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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 Lalande+Doyle ARTicipate Exhibition Grant | APPLY NOW We're Hiring! - Marketing & Public Relations Lead Call for photographers - Learn more here June 26 - Decolonizing Evaluation with Dr. Gladys Rowe | REGISTER Arts Ottawa's First Community Forum - Outcomes and next steps APPLY NOW: Artist in Residence in ARTicipate 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 watch online April 23 - Arts Ottawa's First Community Forum Learn more April 29 - Third Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more watch online May May 13 - Fourth Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more watch online May 27 - AGM 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 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

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 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

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 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.

Tackle urgent issues, driving sector-wide change Action Labs and the Core Leadership Circle Tackle urgent issues, driving sector-wide change Photo: Jamaal Khaleefa ACTION LABS IN PROGRESS: → Shared Ground Initiative ( click to learn more ) → Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts (click to learn more) Arts Ottawa is listening closely to the local arts community. We are working to understand how we can collectively address the opportunities, challenges and priorities the sector is facing, that shape the sector’s role in city building. Arts Ottawa held three Collaborative Strategy Sessions to pilot a Core Leadership Circle (CLC) in late fall 2025. Community advisory members, partners, and sector leaders—those actively engaged in addressing challenges around spaces, local economic development, and impact measurement—shared experiences, tested ideas, and explored ways to coordinate collective action. By convening this CLC, we began building stronger connections across the sector to ensure Arts Ottawa’s work is informed by and reflects the realities of , Ottawa’s arts community. During our Collaborative Strategy Session on November 27, 2025, Ava Marguerite, one of our CAMs, joined to observe the session and share their experience and key takeaways as an Arts Correspondent. You can read the full article here. From these conversations, we and the CLC identified three Strategic Priority Pillars. Arts Ottawa is reframing these as interconnected components of Ottawa’s civic infrastructure. Physical Infrastructure: Artists need clearer pathways to engage with physical spaces, along with practical guidance on civic systems (planning development, zoning), and capital projects. Knowledge Infrastructure: Capturing and communicating sector impact is critical. Currently, data and storytelling are fragmented, and participants emphasized the need for simple, shared tools to make this work more effective. Economic Infrastructure: The sector is exploring ways to strengthen local economic development by supporting fair work, local ownership, equity, and long-term sustainability. Effective coordination and shared messaging are key to making this possible. Together, these layers create the infrastructure of cultural life — physical, economic, and social systems that sustain creativity and civic connection. Through this work, Arts Ottawa’s role in the sector has become clear: we serve as a backbone, convener, knowledge hub, and capacity builder, centering equity and representation. Looking ahead to 2026–2027, we will focus strategically on these core roles, engaging in project leadership selectively to maximize collective impact, support sustainable and coordinate sector growth. More about the Core Leadership Circle The Core Leadership Circle acts as a catalyst for activation, formed around each of our Action Labs. These purpose-driven groups bring together individuals, organizations, and advisors from both within and beyond the arts to support, shape, and champion the work being done. Each CLC is dedicated to exploring a key issue in the arts, offering insight, strategy, and connections, and is dissolved once that phase of the work evolves. Through its leadership, the CLC will help guide outcomes from Action Labs such as Shared Ground (which explores the potential of underused spaces as cultural hubs) and the Arts Ottawa Awards ( which celebrate and elevate the contributions of local artists and cultural leaders). More about Action Labs Action Labs are central to how we address key issues in the arts community. Each Lab focuses on a specific topic identified as important to artists and the community by our CAM. They may take the form of research groups, planning teams, advocacy hubs, or spaces for idea-sharing and collaboration. Each Lab is supported by a Core Leadership Circle, a group that helps guide the work and ensure its impact is shared with those who can drive broader change. Labs are formed in response to clear needs and conclude once their objectives are achieved, such as completing a project or sharing insights with the community. A Dual Approach to Change Project-Based Labs: These labs are designed to achieve specific goals, such as organizing a campaign or launching a new initiative. They have defined timelines and objectives and disband once the project is completed, or the goals are successfully met. Issue-Based Labs: These labs focus on ongoing challenges or policy-related issues. While they often operate on longer timelines, their purpose and impact are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

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? When the online application form is completed and successfully submitted, a message will pop up confirming 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

