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 Arts Ottawa is engaged in strategic conversations with public and private partners in relation to emerging cultural infrastructure development opportunities across the city. This work focuses on ensuring sector-informed input is considered in broader planning processes by advocating for clear, consistent data collection and evaluation measures to be embedded throughout. The goal is to build a practical evidence base that helps the sector better understand the logistics and feasibility of opening and sustaining arts-led spaces, including what is realistically achievable for smaller organizations and what conditions support long-term sustainability in independently run arts spaces. This stream of work supports a longer-term horizon goal of positioning the arts sector to be ready to engage with, respond to, and help shape major civic cultural infrastructure as these opportunities emerge across the city. Research, Advocacy & Planning The State of the Arts Map is an evolving research tool designed to strengthen Ottawa’s arts ecosystem by making its assets, resources, and opportunities more visible and connected. The map will identify and document creative infrastructure across the city, like studio spaces, learning environments, and community hubs, while capturing key information about their features, uses, and the resources that flow through them. By providing a clearer picture of what already exists and where gaps remain, the project helps break down silos, foster collaboration, and improve access to spaces and resources. The result is a more connected, informed, and resilient arts community, better equipped to support growth, advocacy, and long-term sector development. A collaboration with Memetic Media and Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS) Lab. State of the Arts Map Learning Cohort Launching in fall 2026, this Learning Cohort supports people who are working toward creating physical arts and culture spaces. Through mentorship, resources, and peer learning, participants will receive practical support as they take the next steps toward bringing their vision to life. In exchange, participants will contribute to a shared learning process by documenting key aspects of their journey, helping capture what it actually takes to create and sustain an arts and culture space. Through guided reporting, the cohort will track challenges, costs, timelines, relationships, and decision-making processes involved in developing a space. This information will create valuable knowledge for the sector, helping identify barriers, gaps, and opportunities while strengthening support for future arts and culture space projects. The 300 Sparks Street Pop-Up is made possible through the generous support of Crown Property Management Inc, who recognize the placemaking and engaging power of artists. This summer activation, led by Cre8, provides artists with a platform to showcase their work as well as bringing more creative life to our downtown. This pop-up will also serve as a live feasibility study. By observing how the space is used, including foot traffic, visitor engagement, and operational realities, the project will help build a clearer understanding of what it takes to activate and sustain arts and culture spaces in downtown settings. This dual purpose allows the initiative to both animate the street in the present and generate valuable insight to inform future placemaking and space activations. Sparks Street Storefront A storefront activation on Bank Street will transform vacant commercial space into a public-facing arts venue. Aligned with the ACE District vision the project will increase the visibility of arts and culture while bringing new energy to the street. The initiative benefits landlords by activating vacant spaces, creates opportunities for future tenants, and helps revitalize the downtown core by bringing community engagement and restoring energy, creativity, and foot traffic to one of the city’s main streets. Vacant Storefront activation Arts Ottawa’s Learning Labs are a key part of our commitment to building capacity across the local arts sector. Through professional development opportunities, knowledge sharing, and collaborative learning, the program supports artists and arts organizations in strengthening skills, expanding networks, and responding to evolving community needs. By investing in continuous learning, the Learning Labs help build a more resilient, connected, and sustainable arts ecosystem, enhancing the capacity of individual artists, organizations, and Arts Ottawa alike. Learing Labs Happening now in Shared Ground: MEET THE ARTISTS OLIVA ONUK Integrated Neighbourhood Services 2024-2025 More about Olivia Olivia Onuk is dedicating herself to tackling community issues through her involvement with Arts Ottawa and the City of Ottawa’s Artist in Residence in Government Program. Within this role, she is working closely with the Host Department to shape policy decisions for the city. Through collaborative efforts with city staff and active participation in municipal consultations and public hearings, Olivia strives to address the pressing concerns of our community. Her expertise in organizing community art installations and performance events, along with her skill for developing programs and leading workshops for people of all ages, especially those in vulnerable communities, enables her to foster meaningful connections and create spaces for self-expression and healing. These experiences strengthen her resolve to bridge service gaps and promote equity. Olivia’s contributions to the Artist in Residence in Government program emphasize the importance of innovative and creative approaches in tackling civic challenges within our community. https://inbloom.space/ www.instagram.com/mo.o.nflower JORDAN DANGER Solid Waste Services 2024-2025 More about Jordan Jordan Danger is an Ottawa-based professional artist working in multiple media, with two decades of experience and a history of award-winning work. As a queer, genderqueer artist with an invisible disability, she approaches art from a lifetime of challenging the 'norm'. Her professional life has taken her in many directions, including a decade spent in social services prior to another decade spent in marketing, where she was awarded a Forty Under 40 award for her work in the field. These career paths have complimented her artistic practice, enriching her understanding of human behaviour and psychology in a way that informs her art. Now working full time in the arts, Jordan is represented at several galleries and local artists' guilds. www.dangercreative.com www.instagram.com/jordandangercreative NEWS Jordan and Olivia in conversation Our first Artists in Residence in Government met and reflected on their time in the program. READ MORE What has Olivia been up to? Our inaugural Artist in Residence, Olivia, is helping build a strong collective future in Ottawa. READ MORE Interview with Olivia We had the chance to connect with Olivia during the closing exhibition, reflecting on the conclusion of her residency in the AIRG program WATCH ONLINE Interview with Jordan We Jordan Danger meets with Rebecca Zandbergen on Ottawa Morning to talk about their 'garbage' work. LISTEN HERE AIRSPACE: Understanding the landfill crisis Explore Jordan Dangers art series inspired by a year as an Artist in Residence with Solid Waste. VIEW HERE OUR PARTNERS NEIGHBOURHOOD ARTS OTTAWA 2018 to 2021 From 2018 to 2021, Neighbourhood Arts brought free community-based arts workshops and projects to residents across Ottawa. Funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Ottawa Community Foundation, the program supported local artists and organizations in making the arts more accessible and inclusive. Projects ranged from dance and theatre to visual arts and collaborative installations, led by artists such as Eagle & Condor Collective, Kseniya Tsoy, MASC, Moov Ottawa Dance, Christine Mockett, Eleanor Crowder, and Jennifer Anne Kelly . The spirit of Neighbourhood Arts continues today through our Artist in Residence in Government (AIRG) program. Building on the idea of embedding creativity where it’s most needed, AIRG places artists directly within government departments to bring fresh perspectives, foster collaboration, and help address civic challenges through the arts. This evolution reflects a natural path from engaging communities at the grassroots level to shaping the systems and structures that serve them.

