2025-26 RECIPIENTS: Iya Carson Lalande + Doyle PROJECT OUTLINE: In-Between is a poetic exploration of Ottawa, not just its scenery, but the fleeting emotions and quiet spaces that live within and around it. This series of watercolour paintings capture the city not as a map of landmarks, but as a living memory: soft silhouettes in mist, reflections in motion, moments suspended between light and shadow. Through granulation techniques, pigments drift and settle like thoughts between breaths – revealing the textures of passing time. I walk the streets of Ottawa, absorbing the mood: hush before snowfall, golden dusk behind old rooftops and silence after rain. These are not fixed images, but impressions – fragmented, tender, intimate. JustJamaal ThePoet Events & Performances PROJECT OUTLINE: Chambers is a deeply personal and spiritually rooted poetry collection that journeys through six stages of artistic and human transformation — mirroring the arc of the hero’s journey. In this official book launch concert , JustJamaal ThePoet will present a dynamic spoken word performance interwoven with live readings, music, and audience engagement. Each “chamber” explores themes of identity, healing, resistance, and purpose, offering the audience both introspection and celebration. Rooted in Black oral tradition, Afro-Caribbean sacred wisdom, and hip-hop cadence, the performance becomes a communal rite of passage, affirming the sacred power of language to restore and ignite. Rag'n'Bone Theatre Events & Performances PROJECT OUTLINE: Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre will present a new family audiences show, based on a series of classic books. Freddy the Detective, a fan of Sherlock Holmes, enjoys detecting and business is booming, but who stole the toy train? How do you incarcerate a misbehaving fly? And how can a diverse group of animals with unique cultures, needs, and personalities learn to get along? Four performing artists – two puppeteer, a dancer and a musician – will ponder these questions while making puppets, props, a set, and developing dance and music pieces, before their community outreach tour, and performances at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Ghost Rooster Collective Creation & Development PROJECT OUTLINE: Nutcracker Remix is a disability-led reimagining of The Nutcracker, a holiday ballet that has often excluded many. Ghost Rooster Collective invites diverse voices, bodies, and styles into this story. A version that is emotional, visually rich, and built on access and care. While traditionally limited to ballet-trained, non-disabled children, the production will welcome disabled artists, children, and community members across Ottawa. With the aim to create a Nutcracker everyone can see themselves in—on stage, backstage, and in the audience. Using the dreamlike spirit of the original, they’ll explore transformation, grief, and the connection between human and animal. Familiar scenes become symbols of emotion and difference, grounded in lived disability experience. Armin Shohrati Creation & Development PROJECT OUTLINE: After immigrating to Ottawa in 2022, Iranian filmmaker and visual artist Armin Shohrati began experiencing disrupted sleep—a common condition among immigrants adjusting to new environments. Working closely with two fellow Iranian collaborators, a sound designer and the other an emerging performer, Shohrati aims to bring to life Deep Sleep, a collaborative multimedia project that includes live performance, live sound design, and video installation. Deep Sleep is an immersive performance, set on a mattress and layered with recorded sounds, pre-composed music, and a looped video projection. Through this layered environment, and through audience participation, Shohrati creates an immersive space of reflection—drawing attention to the often-unspoken emotional weight immigrants carry during quiet, sleepless nights. Bengal Untold Events & Performances PROJECT OUTLINE: Seasons of Bengal will be a cultural and artistic exploration of Bengal’s six distinct seasons — Grishsho (Summer), Borsha (Monsoon), Shorot (Early Autumn), Hemonto (Late Autumn), Sheeth (Winter), and Boshonto (Spring). Through music, poetry, visual presentations and storytelling, the project brings each season to life, capturing the emotions, traditions, and creativity they inspire. Rooted in heritage and reimagined for today, the event will be presented in English to foster intergenerational connection and