Stay informed and inspired with the latest arts industry news and opportunities for artists in Ottawa. Your go-to resource for local arts community updates. Industry News & Opportunities Find arts opportunities including calls to artists, auditions, learning, funding, residencies, items for sale and so much more! News Item Placeholder News Item Description Read the Full Story Opportunities at the OAG Check out the Ottawa Art Gallery for current job openings and opportunities. View Opportunities Coming Soon! Check back soon for arts industry news and opportunities. submit industry news Do you have Ottawa-based arts news or an opportunity you would like to share? Contact us to have your opportunity featured on this page. Contact Us

ARTicipate Texto Campaign Help us support Local Artists through the ARTicipate Endowment Fund and Granting Program Click here to download social media graphics Suggested Caption: Text ARTS to 20222 to donate $10 to the ARTicipate Endowment Fund! Your gift goes directly into the fund, helping artists and arts organizations bring creative projects to life in professional spaces at the Shenkman Arts Centre. The more the fund grows, the more artists we can support. Spread the word and be part of the community that makes art possible. Find out more: articipate.ca #ARTicipate ---- Textez ARTS au 20222 pour faire un don de 10 $ au Fonds de dotation ARTicipez! Votre don va directement au fonds et aide les artistes et organismes artistiques à réaliser leurs projets créatifs dans des espaces professionnels au Centre des arts Shenkman. Plus le fonds grandit, plus nous pouvons soutenir d’artistes. Partagez le mot et faites partie de la communauté qui rend l’art possible. Pour en savoir plus : articipate.ca #ARTicipez

Noel Szabados Content & Impact Documentation Coordinator noel@artsottawa.ca Noel (she/her) is based in Ottawa, Ontario, on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation. As the Content & Impact Documentation Coordinator at Arts Ottawa, she supports programming through documentation, communications, and administrative coordination, with a focus on capturing and sharing the impact of local arts initiatives. She has completed four years of her Bachelor of Fine Arts and has presented research on interactivity in computer-based art at the SUNY New Paltz Undergraduate Art History Symposium. Her background as a visual artist informs a thoughtful and detail-oriented approach to her work in arts administration.

Brooklyn Marok Digital Engagement & Design brooklyn@artsottawa.ca As the Digital Engagement & Design Coordinator for Arts Ottawa, Brooklyn plays a key role in connecting the local arts community. She is the primary point of contact for sharing exciting events and opportunities, helping to amplify these initiatives through our social media, website, and newsletters. Her goal is to strengthen and foster a more inclusive, connected arts ecosystem in Ottawa. Brooklyn manages the organization’s social media, so if you message us, you’re likely chatting with her! Additionally, she handles the creation of graphics, ensuring our visual identity reflects the vibrancy of our community. Brooklyn supports all communications efforts to maintain clear, engaging messaging that keeps the arts community informed, involved, and excited about what's happening in Ottawa.

Nicole Milne Co-Leadership, Operations & Revenue Generation nicole@artsottawa.ca Nicole’s leadership of the Ottawa Arts Council for the past five years was rooted in positioning the organization as a passionate and influential voice; as a champion for an engaged, thriving and connected arts community; as a facilitator in creating a healthier, more sustainable arts sector; and as an effective collaborator in building diversity and inclusion in the arts. A dedicated advocate for Ottawa’s vibrant arts community, Nicole brings 30 years of experience in arts administration, fundraising, marketing, communications, strategic planning, and community engagement. Her work with the Ottawa Arts Council, Great Canadian Theatre Company, Canada’s National Arts Centre, and the Canada Council for the Arts have offered her unique opportunities to shape and support the city’s dynamic cultural landscape. Nicole is committed to advancing the arts through innovative approaches, fostering collaboration, and building meaningful connections within the community.