Short description Shared Ground updates : one year later

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

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

Would you like to be an Arts Ottawa peer assessor? Apply now! Would you like to be an Arts Ottawa peer assessor? Or do you know someone who would make a good peer assessor? Arts Ottawa is seeking local artists , arts administrators , and community members to serve as peer assessors for the 2027 Arts Awards. Peer assessors play an important role in the selection process, bringing valuable perspectives, lived experiences, cultural knowledge, and community insight.

 Arts Ottawa is committed to accessibility. Assessors receive an honorarium for their time. We will also make every effort to cover or accommodate any accessibility-related supports needed to participate in a jury or advisory panel. If you would like to be considered as an Arts Ottawa peer assessor, please apply below. APPLY NOW Personal information collected on this form will be used in the selection process and for administrative purposes only.

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 .

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 LEARN MORE 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.

Short description APPLY NOW : Arts Ottawa Call for photographers

Sign up for an Action Lab to get involved with Arts Ottawa. Interested in joining an Action Lab? Arts Ottawa offers varying levels of commitment to accommodate different capacities and interests. Read through the levels of commitment participants can choose from, then fill out the form on this page to join an Action Lab. Informed Participants choose to stay updated and aware of the new organizational model and its activities. Involvement: Receive newsletters, attend informational meetings, and follow progress reports. Time Commitment: Minimal, mainly involving reading updates and occasional attendance at information sessions. Consulted Participants provide feedback and insights on specific initiatives or decisions. Involvement: Participate in surveys, focus groups, or feedback sessions. Offer opinions on proposed projects and strategies. Time Commitment: Moderate, involving periodic engagement to provide input and attend consultation meetings. Engaged Participants actively contribute to the planning and implementation of initiatives within the organizational model. Involvement: Join working groups, attend regular meetings, and contribute to specific projects or Action Labs. Time Commitment: Significant, requiring regular participation and hands-on involvement in activities and discussions. Committed Participants take on leadership roles and are deeply involved in driving the organization's strategic goals. Involvement: Lead Action Labs, serve on the Core Leadership Circle, and participate in strategic planning and decision-making. Time Commitment: Extensive, involving ongoing leadership responsibilities, regular meetings, and active participation in high-level initiatives. Champion Participants advocate for the organizational model and mobilize others to engage and support the initiatives. Involvement: Act as ambassadors for the model, promote its goals, mentor new participants, and represent the organization in external engagements. Time Commitment: Very high, with continuous engagement, public speaking, networking, and mentoring activities. Join an Action Lab First name* Last name* Email* Organization Preferred Level of Interest Informed: I want to stay updated with the latest news and developments. Consulted: I am interested in providing feedback and insights on specific initiatives. Engaged: I want to actively contribute to planning and implementing initiatives. Committed: I am ready to take on leadership roles and drive strategic goals. Champion: I am passionate about advocating for the model and mobilizing others. Additional Comments or Areas of Interest Submit