cross-cultural engagement, while highlighting Bengali culture. Songs and dances will remain in Bengali, preserving the language’s poetic power and authenticity. With the use of visual presentations, lights, stage décor, music, dance, and poetry, the event aims to create a one-of-a-kind experience, transporting the audience into the heart of Bengal’s seasonal rhythms. This is both a celebration and an invitation – for Bengalis and non-Bengalis, to experience the spirit and soul of Bengal through its most expressive lens: the changing seasons. Integration 101 Hub Lalande & Doyle PROJECT OUTLINE: Polyphonie of Muses is a striking bilingual photographic exhibition that reclaims the “muse” as a force of creation, resistance, and cultural authorship. Curated by Miriam Faraja and photographed by Jean Stevenson Louis, this bold series of large-format portraits explores womanhood through poetic captions and audio storytelling accessible via QR code. Each image is a visual essay, celebrating resilience, identity, and diasporic memory across languages, generations, and traditions. Themes range from the hyper-sexualization of Black women to gender-based violence in conflict zones, offering a powerful lens into intersectional lived experiences. Rooted in a multicultural, decolonial framework and incorporating symbolic references to Mohawk worldviews, the project invites reflection and dialogue. First exhibited during International Women’s Rights Month and at Saint Paul University, this evolved presentation invites new audiences into a layered conversation on art, power, and truth. Polyphonie of Muses doesn’t ask to be viewed — it demands to be witnessed. Multicltural Artist's Coalition Lalande & Doyle PROJECT OUTLINE: Decolonize This Place is an art exhibition by Alejandro Salgado Cendales and presented by the Multicultural Artists’ Coalition (MAC-CAM). It features Indigenous artists from Kitigan Zibi and Timiskaming First Nations who explore the boundaries between Fine Arts and Crafts through a decolonial lense. The exhibition will include beadwork, moccasins, digital illustration, and painting. Alongside the exhibition, community-engaged programming such as beading and moose hide tanning workshops and an opening ceremony led by an Algonquin Elder will foster cross-cultural dialogue. This project challenges colonial hierarchies in art institutions and supports Indigenous resurgence in the Ottawa arts. Lia Keech & Lucie Raymond Lalande & Doyle PROJECT OUTLINE: Through Our Eyes: What Lies Beneath is the second installation in an evolving mother-daughter collaboration between Lia and Lucie. This piece traces key life transitions that have shaped their bond: birth, separation, re-blending, pandemic and adulthood. Each panel presents a dual perspective: how mother and daughter individually experienced each moment, revealing both connection and contrast. Movable elements built into the artwork invite viewers to uncover hidden layers symbolizing the emotions that often go unspoken in family relationships. Deeply personal yet universally relatable, Through Our Eyes: What Lies Beneath is an invitation to reflect on our own relationships with those who raised us: what was said, what wasn’t, and what still lingers beneath the surface. Théâtre du village Orléans Events & Performance PROJECT OUTLINE: Rumors is a comedic play by Neil Simon, translated and adapted by Normand Chouinard. Set in an upscale New York home, the play follows a dinner party gone hilariously wrong when the first guests arrive to find their host wounded and his wife missing. As more guests show up, a tangled web of cover-ups, confusion, and escalating chaos unfolds, as everyone scrambles to protect their reputations, and avoid scandal. Packed with sharp wit, rapid-fire dialogue, and physical comedy, Rumors is a wildly entertaining exploration of miscommunication, and the absurd lengths people will go to keep up appearances. 2007 Established in $ 1,077,590 Given to artists 253 Projects funded How to Apply About Past Recipients View the Spaces FAQ Contact The Articipate Endowment Fund was established in 2007 by Arts Ottawa (formerly Arts Network Ottawa) in partnership with the City of Ottawa to support artistic programming in professional spaces at the Shenkman Arts Centre.  