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Short description Why Arts Spaces Matters in the Future of the ByWard Market | Article by Cassandra Olsthoorn Short description

Short description Ottawa Has Culture. What It Doesn’t Have Is a Cultural Economy Strategy | Article by Kwende Kefentse Short description

Short description Become an Arts Correspondent - Learn more and apply Short description

At Arts Ottawa, we’re dedicated to being a strong voice for the arts in the region, building relationships to increase awareness of their value and strengthening the local arts sector. Advocating for the Arts in the Ottawa Region A thriving arts scene fosters a community where ideas, talents, and cultures are celebrated, and where identities are shared. At Arts Ottawa, we’re dedicated to being a strong voice for the arts in the region, building relationships to increase awareness of their value and strengthening the local arts sector. We actively share information and opportunities with the community so that together, we can shape a vibrant arts scene that everyone can contribute to. As a member, you’re part of this collective voice. Photo: Eric Reid Stay informed The Ottawa Arts Initiative (OAI) Instagram page was created by our team to advocate for the social and economic value of art and culture in Ottawa, providing a platform to amplify the voices of our creative community. Follow Us @ottawaarts.initiative Advocacy Updates Why Arts Spaces Matters in the Future of the ByWard Market | Article by Cassandra Olsthoorn Ottawa Has Culture. What It Doesn’t Have Is a Cultural Economy Strategy | Article by Kwende Kefentse Introducing Arts Ottawa’s Shared Leadership Model Transforming Together: Systemic Change for Community Benefit On Our Radar

Short description June 1st - CWB Learning Lab 5 | Registration Open Short description

