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Join the Arts Ottawa team for casual, in-person monthly drop-ins. Open Office Hours Join the Arts Ottawa team for casual, in-person monthly drop-ins. Photo: Brooklyn Marok About Open Office Hours Open Office Hours are casual, in-person monthly drop-ins where community members can meet Arts Ottawa staff to discuss their concerns, ask questions, and share ideas in an informal, accessible setting. We are partnering with Happy Goat and will be at various locations throughout the city. We hope to see you there. Notice of Open Office Hours will be shared in our e-newsletters and on Arts Ottawa social media channels. Come be a part of the discussion! Open Office Hours are proud to be supported by Happy Goat Coffee Co. This service is funded by

Takeover our Instagram and showcase your work! Artist Takeovers Takeover our Instagram and showcase your work! Photo: Abigail Bailey The Artist Takeover Program offer a unique opportunity for Arts Ottawa to connect, collaborate, and uplift artists within our community. Selected artists will have access to our Instagram platform where they can showcase their work through Instagram LIVE and stories. We prioritize equity-deserving groups and strive to center marginalized voices. Artists have access to our platform for 24 hours but are only required to be online and active to complete the deliverables. Any time spent on the account afterward is optional. Artists will receive a payment of $125 for their takeover. To participate, artists are required to review the Artist Deliverables document and fulfill the outlined requirements. Once the deliverables are completed, artists are welcome to share additional content through Instagram stories or LIVE sessions. Please take a moment to review our Safer Spaces Policy as we ask all artists to adhere to these guidelines while accessing our Instagram platform. Apply for the Artist Takeovers 2025 here If you have any questions, please reach out to brooklyn@artsottawa.ca

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

Arts Ottawa advocates for and enforces Safer Spaces. Safer Spaces Policy What is the Safer Spaces Policy? This safer spaces policy applies to all Arts Ottawa sponsored spaces and programs, including our in-person and online events, online platforms, emails, as well as any other spaces that Arts Ottawa hosts. The goal of safer spaces is to encourage all participants to work together to prevent or reduce harm, particularly for those who are often the targets of violence and harassment. Oppressive behavior that makes others feel unsafe will not be tolerated. Jump to section: Reporting Enforcement Feedback Reporting Please do not hesitate to contact us, at any time, if you feel unsafe or notice another person who feels or is being made to feel unsafe. Being made to feel “unsafe” means that you are experience discomfort, harassment caused by another individual or group of individuals. Any reports will be handled privately and will be acted upon with your safety in mind first. Anonymous reports will be fully investigated and taken seriously. We want you to be happy at our events and spaces. In no way, should you ever feel bad or guilty for reporting an incident. This policy exists for you and for fostering an inclusive space in which everyone can feel safe to participate. You have the option to provide your information if you choose to. Report an Incident Enforcement Arts Ottawa is dedicated to providing a harassment-free space for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity + expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, language, body size, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic standing, or otherwise. Arts Ottawa does not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. Anyone who violates this safer space policy may be sanctioned, expelled, or banned from these spaces. If a person engages in harassing behavior, they will be asked to stop and expected to comply immediately. If the person continues to engage in harassing behavior, the organizers/coordinators retain the right to take any actions to keep the event, programs, spaces (online & physical) a welcoming space for everyone. This can include warning the offender or even expulsion, whether temporary or permanent, from Arts Ottawa spaces, events, and/or programs. Organizers/coordinators may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants. All reports, anonymous or otherwise, are investigated, discussed, and reviewed by Arts Ottawa Executive Director and/or Board or Directors President before action is taken. Questions, Concerns, or feedback? If you have any questions as to enforcement, review process, reporting process, etc. or have a suggestion to improve our safer spaces policy, please contact us using the button below. Contact Arts Ottawa

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 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 LEGAL Arts Law Ottawa 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

