Explore Arts Ottawa's collection of insightful reports, articles, and studies that reflect the pulse of Ottawa’s vibrant arts community. Publications Explore our collection of insightful reports, articles, and studies that reflect the pulse of Ottawa’s vibrant arts community. From in-depth research on cultural trends to practical guides for artists and arts organizations, our publications provide valuable resources to support and inspire the local arts ecosystem. Stay informed and engaged with the latest updates and initiatives shaping Ottawa's creative landscape. 2025 Co-Creation & Learning Lab Report Download Shared Ground Report: The June 25th Launch Event Download Shared Ground: A Framework for Cultural Co-Design in Downtown Ottawa by Kelly Wilhelm Download Arts Impact Calculator - Third Angle | Arts Ottawa | Ottawa Community Foundation Download Co-Creation Lab Participant Package | Arts Ottawa Download Arts Ottawa Learning Lab 3 - Summary Download Arts Ottawa Learning Lab 2 - Summary Download Arts Ottawa Learning Lab 1 - Summary Download 2024 Transforming Together: Systemic Change for Community Benefit Download Arts Leaders Breakfast June 5 : Feedback Analysis Report Download Co-Creation Lab Report Download Community Conversations Report Download 2023 Arts Network Ottawa Annual Report 2023 Download Ottawa Arts Council Annual Report 2023 Download 2013 - 2023 A Renewed Action Plan for Arts, Heritage and Culture in Ottawa (2013-2018) Download Arm’s Length Cultural Sector Development Feasibility Study Final Report, OCA Download A Liveable City for All: A New Cultural Roadmap for Ottawa 2019-22, OCA Download

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. Subscribe to the Arts Ottawa Report below. artist talk & The WKND Bulletin Now living on an online Community Forum We heard you: artists, organizers, and art-lovers alike want a central place to access resources, share events, and stay informed without jumping between platforms or missing out on what matters. We’ve created this new hub with the goal of creating a space that is collaborative, community-driven, and easy to navigate — so you can spend less time searching and more time creating, attending, organizing, and connecting. Visit the New Hub Here! 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

Reports Explore our collection of insightful reports, articles, and studies that reflect the pulse of Ottawa’s vibrant arts community. From in-depth research on cultural trends to practical guides for artists and arts organizations, our publications provide valuable resources to support and inspire the local arts ecosystem. Stay informed and engaged with the latest updates and initiatives shaping Ottawa's creative landscape. Jump to a category: Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts Arts Correspondents Shared Ground Annual Reports Arts Ottawa Governance Model Youtube Policy and Cultural Planning Artist in Residence in Government Learning Labs Artist in Residence in Articipate Arts Awards Co-Design Process Report, 2025 read Co-Create Arts Ottawa Report: Governance, Inclusion, and Volunteer Engagement, 2025 read Shaping the Volunteer experience together, 2025 read Arts Correspondent, Ava Margueritte - Arts Ottawa’s Collaborative Strategy Session, 2025 read Transforming together: Systemic change for community benefit. The merger of Ottawa Arts Council and Arts Network Ottawa,2024 read Arts Leaders Breakfast : Feedback Analysis Report, 2024 read Co-Creation Lab Report, 2024 read Community Conversations Report, 2023 – 2024 read Arts Ottawa Impact Report, ONLINE, 2025 read Arts Ottawa Impact Report, 2025 read Arts Network Ottawa Annual Report, 2024 read Ottawa Arts Council Annual Report, 2024 read Arts Network Ottawa Annual Report, 2023 read Ottawa Arts Council Annual Report, 2023 read Arts Ottawa Governance Model Annual Reports Ottawa Has Culture. What It Doesn’t Have Is a Cultural Economy Strategy - and Downtown Will Pay the Price, Article by Kwende Kefentse, 2026 read Why Arts Spaces Matters in the Future of the ByWard Market, Article by Cassandra Olsthoorn, 2026 read Shared Ground Inaugural Learning Day, 2025 read (Un)Common Grounds and Community Living Rooms Event, 2025 read Newly formed Arts Ottawa wants artists to be involved in office conversion discussions, Article by By Mia Jensen, OBJ read New Shared Ground event explores who will lead the transformation of Ottawa’s empty spaces, Article By Willemijn Bunskoek read Shared Ground Action Lab Launch Report, 2025 read Shared Ground: A Framework for Cultural Co-Design in Downtown Ottawa, Article by Kelly Wilhelm, 2025 read Strengthening the case for the arts with Kadija De Paula, 2026 read Arts Correspondent, Etta Gerrits - Decolonizing Evaluation, 2026 read Decolonizing Evaluation with Dr. Gladys Rowe, 2026 read Get.Together with Shanice Bernicky, 2025 read Arts Correspondent, Meral Tan- Get.Together Event, 2025 read Impact Calculator feasibility study, Third Angle, Arts Ottawa, Ottawa Community Foundation, 2024 read Shared Ground Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts Arts Correspondent, Etta Gerrits - Decolonizing Evaluation, COMIC, 2026 read Arts Correspondent, Etta Gerrits - Decolonizing Evaluation, 2026 read Arts Correspondent, Murray Dineen - Community Forum: Turning Priorities into Action, 2025 read Arts Correspondent, Dillon Orr - Community Forum: Turning Priorities into Action, 2025 read Arts Correspondent, Meral Tan - Get.Together Event, 2025 read Arts Correspondent, Ava Margueritte - Arts Ottawa’s Collaborative Strategy Session, 2025 read ARTicipate Endowment Fund: Community Consultation Summary, 2026 read Arts Correspondents Artist in Residence in Articipate CWB - Pillars 4 & 5: Progressive Procurement & Fair Work Practices, 2026 read CWB - Pillar 3: Just Use of Land and Property, 2026 read CWB - Pillar 2: Locally Rooted Finance, 2026 read CWB - Pillar 1: Pluralistic Ownership, 2026 read An introduction to Community Wealth Building (CWB), 2026 read Getting vocal about local: A case for local procurement in the arts, Article by Valerie Stam, 2026 read Learning Lab 3: Redefining Volunteerism in Governance, 2025 read Learning Lab 2: Artists as Community Leaders, 2025 read Learning Lab 1: Governance Models and Advocacy in the Arts Sector, 2025 read Community Conversations Report, 2023 – 2024 read Get.Together: Jordan and Olivia in Conversation, 2024 read What Olivia has been up to, 2024 read Learning Labs Artist in Residence in Government A Liveable City for All: A New Cultural Roadmap for Ottawa 2019-22, OCA read Arm’s Length Cultural Sector Development Feasibility Study Final Report, OCA, 2019 read A Renewed Action Plan for Arts, Heritage and Culture in Ottawa, 2013-2018 read Community Wealth Building Learning Labs, 2026 watch Arts Ottawa Community Forum, 2026 watch Shared Ground Learning Day, 2025 watch Interview with Artist in Residence in Government, Olivia Onuk, 2025 watch Learning Labs: Part of Co-Creating Arts Ottawa, 2025 watch ARTicipate Endowment Fund Grant Recipients: effect of the grant, 2025 watch Community Conversations, 2023 – 2024 watch Policy and Cultural Planning Youtube