Arts Ottawa is introducing a new role: Artist in Residence in ARTicipate. Artist in Residence in ARTicipate Arts Ottawa is introducing a new role: Artist in Residence in ARTicipate. Photo: Brooklyn Marok Applications now open! Arts Ottawa is launching the Artist-in-Residence in ARTicipate (AIRA) , a paid residency for artists interested in helping shape the future of arts funding in Ottawa. Embedded within the ARTicipate Endowment Fund and grant program , the residency will support the ongoing evolution of the grant program with a focus on accessibility, inclusion, and community responsiveness. Timeline: August 2026 – August 2027 Compensation: $40,000 (+ HST, if applicable) Format: Part-time, hybrid position (remote + on-site at the Shenkman Arts Centre) Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 Learn more and apply Click here to read the plain text version of the call for applications ARTIST IN RESIDENCE IN ARTICIPATE Timeline: August 2026 – August 2027 Compensation: $40,000 (+ HST, if applicable) Format: Part-time, hybrid position (remote + on-site at the Shenkman Arts Centre) Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 Arts Ottawa is excited to launch a new initiative: the Artist-in-Residence in ARTicipate (AIRA). This paid residency is designed for artists who want to help shape the future of arts funding. Embedded within the ARTicipate Endowment Fund, the residency supports artists in contributing directly to the evolution of the program and its impact on the community. The ARTicipate Endowment Fund is a granting program that supports local artists and organizations through project grants designed to activate spaces within the Shenkman Arts Centre. Established in 2007, the ARTicipate Endowment Fund has been stewarded by Arts Ottawa since its inception. As part of an ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and responsiveness to community needs, Arts Ottawa is undertaking a reimagining of both the grantprogram and the experience of participating artists. The Artist in Residence in ARTicipate role was developed to help lead and support this work. This is not a traditional artist residency; it is a call for artists ready to co-design the future of arts funding, community engagement, and institutional change. LEARN MORE ABOUT ARTICIPATE HERE WHY AN AIRA? This new initiative builds on the model of our Artist-in-Residence in Government (AIRG) program, which has demonstrated the power of embedding artists into complex systems to spark innovation, dialogue, and equity-centered change. In contrast to AIRG, where artists often concluded their residency with a public presentation or exhibition of their work, the AIRA will not include a final presentation component. Instead, the AIRA will serve as a creative consultant, collaborating with Arts Ottawa, SAC Resident Arts Partners, and regional arts communities to reimagine how ARTicipate serves the public good. The insights and outcomes of this work are intended to inform and shape the ARTicipate program beyond the residency period. As ARTicipate evolves we are actively exploring how grant making can better support creation, presentation, community access, and sustainable arts ecosystems. The Artist-in-Residence will bring a systems-thinking approach to the role, working alongside Arts Ottawa, Resident Arts Partners, and local community members to: Rethink the granting process itself Expand the scope and equity of community impact Strengthen relationships across the SAC and the broader region Help design the next iterations of ARTicipate funding streams and models As part of the preliminary work for the Artist in Residence in ARTicipate role, the document below summarizes feedback from past recipients and resident arts partners on initial thoughts about the role, along with current challenges and opportunities for improvement within the grant program. COMMUNITY CONSULTATION SUMMARY WHO SHOULD APPLY We’re seeking a bilingual (English/French), Ottawa-based artist from any disciplinary background who is ready to engage deeply, think critically, and help shape the future of public arts support! Applicants are not required to have participated or received ARTicipate grants in the past. The ideal candidate is passionate about collaboration, creative problem-solving, and community resilience, and brings experience in one or more of the following areas: Community-engaged practice and research Municipal or non-profit grant administration Arts sector advocacy and relationship-building Working within equity-focused and interdisciplinary teams The residency is about more than funding art; it’s about fostering creative approaches to transformation, accessibility, service, and meaningful community impact. If you are ready to challenge conventional systems and co-design a more responsive and equitable future for the ARTicipate Granting Program, and how arts funding is approached more broadly, we want to hear from you. HOW TO APPLY 
 Please fill out the form below and provide the following information:
 -Letter of intent (max. 500 words) including: Prior experience relevant to this opportunity A description of yourself and your practice Why you are interested in this residency Examples of past work relevant to this application Initial thoughts, approaches, or ideas for responding to the themes and challenges identified through the preliminary consultation sessions 
 -Professional CV 
 -Three references (including phone number and email address) CLICK HERE TO APPLY FAQ What are the anticipated hours per week and overall time commitment? 
 This is a part-time position (approximately 20 hours per week). The selected candidate will have flexibility in how they organize their schedule. While on-site presence at the Shenkman Arts Centre is expected to support the work, the role is largely deliverable-based, meaning time commitment may fluctuate from week to week depending on priorities and workload. How is the $40,000 provided through the residency intended to be used? 
The funding provided through this residency covers compensation for the selected candidate and costs associated with carrying out the residency, including any additional personnel, materials, equipment, and transportation costs to and from the Shenkman Arts Centre. Since the residency is part-time (up to 20h/week) can artists balance the residency with other paid employment? 
 Yes 
 Who is on the Selection Committee? How does it work? 
Applications will be assessed by ARTicipate Grant Program interest holders, including past recipients and resident arts partners, whose experience with the program will help guide the selection process. STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Alex Maltby at alex@artsottawa.ca for all questions and application inquiries.