Sponsorship We know the arts help build strong communities and we can help you tap into Ottawa’s creative economy. Our programs and events involve thousands of residents every year and engage representatives from local businesses and the three levels of governments. Let us help you grow your business by supporting the arts, and help us create a city where creativity and community thrive. Reach new audiences and make an impact by sponsoring one of our programs or events. All our sponsorships are fully customizable. Photo: Brooklyn Marok Professional Learning Develop arts entrepreneurs by sponsoring a Learning Series or sponsor of the Ottawa's Creative Continuum Conference, Mentorship for young arts professionals (annual), new Career Management and Arts Entrepreneurship Bootcamps. Arts Awards The investment you make demonstrates that you recognize the importance of artists who are aspiring and thriving in our community, and the contribution they make to our city. With your help, we can continue to create an environment where equity and diversity are celebrated, and artistic achievement is acknowledged and rewarded. Community-Engaged Arts Projects Engage with the community through our Neighbourhood Arts Ottawa program. Contact us to help support a community-engaged art project. Media Sponsorships We rely on in-kind agreements with local media to reach many audiences about our programming and events. In-Kind Products and Services Our events bring together dozens to hundreds of people from across our city, and in-kind donations are a great way to increase your visibility. Request a meeting or sponsorship package: Nicole Milne Co-Leadership, Operations and Revenue Generation nicole@artsottawa.ca Arts Ottawa Sponsorship Policy Purpose This policy outlines Arts Ottawa’s position on sponsorship and clarifies how we engage with external supporters. We are often approached with requests for sponsorships, naming rights, and visibility exchanges. While we value financial and in-kind support, we do not offer sponsorships in the traditional sense. Instead, we build values-based partnerships that reflect shared commitments to artists, equity, and community. Policy Overview Arts Ottawa does not offer sponsorship opportunities that involve standard benefits such as logo placements, tiered recognition levels, or advertising space in exchange for contributions. Our work is rooted in collaboration and shared decision-making. We prioritize relationships with individuals, organizations, and businesses who share our mission and who want to work alongside us to support long-term impact in Ottawa’s arts community. Requests and Inquiries If your organization or business is interested in supporting Arts Ottawa, we invite you to connect with our team to explore a collaborative partnership that aligns with your values and ours. We are happy to discuss options for meaningful engagement that contribute to community outcomes. For more information, please contact: info@artsottawa.ca We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the businesses and organizations that have generously supported and partnered with Arts Ottawa; their commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape has made a significant impact on our community. Our sponsors and partners play a crucial role in developing a thriving arts ecosystem, allowing us to continue our mission of advancing the arts in our region.


Sign up for the Arts Ottawa newsletters to stay up to date with the arts community. Newsletters Read more about Arts Ottawa's three newsletters here and sign up below. Arts Ottawa report Bi-weekly updates The Arts Ottawa Report will keep you up to date on all of the programs and services Arts Ottawa has to offer the Ottawa community. This newsletter is to inform you on all of our programs, job opportunities and staff changes within the organization, workshops, fundraising and reports, as well as the services Arts Ottawa offers. WKND Bulletin Community news every Thursday The Weekend Bulletin’s purpose is to help you unwind after a long week. It will go out on Fridays and act as your guide to an active weekend in Ottawa! It will showcase all kinds of activities happening in the city, ways to stay creative, as well as new trends, articles, and even recipes, that may spark interest. artist talk Bi-weekly artist resources The Artist Talk newsletters will feature opportunities in Ottawa that may help advance your artistic career. It will be a spotlight on opportunities outside of our organization, and through this newsletter you will be notified of local resources, calls to artists, requests for proposals, paid opportunities, grant opportunities, volunteering, and so on. This newsletter will also provide a space for Arts Ottawa to feature local Artists and their work. Subscribe to the Arts Ottawa Newsletters Arts Ottawa offers three different newsletters that will keep you up to date on the Ottawa Arts Community. Learn More and Subscribe

