Her professional life has taken her in many directions, including a decade spent in social services prior to another decade spent in marketing, where she was awarded a Forty Under 40 award for her work in the field. These career paths have complimented her artistic practice, enriching her understanding of human behaviour and psychology in a way that informs her art. Now working full time in the arts, Jordan is represented at several galleries and local artists' guilds. www.dangercreative.com www.instagram.com/jordandangercreative NEWS Jordan and Olivia in conversation Our first Artists in Residence in Government met and reflected on their time in the program. READ MORE What has Olivia been up to? Our inaugural Artist in Residence, Olivia, is helping build a strong collective future in Ottawa. READ MORE Interview with Olivia We had the chance to connect with Olivia during the closing exhibition, reflecting on the conclusion of her residency in the AIRG program WATCH ONLINE Interview with Jordan We Jordan Danger meets with Rebecca Zandbergen on Ottawa Morning to talk about their 'garbage' work. LISTEN HERE AIRSPACE: Understanding the landfill crisis Explore Jordan Dangers art series inspired by a year as an Artist in Residence with Solid Waste. VIEW HERE OUR PARTNERS NEIGHBOURHOOD ARTS OTTAWA 2018 to 2021 From 2018 to 2021, Neighbourhood Arts brought free community-based arts workshops and projects to residents across Ottawa. Funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Ottawa Community Foundation, the program supported local artists and organizations in making the arts more accessible and inclusive. Projects ranged from dance and theatre to visual arts and collaborative installations, led by artists such as Eagle & Condor Collective, Kseniya Tsoy, MASC, Moov Ottawa Dance, Christine Mockett, Eleanor Crowder, and Jennifer Anne Kelly . The spirit of Neighbourhood Arts continues today through our Artist in Residence in Government (AIRG) program. Building on the idea of embedding creativity where it’s most needed, AIRG places artists directly within government departments to bring fresh perspectives, foster collaboration, and help address civic challenges through the arts. This evolution reflects a natural path from engaging communities at the grassroots level to shaping the systems and structures that serve them.

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

At Arts Ottawa, we believe that the arts thrive when communities have a voice in shaping them. That’s why we’re launching the Arts Ottawa Giving Circle, an innovative initiative that invites you to invest in the arts AND play an active role in deciding how funds are used to support artists and cultural programs across the city. Giving Circle: Help Shape the Future of the Arts in Ottawa At Arts Ottawa, we believe that the arts thrive when communities have a voice in shaping them. That’s why we’re launching the Arts Ottawa Giving Circle, an innovative initiative that invites you to invest in the arts AND play an active role in deciding how funds are used to support artists and cultural programs across the city. Here’s the reality: → The need for arts funding is growing, but resources remain limited. → Artists and arts organizations need our support now more than ever. → We can’t do this alone. We need a community of committed supporters who believe in the powerof the arts and want to ensure their future. That’s where the Giving Circle comes in. What is the Arts Ottawa Giving Circle? The Giving Circle is a community-led philanthropy initiative with a goal of raising $10,000 to sustain key Arts Ottawa programs. As a member, you won’t just donate—you’ll help determine how the funds are allocated through a collaborative, transparent decision-making process. How It Works: 1. Join the Giving Circle – Beginning in June 2025, make a monthly ($100+) or annual ($1,200+) contribution and receive a tax receipt. 2. Engage in Shared Decision-Making – Meet with fellow supporters 3 to 4 times a year (1-2 hours) to discuss funding priorities and collectively allocate where resources are needed most. 3. See the Impact – Receive transparent, regular updates on how your contributions are strengthening the arts community. To join the Giving Circle, contact: Nicole Milne Co-Leadership, Operations & Revenue Generation Thank you to our current Giving Circle Members: Barbara and Glenn McInnes Family Fund – Ottawa Community Foundation The Blue Pearl Foundation Fund – Ottawa Community Foundation Bill Staubi Jeff Richstone Rob Henderson Anne Jolicoeur Margaret and Kenneth Torrance Family Fund – Ottawa Community Foundation