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 2026 and May 2027.  *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. 

Creation and Development Grant Guidelines DEADLINE: Applications Closed Access the Application Form ABOUT THE CREATION & DEVELOPMENT GRANT: Carefully review the ARTicipate Project Grant Guidelines (found below) and Terms and Conditions before completing the application. Use the guidelines as a reference when completing the application. The ARTicipate Creation and Development grant supports the exploration, experimentation, and development of new artistic work for one week in the Richcraft Theatre at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Applicants can apply for up to $3000 (in addition to $5000 of in-kind support from the Shenkman Arts Centre, including rentals and staffing). The program will prioritize projects from artists and arts groups who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers, immigrants, refugees, Older Adults, People with Disabilities, Francophones, and Rural Residents applying to the program. ELIGIBILITY: Lead applicants must be based in the Ottawa/Gatineau Region, including Pikwàkanagàn and Kitigan Zibi First Nations , and have a mandate to present arts programming or have an arts practice.  APPLICANTS MUST BE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:  An incorporated, not-for-profit arts organization A non-incorporated arts collective (a group of two or more artists who are active in their discipline) An individual artist We welcome collaborative projects, involving more than one artist, arts organization or collective. Only one application is required for collaborative projects submitted by the lead applicant.  Collaborators are not required to be based in the Ottawa/Gatineau region as long as the lead applicant is a local artist . If the application is successful, the lead applicant will be responsible for the grant, budgeting, fulfillment, and reporting requirements. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO:  Projects from equity seeking artists and groups who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, Metis, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQ+, immigrants, refugees, newcomers, Older Adults, People with Disabilities, Francophones, and Rural Residents   Successful proposals will demonstrate innovative and meaningful use of physical space at the Shenkman Arts Centre. We encourage applicants to explore bold and creative ways to engage with resources in the building. ELIGIBLE PROJECTS may include, but are not limited to: Rehearsals, choreography Design and/or creation of new artistic works (painting/visual arts/literary) Audio/film/multimedia production and project development Research aligning with your artistic practice Please contact Arts Ottawa (info@artsottawa.ca ) if you have questions about project eligibility. INELIGIBLE PROJECTS INCLUDE: Projects that do not occur or use spaces within the Shenkman Arts Centre Projects that do not take place between September 2026 and May 2027 Projects that have previously received an ARTicipate grant (previous ARTicipate Grant recipients are eligible to apply for new projects, provided they meet eligibility criteria) For-profit, corporate ventures Non-arts events and activities Presentation of public-facing performances or events (see our Events + Performance grant stream) Projects that are part of the programming or operations of the Resident Arts Partners of the Shenkman Arts Centre INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS INCLUDE: Artists and/or arts organizations whose reports for previous ARTicipate Grants are overdue or incomplete Non-arts organizations (organizations whose primary mandate is not arts related) For-profit organizations and businesses Political parties Government bodies or crown corporations Resident Art Partners at the Shenkman Arts Centre, including board and staff members of Arts Ottawa Participating jurors or peer-assessors of the ARTicipate Grant Program ELIGIBLE EXPENSES Only expenses directly related to the project are eligible. A full list of eligible expenses can be found in the FAQ and the budget section of the application form. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: You can access the online application form above. Read all instructions carefully and complete all application questions and the budget form. Upon submitting successfully, you will receive a confirmation message. If you cannot access the online form, please contact noel@artsottawa.ca. Application Deadline: Applications Closed There are two required components to your Creation and Development Grant application: Completed application form with budget Support materials (attached within your online application) Projects must take place at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Late projects may be subject to grant repayment. Exact dates will be determined between Shenkman Arts Centre staff and the successful applicant upon receiving the grant. For more information about spaces within the Shenkman Arts Centre, please visit: https://shenkmanarts.ca/en/rentals . We encourage applicants to contact Arts Ottawa for any additional accessibility arrangements.  SUPPORT MATERIAL Applicants are to submit support material to be reviewed by the peer assessment committee.  Support material should demonstrate the applicant’s previous work and accomplishments as they relate to the application. This can include photos, video, links, or other documentation of past or proposed activities.   It is important that all materials are labelled with a description of the contents. BUDGET FORM All applicants are required to complete a detailed budget in their application form, outlining the allocation of grant funding, any additional funding sources and costs of project delivery. Grant recipients will have their projects insurance costs covered by Arts Ottawa and need not include this in their budget. Please reference this checklist to ensure you have properly completed all steps before submitting your application package. APPLICATION ASSESSMENT ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The criteria used in the assessment process are the artistic relevance of the project, its viability and impact on the community. Both the application form and support material will be evaluated. Priority is given to projects meeting the funding objectives of the ARTicipate Project Grant.   Please refer to the assessment criteria below for more details: ARTISTIC RELEVANCE Project concept is distinct and unique Applicant has a clear vision and artistic goals that reflect the applicant’s mandate and/or artistic practice Relevant and compelling support materials PROJECT VIABILITY Demonstrated skills and capacity to successfully deliver project Effective budgeting, including an appropriate breakdown of expenses Realistic, achievable goals, with a clear work plan and timeline IMPACT OF THE PROJECT Engages and/or reflects priority groups outlined in grant guidelines Clear impact on the development of the artist, group, or artistic project Appropriate use of available spaces and resources within the Shenkman Arts Centre RELEASE OF FUNDS Successful applicants will be notified by email. The grant recipient will work with Shenkman Arts Centre staff for final confirmation of booking dates within the facility. Funding will be released upon signing Booking and Grant contracts with the Shenkman Arts Centre and Arts Ottawa, and attending a mandatory ARTicipate Project Grant orientation session. Funding for the Creation and Development stream will be provided in 2 installments , with the final installment issued upon completion of the project and approval of final report. REPORTING  Mandatory Final Reporting Forms will be provided to grant recipients. Grant recipients are encouraged to review the Final Reporting Form at the beginning of the project to ensure that they are prepared to collect and report on all required components.  This report must be submitted within 2 months upon the completion of funded project activities. IF YOU ARE NOT AWARDED FUNDING Grant assessment decisions are final. Applicants will receive a letter to indicate that they have not received funding. Applicants are encouraged to reapply at the next deadline. Applicants are encouraged to speak with the Program Manager to receive Jury feedback. The program’s limited funds are not sufficient to fund all applications, regardless of their merit. 