Driving collective action to address the needs and priorities of Ottawa's arts sector. Celebrate with us at The Arts Ottawa Awards Ceremony! Tickets are on sale now Thursday, February 5th, 2026 7:00pm - National Arts Centre (Fourth Stage) Learn more about the Arts Ottawa Awards Buy Tickets Arts Ottawa supports and advocates for artists and the arts in Ottawa. Through our focus on collaboration and partnership, we mobilize collective action in Ottawa’s arts community with an emphasis on inclusive and participatory decision-making. Artwork: Melanie Yugo, Nurture Future Photo: Curtis Perry What’s Happening Now Arts Ottawa's First Community Forum - Outcomes and next steps APPLY NOW: Artist in Residence in ARTicipate June 1st - CWB Learning Lab 5 | Registration Open Register for Arts Ottawa's AGM - May 27 Watch the CWB Learning Labs online now Giving Circle: Help Shape the Future of the Arts in Ottawa Learn More Co-Leadership Circle Mobilizes action, connects sectors, and guides collective vision. Learn More Advisory circle Amplifies arts voices and connects communities to action. Take Action Action Labs and the Core Leadership Circle Tackle urgent issues, driving sector-wide change Become a Member Membership Connecting communities to action and amplifying arts voices. Volunteer Volunteer Connect with local artists and give back to your community Governance Board ensures accountability and aligns collective action with strategic goals. Donate Today Support Arts Ottawa Your contributions fuel the growth of our local arts sector Become a Sponsor Sponsorship Sponsor the arts in our local community Ways to Get Involved Be part of shaping Ottawa’s arts community. Your involvement amplifies creativity, builds connections, and drives collective action. Together, we can create a thriving, inclusive cultural landscape. Get Involved Co-Creating Arts Ottawa Timeline 2026 January Arts Ottawa Awards Ceremony Meet the recipients February AIRG Jordan Danger: Final exhibition on Feb. 26 Learn more March March 14 - Social Impact Evaluation Learning Lab Learn more March 19 - First Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more Watch online April April 9 - Second Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more April 23 - Arts Ottawa's First Community Forum Learn more April 29 - Third Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more May May 13 - Fourth Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more May 27 - AGM June June 1st - Fifth Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more June 19th - Last Lab of the CWB Learning Lab Series Learn more July - August - September - October - November - December - Driving collective action to address the needs and priorities of Ottawa's arts sector. Photo: Curtis Perry 2025 January Introduction of Co-Creating Arts Ottawa learn more First Open Office Hours: Welcome to Arts Ottawa learn more February Learning Lab no.1: Governance Models and Advocacy in the Arts learn more Open Office Hours: Discussing Arts Awards March Learning Lab no.2 : Artists as Community Leaders learn more Open Office Hours: Discussing Mentorship within the Arts April Learning Lab no. 3: Redefining Volunteerism in Governance learn more Co-Creation Labs: building a governance model learn more May Learning Labs recap videos available online watch now June AGMs held on June 18th Read the annual reports here Shared Ground first event of the initiative held on June 25th Learn more July Unveiling of our new Arts Ottawa Awards Learn more Launch of the Giving Circle Learn more Open Office Hours: Arts Ottawa's Shared Leadership Model Learn more August Updated Volunteer pathway Learn more Introducing Artist Talk: Online community forum Sign up now! September Introducing our new Action Lab: Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts Learn more Arts Awards Co-Design Process Read the report October Shared Ground Learning Lab Learn more Co-Create Mission, Vision and Values statements Community Co-Creation feedback with staff and board Collaborative Strategy Sessions outlining areas of focus for 2026 Learn more November Co-Create Arts Ottawa Report: Governance, Inclusion, and Volunteer Engagement Read the report December Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts Learning Lab :Audited by Meral Tan as an Arts Correspondent Read the report Donate to Arts Ottawa Arts Ottawa seeks to nurture the arts, to let them bloom and spread their roots deep into the cityscape. In so doing, we endeavour to build a city that hums with life, where equity and diversity are not just present, but celebrated. Together we can deliver on our mission to drive collective action in responding to community needs and priorities, fostering a thriving arts sector. Donate to Arts Ottawa Today Programs & Services Arts Ottawa Awards The Arts Ottawa Awards celebrate Ottawa-based artists, creatives, educators, businesses, and organizations who help shape a vibrant, connected city. Shared Ground Calling in Leadership on Cultural Spaces and Reimagining Downtown Through Arts and Culture Artist in Residence in Government Enacting sustainable, meaningful change in communities is a complex and ongoing challenge. That’s why Arts Ottawa and the City of Ottawa have launched the Artist-in-Residence in Government (AIRG) program. This initiative connects artists with municipal government staff and the community to tackle unique civic challenges and reimagine traditional approaches. By embedding an artist within a city department, their creative perspectives and lived experiences help co-create transformative models of community engagement—addressing pressing local issues in innovative ways that push beyond the status quo. Explore more programs & servicEs Explore the new Artist Talk! Our new community hub brings together events, resources, and discussions — all in one place. Stay connected, informed, and inspired. Visit Artist Talk Subscribe to the Arts Ottawa Report! Arts Ottawa offers a bi-weekly report that will keep you up to date on all of the programs and services Arts Ottawa has to offer the Ottawa community. Learn about our newsletters here. Email* Yes, subscribe me to Arts Ottawa Report. * Submit

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) Join us on June 1st for the fifth Learning Lab: CWB: Progressive procurement & Fair work practices Register 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 . June 1st 9:15am - 1:00pm (Programming starts at 10am) Bayview Yards In this session we will explore how to secure opportunities for arts contracts, infrastructure and activities by working with big buyers operating in the community (ie. institutions, government, corporations). We will also discuss fair work practices and wages for artists, creating meaningful, long-term employment and leadership development opportunities for the community. We will hear about how arts communities in other cities are working with their local government to co-design more effective agreements and wage standardization, learn what it means to activate arts-related community benefits on major development projects, and test how these approaches could be better leveraged in Ottawa. In part 1 of the session we’ll hear from Michael Vickers (Brampton Arts Organization) and George Brown (Ottawa Community Benefits Network) about why procurement and benefits agreements are effective mechanisms for working with municipalities, corporations and institutions to secure more stable and fair employment for local workforce. We’ll follow this up with a roundtable discussion to unpack what this work looks like on the ground and how to organize to realize more sustainable agreements. In Part 2, participants will engage in workshop activities facilitated by Arts Ottawa to explore the principles of Progressive Procurement and Fair Work Practices and how they could be activated in Ottawa. About the Speakers Michael Vickers is a community activator, cultural leader and practicing artist focused on providing meaningful advocacy, support and growth for the arts sector at the local level and across Canada. He is currently the Executive Director of the Brampton Arts Organization and has previously held roles with the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto, Akin and PACE Gallery. Vickers holds an MA in Art History from the University of Toronto and an Honours BA in Visual Arts & Communications. His artwork has been exhibited locally and internationally, including presentations at Volta Basel, Dutch Design Week and Art Toronto and has been supported by the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts. He is an active member of the Canadian Arts Coalition and the Alliance of Arts Councils of Ontario. George Brown is a lawyer, urbanist and certified Coach. He is Principal of Integral North, and President & CEO of Mooney’s Bay Ventures Inc.. He is currently sitting on the advisory for the Ottawa Community Benefits Network. George spent nine years as President of the Ottawa Community Loan Fund, (OCLF) as well as 9 years as a City and Regional Councillor in Ottawa. He is affiliated with numerous community-based initiatives, including Ottawa Riverkeeper and Ottawa ACORN. CWB 2026 Learning Lab Schedule March 19th An introduction to Community Wealth Building LEARN MORE April 9th Pillar 1: Pluralistic Ownership LEARN MORE April 29th Pillar 2: Locally Rooted Finance LEARN MORE May 13th Pillar 3: Just Use of Land and Property REGISTER June 1st Pillar 4 & 5: Progressive Procurement & Fair Work Practices REGISTER June 19th CWB Overview 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_c57d1a849ee84dccb4c5235127bcf121.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