Short description April 23 - Arts Ottawa Community Forum: Turning Priorities into Action Short description

Community Forums focusing on real decisions, collective challenges, and practical next steps across economic, social, and physical infrastructure. Photo: Brooklyn Marok Arts Ottawa Community Forum: Turning Priorities into Action April 23rd, 1:00 - 4:00pm Black Box Studio, Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue With Ottawa’s municipal elections coming this October, it’s time for the arts sector to speak with one voice. Join us for a facilitated working session where we’ll take the barriers and priorities already identified — across economic structures, access to spaces, and measuring social impact — and turn them into clear, actionable asks for the City. All the background and insights can be found here . REGISTER NOW For our CAMs As part of your role as a Community Advisory Member, and AO commitments to co-creation and community-led initiatives, we invite CAMs to contribute to the design of the Community Forums. The questions in the survey below will support how the Forum is delivered, and how CAM participation is being structured. You can become a CAM her e. Fill out the survey Arts Ottawa Community Forums are facilitated working sessions where artists, cultural workers, and community members come together to shape shared priorities for Ottawa’s arts sector. We focus on collective challenges and practical next steps across economic, social, and physical infrastructure. The purpose of these sessions is to: share where the sector is going test priorities and assumptions co-create next steps across economic, social, and physical infrastructure create clear feedback loops into decision-making What Makes an Arts Ottawa Forum Different? Designed, not open mic Participation is structured around real questions Arts Ottawa is actively working on. Co-creation, not consultation Participants help shape priorities, not just react to them. Visible outcomes Each Forum produces documented insights, decisions, and next steps. Repeatable system Forums are part of an annual cycle, not standalone events.

Short description Become a Community Advisory Member! Short description

Arts Ottawa Releases Landmark Case Study on Nonprofit Merger, 
Sector Reform, and Collective Leadership Transforming Together: Systemic Change for Community Benefit Arts Ottawa Releases Landmark Case Study on Nonprofit Merger, 
Sector Reform, and Collective Leadership Download Case Study In a bold move to reimagine how the arts sector is supported, Arts Ottawa has released a comprehensive case study titled Transforming Together: Systemic Change for Community Benefit, chronicling the historic merger between the Ottawa Arts Council and Arts Network Ottawa. This merger goes beyond structural consolidation and offers a replicable model for nonprofit transformation rooted in equity, collaboration, and community governance. The case study details how two of Ottawa’s leading arts service organizations took an innovative, human-centered design approach to dismantle silos, reframe leadership, and build a new organizational structure based on shared power. With over 450 community members engaged, Arts Ottawa is now emerging as a catalytic hub for collective action in the arts. “This isn’t just a story about two organizations merging,” says Cassandra Olsthoorn, former Executive Director of Arts Network Ottawa and now Co-Executive Director with Arts Ottawa. “It’s about shifting how we lead, who makes decisions, and how we sustain meaningful change in the arts sector.” From early trust-building to a new governance model that decentralizes authority and empowers artists as decision-makers, Transforming Together offers a transparent look into the why, how, and what next of organizational reinvention. The process included co-creation labs, artist commissions, and iterative community testing, resulting in a structure that includes Action Labs, a Community Advisory Circle, and a Core Leadership Circle. Supported by funding from the City of Ottawa, Ontario Arts Council, the Ottawa Community Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts, and others, the merger also addresses long-standing systemic issues: barriers to equity, lack of coordination in advocacy, and the need for adaptable, resilient infrastructure in a post-pandemic world. “Mergers in the nonprofit sector are often seen as a last resort,” says Nicole Milne, former Executive Director of Ottawa Arts Council and now Co-Executive Director with Arts Ottawa. “We approached ours as a generative opportunity—one to create something new, more inclusive, and more effective.” The case study is already drawing attention from municipal leaders and national arts funders as a potential blueprint for other cities. For interviews, background, or access to community participants, contact:
 Nicole Milne
 Co-Executive Director, Arts Ottawa
 nicole@artsottawa.ca | 613-983-6282 Download Case Study

Short description Get. Together. on December 15th - Learn more and Register Short description