Support your local arts community today. Support Arts Ottawa Discover the many ways you can contribute to Arts Ottawa below. Help sustain our operations, fuel vibrant programming, or play an active role in shaping how your support makes an impact. Photo: Jamaal Khaleefa Join the Giving Circle Join a community-driven effort to support the arts in Ottawa. The Arts Ottawa Giving Circle empowers donors not only to give, but to actively help decide how funds are allocated to vital arts programs. Learn More and Sign Up ARTicipate Endowment Fund Text ARTS to 20222 to give $10 to the ARTicipate Endowment Fund today! Donate to our ARTicipate Endowment Fund to support artistic activity in the professional spaces of the Shenkman Arts Centre. Whether it is a stage performance, an art exhibition in one of the Centre’s galleries or the creation of new work, your donation to the Fund will enable local artists to share their work at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Donate to the ARTicipate Endowment Fund Donate to Arts Ottawa Arts Ottawa seeks to nurture the arts, to let them bloom and spread their roots deep into the cityscape. In so doing, we endeavour to build a city that hums with life, where equity and diversity are not just present, but celebrated. Together we can deliver on our mission to drive collective action in responding to community needs and priorities, fostering a thriving arts sector. Donate to Arts Ottawa Today Arts Ottawa Fund The Arts Ottawa Fund, established through the Ottawa Community Foundation, offers a transformative opportunity for donors to make a lasting impact on our city's vibrant arts community. Your contributions to this fund will ensure sustainable growth and innovation in the arts, as annual dividends are directed towards initiatives that unite and elevate the sector as a collective. By giving today, you are not only supporting artists, creators, and cultural organizations, but also strengthening the very fabric of Ottawa's identity as a city rich in creativity and cultural expression. This is a unique chance to be part of something bigger. Join us in driving the arts forward, ensuring that they continue to thrive for generations to come. Donate to the Arts Ottawa Fund Other ways to donate to Arts Ottawa Tangible personal property Donation Matching Legacy Giving Leave a donation in your will Life insurance Property RRSPs and RRIFs Securities Contact Us 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

Events and Performances Grant Guidelines DEADLINE: Applications closed ABOUT THE EVENTS AND PERFORMANCE GRANT: Carefully review the ARTicipate Project Grant Guidelines (found below) and Terms and Conditions before completing the application. Use the guidelines as a reference when completing the application. The ARTicipate Events and Performance Grant supports public-facing artistic presentation and activity at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Applicants can apply for up to $5,000 in funding (in addition to $5000 of in-kind support from the Shenkman Arts Centre, including rentals and staffing). The program will prioritize projects from artists and arts groups who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers, immigrants, refugees, Older Adults, People with Disabilities, Francophones, and Rural Residents applying to the program. CLICK HERE for more information about space at the Shenkman Arts Centre. ELIGIBILITY: Lead applicants must be based in the Ottawa/Gatineau Region, including Pikwàkanagàn and Kitigan Zibi First Nations , and have a mandate to present arts programming or have an arts practice.  APPLICANTS MUST BE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:  An incorporated, not-for-profit arts organization A non-incorporated arts collective (a group of two or more artists who are active in their discipline) An individual artist Only one application is required for collaborative projects submitted by the lead applicant.  Collaborators are not required to be based in the Ottawa/Gatineau region as long as the lead applicant is a local artist. If the application is successful, the lead applicant will be responsible for the grant, budgeting, fulfillment, and reporting requirements.  ELIGIBLE PROJECTS Public festivals, performances, or showcases Public presentations, screenings or gatherings Projects taking place between the provided dates Applicants are encouraged to contact Arts Ottawa staff before applying if they have questions about eligibility criteria. INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS INCLUDE:  Artists and/or arts organizations whose reports for previous ARTicipate Grants are overdue or incomplete Non-arts organizations (organizations whose primary mandate is not arts related) For-profit organizations and businesses Political parties Government bodies or crown corporations Resident Art Partners at the Shenkman Arts Centre, including board and staff members of Arts Network Ottawa Participating jurors or peer-assessors of the ARTicipate Grant Program INELIGIBLE PROJECTS INCLUDE:  Projects that do not occur or use spaces within the Shenkman Arts Centre For-profit, corporate ventures Non-arts events and activities Development of new work or non-public-facing events and/or performances (see Creation + Development granting stream here) Projects that are part of the programming or operations of the Resident Arts Partners of the Shenkman Arts Centre PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO: Projects from or engaging equity seeking artists and groups who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, Metis, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQ+, immigrants, refugees, newcomers, Older Adults, People with Disabilities, Francophones, and Rural Residents Events and/or performances that can generate or attract audiences to the Shenkman Arts Centre Original works and/or performances ELIGIBLE EXPENSES Only expenses directly related to the project are eligible. A full list of eligible expenses can be found in the FAQ and the budget section of the application form. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: You can access the online application form above. Read all instructions carefully and complete all application questions and the budget form. Upon submitting successfully, you will receive a confirmation message. If you cannot access the online form, please contact noel@artsottawa.ca. Application Deadline: Applications closed Projects must take place at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Late projects may be subject to grant repayment. Exact dates will be determined between Shenkman Arts Centre staff and the successful applicant upon receiving the grant. For more information about spaces within the Shenkman Arts Centre, please visit: https://shenkmanarts.ca/en/rentals. We encourage applicants to contact Arts Ottawa for any additional accessibility arrangements.  SUPPORT MATERIAL Applicants are to submit support material to be reviewed by the peer assessment committee.  Support material should demonstrate the applicant’s previous work and accomplishments as they relate to the application. This can include photos, video, links, or other documentation of past or proposed activities.   It is important that all materials are labelled with a description of the contents. BUDGET FORM All applicants are required to complete a detailed budget in their application form, outlining the allocation of grant funding, any additional funding sources and costs of project delivery. Grant recipients will have their projects insurance costs covered by Arts Ottawa and need not include this in their budget. Please reference this checklist to ensure you have properly completed all steps before submitting your application package APPLICATION ASSESSMENT ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The criteria used in the assessment process are the artistic relevance of the project, its viability and impact on the community. Both the application form and support material will be evaluated. Priority is given to projects meeting the funding objectives of the ARTicipate Project Grant.   Please refer to the assessment criteria below for more details: ARTISTIC RELEVANCE Project concept is distinct and unique Applicant has a clear vision and artistic goals that reflect the applicant’s mandate and/or artistic practice Relevant and compelling support materials PROJECT VIABILITY Demonstrated skills and capacity to successfully deliver project Effective budgeting, including an appropriate breakdown of expenses Clear plan for marketing and audience development and engagement IMPACT OF THE PROJECT Engages and/or reflects priority groups outlined in grant guidelines Clear impact on the development of the artist, group, or artistic project Appropriate use of available spaces and resources within the Shenkman Arts Centre RELEASE OF FUNDS Successful applicants will be notified by email. The grant recipient will work with Shenkman Arts Centre staff for final confirmation of booking dates within the facility. Funding will be released upon signing Booking and Grant contracts with the Shenkman Arts Centre and Arts Ottawa, and attendance of a mandatory ARTicipate Project Grant orientation session. REPORTING  Mandatory Final Reporting Forms will be provided to grant recipients. Grant recipients are encouraged to review the Final Reporting Form at the beginning of the project to ensure that they are prepared to collect and report on all required components.  This report must be submitted within 2 months upon the completion of funded project activities. IF YOU ARE NOT AWARDED FUNDING Grant assessment decisions are final. Applicants will receive a letter to indicate that they have not received funding. Applicants are encouraged to reapply at the next deadline. Applicants are encouraged to speak with the Program Manager to receive Jury feedback. The program’s limited funds are not sufficient to fund all applications, regardless of their merit. 