Short description APPLY NOW: Artist in Residence in ARTicipate Short description

Arts Ottawa’s programming and services are designed to address critical gaps and challenges in Ottawa’s arts landscape. Explore what we offer here. Learning and Professional development What if we had better ways to calculate the social impact that the arts contribute to local communities?   Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts View Program Community-Engaged Arts Calling in Leadership on Cultural Spaces and Reimagining Downtown Through Arts and Culture Shared Ground Learn More Enacting sustainable, meaningful change in communities is a complex and ongoing challenge. That’s why Arts Ottawa and the City of Ottawa have launched the Artist-in-Residence in Government (AIRG) program. This initiative connects artists with municipal government staff and the community to tackle unique civic challenges and reimagine traditional approaches. By embedding an artist within a city department, their creative perspectives and lived experiences help co-create transformative models of community engagement—addressing pressing local issues in innovative ways that push beyond the status quo. Artist in Residence in Government View Program Arts Correspondents act as community storytellers, attending Arts Ottawa programs and events to listen, reflect, and share the voices, experiences, and ideas that shape Ottawa’s arts community. Arts Correspondents Learn more Arts Ottawa is introducing a new role: Artist in Residence in ARTicipate. Artist in Residence in ARTicipate Learn more Funding, recognition and showcasing opportunities The Arts Ottawa Awards celebrate Ottawa-based artists, creatives, educators, businesses, and organizations who help shape a vibrant, connected city. Arts Ottawa Awards View Program ARTicipate Project Grants View Program Programs & Services Arts Ottawa’s programming and services are designed to address critical gaps and challenges in Ottawa’s arts landscape. Through a lens of mentorship and peer-support, we provide a range of opportunities to engage, build careers, expand networks, and access funding. At the forefront, we are committed to platforming the voices of artists in our community to inform and shape our programs and services - working together to achieve a vibrant and sustainable sector.

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. Share your experience Before we open applications for this new role, the first step is gathering community feedback. We want to hear directly from artists who have been an ARTicipate recipient, applicant, or have previously engaged with the Project Grant program so that this role is shaped by real experiences, not assumptions. Fill out the ARTicipate feedback survey Why your feedback matters This feedback process is focused on understanding: Where barriers exist in the current ARTicipate model What challenges applicants and recipients continue to face What kinds of support would make the biggest difference moving forward Your input will directly inform the priorities, focus, and responsibilities of the Artist in Residence role. What we’ve heard so far We recently held a consultation session with Resident Art Partners and past ARTicipate recipients, where we gathered early insights and reflections on the program. Read the key takeaways from that conversation here . What happens next All feedback collected will be reviewed and used to help shape the Artist in Residence in ARTicipate role, including its focus areas and how it will support artists within the program. This input will also inform broader improvements to ARTicipate as a whole. More information about the Artist in Residence in ARTicipate , including role details and how to apply, will be shared soon.

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