We're Hiring! - Marketing & Public Relations Lead Marketing & Public Relations Lead (1-year contract, with pathway to permanent full-time) Salary: $57,000 plus benefits Contract: July 2026 to July 2027 Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Location: Hybrid; weekly on-site collaborative work in person at Arts Court every Wednesday Deadline for application: Friday, July 10th, 2026 at 1:00 pm EST Interview availability: Wednesday, July 15 and Thursday, July 16, day or evening. About the position Arts Ottawa is looking for a strategic, collaborative marketing and PR professional to lead how our work shows up in the community, across the city, the province, and on national platforms where it matters. This is a one-year contract with a clear pathway to a permanent full-time position based on fit, performance, and funding. Salary is $57,000, paid bi-weekly through an online payroll system. This role is for someone who thinks before they post, plans before they pitch, and knows the difference between marketing and communications well enough to explain it clearly to a board, a funder, or a journalist. You'll work alongside our Digital Engagement & Design Lead, and our Content and Impact Documentation Coordinator, bringing strategic thinking, steady judgment, and clear planning to a team that already does excellent work. Click for details Read the plain text version of the call Marketing & Public Relations Lead (1-year contract, with pathway to permanent full-time) Salary: $57,000 plus benefits Contract: July 2026 to July 2027 Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Location: Hybrid; weekly on-site collaborative work in person at Arts Court every Wednesday Deadline for application: Friday, July 10 th , 2026 at 1:00 pm EST Interview availability: Wednesday, July 15 and Thursday, July 16, day or evening. About Arts Ottawa Arts Ottawa is Ottawa's primary arts service organization, bringing together artists, cultural workers, and arts groups to build the shared systems and infrastructure that a thriving creative city requires. Established in January 2025 through the merger of Arts Network Ottawa and Ottawa Arts Council, Arts Ottawa carries forward more than 40 years of sector history while operating with a renewed, sector-facing mandate: coordinating partners, reducing duplication, amplifying collective advocacy, and developing tools that strengthen the full arts ecosystem. The organization is guided by community co-created principles including equity, shared governance, transparency, and accountability, and delivers all programming and communications in both official languages. About the position Arts Ottawa is looking for a strategic, collaborative marketing and PR professional to lead how our work shows up in the community, across the city, the province, and on national platforms where it matters. This is a one-year contract with a clear pathway to a permanent full-time position based on fit, performance, and funding. Salary is $57,000, paid bi-weekly through an online payroll system. This role is for someone who thinks before they post, plans before they pitch, and knows the difference between marketing and communications well enough to explain it clearly to a board, a funder, or a journalist. You'll work alongside our Digital Engagement & Design Lead, and our Content and Impact Documentation Coordinator, bringing strategic thinking, steady judgment, and clear planning to a team that already does excellent work. What you'll own Developing and stewarding short- and long-term marketing plans in partnership with our communications and programming teams, to amplify strategies and work intentionally and not reactively. Building and maintaining relationships with local, provincial, and federal media, and knowing when and how to use them. Writing and placing media releases, facilitating op-eds, and feature pitches that reflect the depth of Arts Ottawa's work and the sector we serve. Leading the marketing strategy for the upcoming municipal election cycle, with a clear plan for how Arts Ottawa contributes to a more informed public conversation about the arts. Identifying and securing podcast opportunities that feature Arts Ottawa staff and sector leadership as guests, placing our team's expertise in front of the right audiences, on the right shows, with messaging that's prepared and on point. Partnering with our Co-Leadership, Strategy, and Community Mobilization teams to source, edit, and distribute guest storytelling