Calling in Leadership on Cultural Spaces and Reimagining Downtown Through Arts and Culture Shared Ground Calling in Leadership on Cultural Spaces and Reimagining Downtown Through Arts and Culture Photo by Jeffrey Eisen SHARED GROUND: A Framework for Cultural Co-Design in Downtown Ottawa This Action Lab is presented by Arts Ottawa in collaboration with ArtsBuild Ontario, Memetic Media, and the Ottawa Art Gallery ACE District Initiative. Downtown Ottawa is on the brink of transformation—and artists, creatives, and cultural leaders have a vital role to play. In response to the call for a downtown that is vibrant, resilient, and inclusive, Arts Ottawa is convening artists, community and business leaders, and creative thinkers to imagine what’s possible when arts and culture are embedded into the fabric of our city. This Action Lab aims to explore - and take action on - sector readiness for cultural space developments, and reframing underused spaces. On October 29, Arts Ottawa hosted (Un)Common Grounds and Community Living Rooms at Urban Art Collective. The event brought artists, organizers, and community members together to explore cultural space and community infrastructure in Ottawa. The evening opened with a round table conversation where panelists shared grounded insights and real world experiences. This sparked meaningful dialogue among attendees about how culture can shape more connected and resilient communities. Curious about what emerged from this session? Learn more and read the full report from the event here . Arts Ottawa launched this Action Lab with an event on June 25th at Place de Ville , a unique former cinema connected to the Lyon LRT station. Shared Ground marked our first steps—bringing the community together for a day of learning and collaborative design as we began shaping a collective vision for arts sector readiness. From these conversations, we identified clear takeaways and a path forward. For those seeking deeper context and analysis, a full formal report is available, offering comprehensive insight into our discussions and next steps. READ THE FULL REPORT HERE About June 25th → Click here to view the Recap video of our first Shared Ground even t On June 25th, Arts Ottawa hosted the first event under our Action Lab, Shared Ground —a day of learning and collaborative design , where we began shaping a collective vision for arts sector readiness. Our learning day was hosted at Place de Ville, and 300 Sparks where a unique former cinema connected to the Lyon LRT station resides. Together, we mapped, prototyped, and modeled sustainable, arts-forward space activations through community visioning and participatory design.  Learnings from the day shaped a charrette exploring how vacant urban spaces can be transformed into cultural assets. This day also launched the Shared Ground Leadership Circle, calling in community voices to contribute to this Action Lab as it identifies strategies and pathways to bridge the gap between artists and revitalization projects We explored how we can future-proof arts spaces as places for community gathering, creativity, and collaboration—grounded in cultural co-design, community expertise, and the power of imagination in city-building. CLICK HERE TO READ THE EVENT SUMMARY REPORT About the presenters at Shared Ground on June 25th: Kwende Kefentse (he/him)Memetic Media Kwende Kefentse is a creator, researcher, administrator and cultural innovator based in Ottawa. His 20+ year career bridges the worlds of creative practice, the research and development of cultural industries, and civic leadership / city building. Most recently he was the first Executive Director of CKCU-FM, reimagining the station's operations post-pandemic, focusing on technological modernization and community reconnection. In his former position as Cultural Industries Development Officer for the City of Ottawa he led the development of Ottawa's Renewed Action Plan for Arts, Heritage, and Culture (2013-2018) and the Ottawa Music Strategy (2018-2020), among other critical city-wide cultural initiatives. He serves on the Boards of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, Ottawa Film Office, and Carleton University Art Gallery. As DJ Memetic of the TIMEKODE collective his productions have received critical acclaim from international outlets like Vice Thump, Radio Nova, and Wax Poetics. He has been requested as an opening performer for luminaries like Nas and Barack Obama. Kwende has earned a Masters of Research (MRes) from UCL's Bartlett School of Architecture focussed on modelling the spatial dynamics of cultural production in the music industry. In 2025 Kwende is establishing his consultancy Memetic Media, and launching the TIMEKODE CoLABoratory, a dynamic, interdisciplinary project that commemorates 20 years of local nightclub heritage, while charting its future through innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. Alex Glass (she/her) ArtsBuild Executive Director Alex has been with ArtsBuild for over eight years and successfully grown ABO’s programs and partnerships. Alex managed the development of the Accessibility Toolkit for Creative Spaces in Ontario and corresponding six-part webinar series, the Creative Spaces Case Study Series, and the expansion of SpaceFinder across Canada in 11 communities. Bringing 14 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Alex has previously worked with organizations such as the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Talisker Players Chamber Music and Canterbury Hills Camp & Conference Centre. She has an honors degree in English and Cultural Studies from McMaster University and graduate certificate in Public Relations from Mohawk College. Eva Hellreich (any pronouns) ArtsBuild Program Manager They are passionate about providing under-served communities access to resources, knowledge and networks that enable and sustain self-empowerment through creative leadership and community building. They bring over 7 years of arts and funding administrative experience spanning non-profit, community arts, festivals and government funders, as well as experience as a youth and adult educator. In addition to ample experience with program development and service delivery, they served a 3 year term as a working Board member of Mayworks Festival of Working People and are currently serving a 3 year term on the Toronto Arts Council’s Creative Communities Committee. Eva has a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Immigration and Settlement from Toronto Metropolitan University, where they conducted primary research for their Major Research Paper on the experiences of newcomer artists and art as a tool for civic engagement. Eva is enthusiastic about sharing their passion for project management, collaboration and creative problem solving with community engaged artists and organizations through skill and resource exchanges, collaboration, and peer mentorship. Eva believes in art for art’s sake and challenges the influence of capitalism on determining the value of a creative practice or production. Their personal practice includes photography, textile art, and creative writing. ArtsBuild Ontario (ABO) ABO is a provincial arts service organization that provides small and medium-sized organizations with tools, training, and advice to successfully manage physical and digital creative spaces. ABO works to reimagine the future of creative spaces through dedicated research projects and an engaged network of supportive partners. Thank you to our Sponsors and Partners from June 25th Shared Ground in the Media Shared Ground: A Framework for Cultural Co-Design in Downtown Ottawa By Kelly Wilhelm New Shared Ground event explores who will lead the transformation of Ottawa’s empty spaces By Willemijn Bunskoek , apt.613 Newly formed Arts Ottawa wants artists to be involved in office conversion discussions By Mia Jensen, OBJ The Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG), engaged by the City of Ottawa, is leading the development of a downtown Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (ACE) District. This year, OAG will create a framework, brand, and implementation strategy for the District. Outlined as a key initiative in A Living Capital: Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda (May 2024), the ACE District aims to revitalize the core by fostering placemaking, cultural initiatives, and strengthening Ottawa’s creative economy. Shared Ground will help guide and inform this work. If you are interested in getting involved with this initiative or exploring partnership opportunities, please reach out to Cassandra Olsthoorn at cassandra@artsottawa.ca