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 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

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Leah Cogan Community Wealth Building Learning Labs Leah is a key advisor for Arts Ottawa’s Community Wealth Building Learning Lab series, bringing deep subject expertise alongside long-standing experience working across the sector. She has played a central role in shaping the series by coordinating and curating speakers, drawing on her network of practitioners and collaborators, and facilitating workshops to ensure the right questions are being asked and meaningful insights are gathered to move the work forward. Leah Cogan is a bilingual coach, facilitator and educator who combines strengths-based, arts-inspired, embodiment practices with human-centered design principles and innovation theory. She is also a multi-disciplinary artist with experience in performance, creation and arts education. Iterating from her thesis project at Brown University, Leah has been continuously exploring the intersection of creative practice and collective action. She has worked as an engagement and knowledge mobilization specialist at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa, leveraging her creative tools to lead multi-stakeholder strategic sessions to design and coordinate around new community-led housing solutions. Leah also served as Chair of PAL Ottawa, a non-profit housing initiative serving aging artists in the National Capital Region. Leah is currently hosting a Learning Series with Arts Ottawa to explore Community Wealth Building as an economic coordination model for the sustainability and growth of Ottawa’s creative sector.

Kwende Kefentse Shared Ground Initiative Kwende (Memetic Media) is an advisor and the research lead to the Shared Ground initiative, helping shape the work by facilitating community conversations, asking critical questions, and bridging creative practice and research with city building. Kwende Kefentse is a creator, researcher, administrator and cultural innovator based in Ottawa. Coming from Caribbean heritage, Kwende's upbringing as a first-generation Canadian instilled in him a profound appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultural expressions that surrounded him. From the rhythms of his parents' Bajan roots to the pulsating energy of Caribana, Kwende's early experiences in the Greater Toronto Area laid the groundwork for a lifelong exploration of the intersections between culture, creativity, and urbanism. Kwende earned a Masters of Research (MRes) from UCL's Bartlett School of Architecture focused on the spatial dynamics of cultural production in the music industry. He is an external research fellow for Carleton University's Research Centre for Music, Sound, and Society in Canada and serves on the boards of the Carleton University Art Gallery, the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, the Ottawa Film Office, and the Washington D.C.-based Music Policy Forum (Emeritus). As DJ Memetic, creative director of TIMEKODE and the producer of the TIMEKODE original productions and remixes, he played a pivotal role in shaping Ottawa's underground music scene, fostering a space for musical exploration and cultural exchange. His work has 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. 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

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

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

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