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 Arts Ottawa is engaged in strategic conversations with public and private partners in relation to emerging cultural infrastructure development opportunities across the city. This work focuses on ensuring sector-informed input is considered in broader planning processes by advocating for clear, consistent data collection and evaluation measures to be embedded throughout. The goal is to build a practical evidence base that helps the sector better understand the logistics and feasibility of opening and sustaining arts-led spaces, including what is realistically achievable for smaller organizations and what conditions support long-term sustainability in independently run arts spaces. This stream of work supports a longer-term horizon goal of positioning the arts sector to be ready to engage with, respond to, and help shape major civic cultural infrastructure as these opportunities emerge across the city. Research, Advocacy & Planning The State of the Arts Map is an evolving research tool designed to strengthen Ottawa’s arts ecosystem by making its assets, resources, and opportunities more visible and connected. The map will identify and document creative infrastructure across the city, like studio spaces, learning environments, and community hubs, while capturing key information about their features, uses, and the resources that flow through them. By providing a clearer picture of what already exists and where gaps remain, the project helps break down silos, foster collaboration, and improve access to spaces and resources. The result is a more connected, informed, and resilient arts community, better equipped to support growth, advocacy, and long-term sector development. A collaboration with Memetic Media and Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS) Lab. State of the Arts Map Learning Cohort Launching in fall 2026, this Learning Cohort supports people who are working toward creating physical arts and culture spaces. Through mentorship, resources, and peer learning, participants will receive practical support as they take the next steps toward bringing their vision to life. In exchange, participants will contribute to a shared learning process by documenting key aspects of their journey, helping capture what it actually takes to create and sustain an arts and culture space. Through guided reporting, the cohort will track challenges, costs, timelines, relationships, and decision-making processes involved in developing a space. This information will create valuable knowledge for the sector, helping identify barriers, gaps, and opportunities while strengthening support for future arts and culture space projects. The 300 Sparks Street Pop-Up is made possible through the generous support of Crown Property Management Inc, who recognize the placemaking and engaging power of artists. This summer activation, led by Cre8, provides artists with a platform to showcase their work as well as bringing more creative life to our downtown. This pop-up will also serve as a live feasibility study. By observing how the space is used, including foot traffic, visitor engagement, and operational realities, the project will help build a clearer understanding of what it takes to activate and sustain arts and culture spaces in downtown settings. This dual purpose allows the initiative to both animate the street in the present and generate valuable insight to inform future placemaking and space activations. Sparks Street Storefront A storefront activation on Bank Street will transform vacant commercial space into a public-facing arts venue. Aligned with the ACE District vision the project will increase the visibility of arts and culture while bringing new energy to the street. The initiative benefits landlords by activating vacant spaces, creates opportunities for future tenants, and helps revitalize the downtown core by bringing community engagement and restoring energy, creativity, and foot traffic to one of the city’s main streets. Vacant Storefront activation Arts Ottawa’s Learning Labs are a key part of our commitment to building capacity across the local arts sector. Through professional development opportunities, knowledge sharing, and collaborative learning, the program supports artists and arts organizations in strengthening skills, expanding networks, and responding to evolving community needs. By investing in continuous learning, the Learning Labs help build a more resilient, connected, and sustainable arts ecosystem, enhancing the capacity of individual artists, organizations, and Arts Ottawa alike. Learing Labs Happening now in Shared Ground: Applications CLOSED! Arts Ottawa has launched 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