content from community leaders in relation to programming and policy recommendations, bringing their voices to wider audiences and ensuring their stories are told with care, accuracy, and reach. Launching and editorially shaping an Arts Ottawa Substack: setting the publication strategy, cadence, and voice; commissioning or writing pieces, including community-led storytelling, that build our audience and position Arts Ottawa as an essential read on the local arts sector. Bringing structure and rhythm to marketing and PR work across the team, with the judgment to know when to accelerate a project and when to slow it down. What we're looking for Solid experience in marketing and public relations, ideally with time spent in or near the arts and culture sector. A track record of earned media placements and durable relationships with journalists and editors. Strong writing and editing: clean, clear, and tonally aware, with the judgment to shape someone else's voice without overwriting it. Experience developing marketing campaigns with measurable outcomes. A genuine understanding of the current needs of the arts sector, not just trends. Experience pitching spokespeople to podcasts or building and editing a newsletter or publication with a real audience. Comfort and care in working with community voices, particularly those of equity-deserving leaders, and a clear ethic around consent, attribution, and respectful amplification. A collaborative working style. You thrive on a team that values thoughtfulness, consistency, and quality. You bring out the best in colleagues by being prepared, generous, and clear, and you take ownership of your own work while supporting the work of others. Abiltiy to communicate in French would be considered a strong asset. Why work with us A four-day work week. Arts Ottawa operates Tuesday through Friday, with Mondays off as a paid non-working day. Flexible scheduling within the four-day week: early start, late start, or a split day, so the schedule works with your life. Hybrid work, with at least one in-person day per week (Wednesdays) at the Arts Ottawa head office at Arts Court in downtown Ottawa. Fully remote for summer months (July and August) Eight paid personal days per year Eight paid vacation days per year Eligible for 4% RRSP matching contribution (after 4 months) Health Benefit Plan – employer pays 50% effective upon hiring and enrollment Employee Assistance Program offering free confidential counselling support for employee and immediate family members Professional development support: Arts Ottawa contributes to courses, certifications, and conferences that are relevant to your role and growth. Reimbursement for work-related travel, including transit, rideshare where appropriate, mileage, parking, and per diem meals when travelling out of town. A values-driven workplace, committed to equity, accessibility, and amplifying Indigenous voices on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. How to apply Please submit: A cover letter (no more than two pages) telling us how you think about the work, not just what you've done , to the attention of Nicole Milne, Co-Leadership, Operations and Revenue Generation ( nicole@artsottawa.ca ), with the subject line: Application: Marketing & PR Lead at Arts Ottawa A current résumé Two to three examples of media placements, campaigns, or published pieces you led or significantly shaped The Interview Process Interviews are held in person at Arts Ottawa's office in Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa. The conversation runs one hour and involves two members of our team: Nicole Milne, Co-Lead, Operations and Revenue Generation, and Brooklyn Marok, Digital Engagement and Design Lead. We send interview questions to all candidates in advance. We believe everyone deserves the same opportunity to prepare, and we're more interested in your thinking than your ability to perform under pressure. If you require any accommodations to participate fully, whether for the application process or the interview itself, please reach out to Nicole Milne directly at nicole@artsottawa.ca . All requests are handled with care and confidentiality. Arts Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer. We particularly welcome applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available at every stage of the hiring process; please let us know what you need.

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

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