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 drives collective action in responding to community needs and priorities, fostering a thriving arts sector. We champion the arts as a vital force in Ottawa’s cultural, social, and economic life. Our History Meet the Team Photo: Jamaal Khaleefa Arts Network Ottawa and the Ottawa Arts Council have merged to become Arts Ottawa — a vibrant new organization with a philosophy 
that puts artists and community at the forefront 
to shape its vision and future. Claudia Salguero Arts Ottawa is redefining what a not-for-profit can be. Through an innovative approach, we will amplify creativity, build connections and drive collective action to create a thriving, inclusive cultural landscape. Anne-Marie Brugger Arts Ottawa's shared conversations are an important reminder of the collective strength of our creative community 
and the value of coming together to shape the future of the arts. Jennifer Prevost Mission Arts Ottawa mobilizes collective action to embed arts and culture within the civic foundations of our city. We cultivate shared leadership among artists, communities, and public institutions to strengthen belonging, creativity, and well-being across Ottawa. Through advocacy, partnerships, and strategic initiatives, we ensure that culture is recognized as vital civic infrastructure, and is central to how the city plans, grows, and thrives Vision - The future we're building Ottawa flourishes when the arts are woven through daily life, nurturing connection, belonging, and collective well-being. Through shared sector leadership, the arts shape public life and strengthen how the city develops, collaborates, and thrives, guiding Ottawa toward a more connected and creative future. What We Do 1. Mobilize collective action on sector-wide priorities and civic issues. 2. Convene and connect artists, organizations, residents, and institutions around shared goals. 3. Translate between community and policy, ensuring lived experience informs civic planning. 4. Equip the ecosystem with tools, coordination, and communications that turn ideas into action. Our Approach · Shared Leadership – Decisions are distributed and participatory. · Equity & Belonging – Community voice guides every stage. · Transparency & Learning – Plain language, open communication, and reflection shape progress. · Cross-Sector Partnerships – Bridges between arts, community, and city-building unlock impact. · Care & Practicality – We pair civic imagination with grounded, doable steps. 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

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ARTicipate Project Grants Photo: Smiles Photography/Sivarubin Sivalingam 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:

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