Tackle urgent issues, driving sector-wide change Action Labs and the Core Leadership Circle Tackle urgent issues, driving sector-wide change Photo: Jamaal Khaleefa Arts Ottawa is engaged in strategic conversations with public and private partners in relation to emerging cultural infrastructure development opportunities across the city. This work focuses on ensuring sector-informed input is considered in broader planning processes by advocating for clear, consistent data collection and evaluation measures to be embedded throughout. The goal is to build a practical evidence base that helps the sector better understand the logistics and feasibility of opening and sustaining arts-led spaces, including what is realistically achievable for smaller organizations and what conditions support long-term sustainability in independently run arts spaces. This stream of work supports a longer-term horizon goal of positioning the arts sector to be ready to engage with, respond to, and help shape major civic cultural infrastructure as these opportunities emerge across the city. Research, Advocacy & Planning The State of the Arts Map is an evolving research tool designed to strengthen Ottawa’s arts ecosystem by making its assets, resources, and opportunities more visible and connected. The map will identify and document creative infrastructure across the city, like studio spaces, learning environments, and community hubs, while capturing key information about their features, uses, and the resources that flow through them. By providing a clearer picture of what already exists and where gaps remain, the project helps break down silos, foster collaboration, and improve access to spaces and resources. The result is a more connected, informed, and resilient arts community, better equipped to support growth, advocacy, and long-term sector development. A collaboration with Memetic Media and Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS) Lab. State of the Arts Map Learning Cohort Launching in fall 2026, this Learning Cohort supports people who are working toward creating physical arts and culture spaces. Through mentorship, resources, and peer learning, participants will receive practical support as they take the next steps toward bringing their vision to life. In exchange, participants will contribute to a shared learning process by documenting key aspects of their journey, helping capture what it actually takes to create and sustain an arts and culture space. Through guided reporting, the cohort will track challenges, costs, timelines, relationships, and decision-making processes involved in developing a space. This information will create valuable knowledge for the sector, helping identify barriers, gaps, and opportunities while strengthening support for future arts and culture space projects. The 300 Sparks Street Pop-Up is made possible through the generous support of Crown Property Management Inc, who recognize the placemaking and engaging power of artists. This summer activation, led by Cre8, provides artists with a platform to showcase their work as well as bringing more creative life to our downtown. This pop-up will also serve as a live feasibility study. By observing how the space is used, including foot traffic, visitor engagement, and operational realities, the project will help build a clearer understanding of what it takes to activate and sustain arts and culture spaces in downtown settings. This dual purpose allows the initiative to both animate the street in the present and generate valuable insight to inform future placemaking and space activations. Sparks Street Storefront A storefront activation on Bank Street will transform vacant commercial space into a public-facing arts venue. Aligned with the ACE District vision the project will increase the visibility of arts and culture while bringing new energy to the street. The initiative benefits landlords by activating vacant spaces, creates opportunities for future tenants, and helps revitalize the downtown core by bringing community engagement and restoring energy, creativity, and foot traffic to one of the city’s main streets. Vacant Storefront activation Arts Ottawa’s Learning Labs are a key part of our commitment to building capacity across the local arts sector. Through professional development opportunities, knowledge sharing, and collaborative learning, the program supports artists and arts organizations in strengthening skills, expanding networks, and responding to evolving community needs. By investing in continuous learning, the Learning Labs help build a more resilient, connected, and sustainable arts ecosystem, enhancing the capacity of individual artists, organizations, and Arts Ottawa alike. Learing Labs Happening now in Shared Ground: 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.