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 Transforming Together: Systemic Change for Community Benefit On Our Radar

Membership After listening to hundreds of artists, arts workers, and community members during our merger and co-creation sessions, we have collectively built a new membership model to better serve our community. Photo: Shannon Hawn Arts Ottawa strongly believes in solidarity and supporting our community. We honour our values of inclusivity and accessibility by offering a Pay-What-You-Choose pricing option for individual Community Advisory Members. When you become a member, you will receive access to our membership platform hosted on Member365. Here you can register for Arts Ottawa's upcoming activities and events, apply to programs and be an active part of our governance model. Membership is open to artists, arts workers and the general public. Organizations are also not restricted to being arts organizations. Membership Categories Community Advisory Members (CAM) For artists and cultural workers, individual or organization Sign up for an Individual CAM here Sign up for an organization CAM here More about the CAM If you want to help shape what Arts Ottawa does, through feedback, conversations, working groups, and collaborative decision-making, this is for you. The CAMs ensure that the arts sector voices are heard and have clear pathways to participation and mobilization within the organization. Through this Membership category, you can: Join Co-Creation Sessions and Action Labs Help shape programming and advocacy priorities Be recognized as a core part of our community-engaged governance model Voting rights at the Annual General Meeting Have the opportunity to place the Arts Ottawa CAM logo on your website or social media channels Participate at a pace that works for you There’s no fee to join as a CAM. Instead, we offer a flexible Pay What You Choose (PWYC) model —because we believe everyone should have access to this community, regardless of financial means. You decide how much, if anything, to contribute. For those looking for guidance, suggested membership options include $25, $50, or $100 annually. Organizations are encouraged to contribute 0.1% of their annual operating budget. Supporter For Arts and Culture Champions, individual or organization Sign up for an Individual Supporter Membership here Sign up for an Organization Supporter Membership here More about Supporter Membership Want to champion Arts Ottawa’s work, but not ready to take an active role? You can support us by becoming a Supporter Member. Through this Membership category, you can: Receive behind-the-scenes updates and invitations Cheer us on and help fund our work Are acknowledged publicly for helping us grow Choose your level of support based on what feels right for you. Individuals can contribute $50, $100, or $200 annually —or select a custom amount that aligns with your capacity. For organizations, we recommend an annual contribution of 0.1% of your operating budget . Every dollar goes toward sustaining and strengthening this work. Why Become a Member? Arts Ottawa connects members to advocacy, arts engagement, resources, and local arts communities. We listen to our members to act on behalf of the arts community in Ottawa and offer a space for everyone to get involved. All members have access to our Member365 calendar, where you can post upcoming events and opportunities to share with the Arts Ottawa community. Whether you're new here or have been with us for years— thank you. Your involvement helps shape a stronger, more connected arts community in Ottawa. We’re so glad you’re part of it. If you have any questions around Membership, please contact Joni at joni@artsottawa.ca .

Stay tuned! Coming Soon! Arts Ottawa supports and advocates for artists and the arts in Ottawa.

Arts Ottawa supports and connects the local arts community, fostering collaboration and empowering creativity. We champion the arts as a vital force in Ottawa’s cultural, social, and economic life. About Arts Ottawa Arts Ottawa supports and connects the local arts community, fostering collaboration and empowering creativity. We champion the arts as a vital force in Ottawa’s cultural, social, and economic life. Our History Meet the Team Photo: Jamaal Khaleefa Mission To drive collective action in responding to community needs and priorities, fostering a thriving arts sector. Vision A dynamic cultural capital where the practice of art is meaningful and contributes positively to the development of the city and the quality of life of its citizens. Values Care and respect for artists, engagement with community, integrity and accountability, inclusiveness and collaboration. 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