Come together to shape shared priorities for Ottawa's arts sector Community Forums Come together to shape shared priorities for Ottawa's arts sector Photo: Brooklyn Marok Arts Ottawa is engaged in strategic conversations with public and private partners in relation to emerging cultural infrastructure development opportunities across the city. This work focuses on ensuring sector-informed input is considered in broader planning processes by advocating for clear, consistent data collection and evaluation measures to be embedded throughout. The goal is to build a practical evidence base that helps the sector better understand the logistics and feasibility of opening and sustaining arts-led spaces, including what is realistically achievable for smaller organizations and what conditions support long-term sustainability in independently run arts spaces. This stream of work supports a longer-term horizon goal of positioning the arts sector to be ready to engage with, respond to, and help shape major civic cultural infrastructure as these opportunities emerge across the city. Research, Advocacy & Planning The State of the Arts Map is an evolving research tool designed to strengthen Ottawa’s arts ecosystem by making its assets, resources, and opportunities more visible and connected. The map will identify and document creative infrastructure across the city, like studio spaces, learning environments, and community hubs, while capturing key information about their features, uses, and the resources that flow through them. By providing a clearer picture of what already exists and where gaps remain, the project helps break down silos, foster collaboration, and improve access to spaces and resources. The result is a more connected, informed, and resilient arts community, better equipped to support growth, advocacy, and long-term sector development. A collaboration with Memetic Media and Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS) Lab. State of the Arts Map Learning Cohort Launching in fall 2026, this Learning Cohort supports people who are working toward creating physical arts and culture spaces. Through mentorship, resources, and peer learning, participants will receive practical support as they take the next steps toward bringing their vision to life. In exchange, participants will contribute to a shared learning process by documenting key aspects of their journey, helping capture what it actually takes to create and sustain an arts and culture space. Through guided reporting, the cohort will track challenges, costs, timelines, relationships, and decision-making processes involved in developing a space. This information will create valuable knowledge for the sector, helping identify barriers, gaps, and opportunities while strengthening support for future arts and culture space projects. The 300 Sparks Street Pop-Up is made possible through the generous support of Crown Property Management Inc, who recognize the placemaking and engaging power of artists. This summer activation, led by Cre8, provides artists with a platform to showcase their work as well as bringing more creative life to our downtown. This pop-up will also serve as a live feasibility study. By observing how the space is used, including foot traffic, visitor engagement, and operational realities, the project will help build a clearer understanding of what it takes to activate and sustain arts and culture spaces in downtown settings. This dual purpose allows the initiative to both animate the street in the present and generate valuable insight to inform future placemaking and space activations. Sparks Street Storefront A storefront activation on Bank Street will transform vacant commercial space into a public-facing arts venue. Aligned with the ACE District vision the project will increase the visibility of arts and culture while bringing new energy to the street. The initiative benefits landlords by activating vacant spaces, creates opportunities for future tenants, and helps revitalize the downtown core by bringing community engagement and restoring energy, creativity, and foot traffic to one of the city’s main streets. Vacant Storefront activation Arts Ottawa’s Learning Labs are a key part of our commitment to building capacity across the local arts sector. Through professional development opportunities, knowledge sharing, and collaborative learning, the program supports artists and arts organizations in strengthening skills, expanding networks, and responding to evolving community needs. By investing in continuous learning, the Learning Labs help build a more resilient, connected, and sustainable arts ecosystem, enhancing the capacity of individual artists, organizations, and Arts Ottawa alike. Learing Labs Happening now in Shared Ground: Arts Ottawa's first Community Forum: Turning Priorities into Action April 23rd, 2026 Read about the outcomes HERE. WHAT'S NEXT: The conversations and priorities identified through the first session of the Community Forum are only the beginning. The next phase is about turning shared ideas into coordinated action across Ottawa’s arts sector. Complete the Community Survey If you participated in the Forum — or want to contribute to the ongoing conversation — we encourage you to complete the Arts Ottawa Community Input Survey. This survey asks: what do you need to play your part, and what campaign ideas do you suggest? Your responses will help identify the supports, partnerships, and collective actions needed to strengthen Ottawa’s arts sector and shape advocacy and organizing efforts. TAKE THE SURVEY About Arts Ottawa's Community Forums: Arts Ottawa Community Forums are facilitated working sessions where artists, cultural workers, and community members come together to shape shared priorities for Ottawa’s arts sector. We focus on collective challenges and practical next steps across economic, social, and physical infrastructure. All the background and insights can be found here . The purpose of these sessions is to: share where the sector is going test priorities and assumptions co-create next steps across economic, social, and physical infrastructure create clear feedback loops into decision-making What Makes an Arts Ottawa Forum Different? Designed, not open mic Participation is structured around real questions Arts Ottawa is actively working on. Co-creation, not consultation Participants help shape priorities, not just react to them. Visible outcomes Each Forum produces documented insights, decisions, and next steps. Repeatable system Forums are part of an annual cycle, not standalone events. For our CAMs As part of your role as a Community Advisory Member, and AO commitments to co-creation and community-led initiatives, we invite CAMs to contribute to the design of the Community Forums. The questions in the survey below will support how the Forum is delivered, and how CAM participation is being structured. You can become a CAM her e. Fill out the survey