Arts Ottawa is the steward of the Fund and is responsible for its promotion, administration. Each year, the interest earned on the Articipate Endowment Fund is distributed in the form of grants to Resident Arts Partners (Gloucester Pottery School, MIFO, Ottawa School of Art – Orléans Campus and Ottawa School of Theatre), and as Articipate Project Grants to local artists and arts organizations that will present or exhibit their work in professional spaces at the Centre. Project Grant recipients use funding toward rehearsal and production costs, to enhance their creative team, to create original work or to support promotional efforts. Project Grants are determined through a jury process. The Articipate Endowment Fund is made possible through the generosity of the Province of Ontario, foundations, local businesses and individuals. Donate 2024 2,250 1,750 1,750 5,000 2,250 2,000 2,250 2,000 5,000 2,250 2,250 2023 2,500 2,500 2,250 2,250 2,250 4,000 2022 2,500 2,500 2,500 4,000 4,000 5,000 4,000 5,000 2020 - 2021 10,000 10,000 5,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 8,260 9,350 8,000 10,000 10,000 2019 Tara Luz Danse 2,500 Tina Petrovicz 1,250 Chamber Opera Company Ottawa 2,500 Aroha Fine Arts 2,500 Dyanne Wilson 1,000 Carrie Brummer 1,000 John Voordouw 1,000 Karen Goetzinger 1,250 Sons of Scotland Pipe Band 1,500 Anjali Patil Dance Creations 2,500 Zac Pulak 1,000 Sandy Sharkey 1,250 Ginny Fobert 1,000 Théâtre du Village Orléans Inc 2,500 Cumberland Community Singers 300 Danielle Beaulieu 500 2018 East End Theatre 1,400 Cumberland Community Singers 1,425 Théâtre du Village Orléans inc 2,500 MDA Productions 2,500 Tara Luz Danse 2,500 Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre 2,500 Windows Collective 2,500 Aroha Fine Arts 2,500 Mark Stephenson 1,250 Jessie M Parker 1,100 Gail Bourgeois and Pira Pirani 2,500 Deirdre Hierlihy 1,250 2017 Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre 2,500 Cumberland Community Singers 1,159.50 Windows Collective 2,500 Théâtre du Village Orléans inc 2,300 Tara Luz Danse 2,500 Rapscallion Diversion 2,000 Gharana Arts 2,300 Marc Léger 1,000 Jessica Ruano & Amelia Griffin 2,325 Jeannine Robertson 1,250 Anjali Patil / Nick Storring Collective 2,300 2016 Jeannine Robertson 1,250 Chinh Nguyen 1,000 Windows Collective 2,500 Théâtre du village Orléans Inc. 2,300 Tara Luz Danse 2,500 Jessica Ruano & Amelia Griffin 2,325 Rapscallion Diversion 2,000 Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre 2,500 Anjali Patil & Nick Storring Collective 2,300 Gharana Arts 2,300 2015 Tara Luz Danse 2,500 Windows Collective 2,500 Théâtre du Village Orléans inc 2,500 Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre 2,500 MDA Productions 2,500 East End Theatre 1,425 Cumberland Community Singers 500 Tale Wagging Theatre 1,500 Coro Vivo Ottawa Inc 2,500 Susan Toman, Tess McManus, Dawn Bailey 1,000 Ralitsa Tcholakova 1,250 Karen Miller 775 Karen Goetzinger 1,250 Cynthia O'Brien 1,250 2014 Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre 2,000 Theatre Théâtre du Village d’Orléans 1,500 Music Ralitsa Tcholakova 1,000 Tara Luz Danse 2,000 Aroha Fine Arts 2,000 Vintage Stock Theatre 1,500 Jennifer Stewart 750 Anjali Patil 1,000 Alena Liapko 695 Ralph Nevins 1,000 Michel Luc Bellemare 750 John F. Marok 1,000 2013 Vintage Stock Theatre 1,500 Théâtre du Village Orléans Inc. 2,000 Tara Luz Danse 2,000 Tale Wagging Theatre 1,250 Aroha Fine Arts 2,000 Virginia Dupuis 750 Sayward Johnson 750 Raymond John Clements 1,000 Miguel De Armas 2,000 Doris Lamontagne 1,000 Anjali Patil 1,000 2012 Orléans Festival 2,000 Vintage Stock Theatre 1,500 Théâtre du Village Orléans 2,000 Tara Luz Danse 2,000 Tale Wagging Theatre 1,500 Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre 1,905 Aroha Fine Arts 1,500 One Word Dialogue 1,000 Michel Luc Bellemare 500 Michael Parkin 1,000 Mary Kritz 750 Karen Goetzinger 1,000 Anjali Patil 750 2011 Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre 1,505 Vintage Stock Theatre 2,000 Théâtre du Village Orléans inc 2,000 Dr. L's Music and Counterpoint Players 2,000 Gloucester Community Concert Band 500 Bytown Beat Chorus 1,000 Gharana Arts Festival 2,000 Tara Luz Danse 2,000 The Gumboots Dance Project 1,000 Asif Rehman 750 2010 Digi60 Film Festival 2,000 Alanna Baird 1,000 Propeller Dance 2,000 Blink Gallery 2,000 Gharana Arts 2,000 Vintage Stock Theatre 2,000 National Capital Suzuki School of Music 2,000 Ottawa Theatre School 2,000 Lalande + Doyle Exhibition Space Creation & Development Events & Performances IM A VISUAL ARTIST/GROUP INTERESTED IN EXHIBITING MY WORK IM AN ARTIST/GROUP LOOKING TO EXPLORE AND DEVELOP NEW WORK IM AN ARTIST/GROUP INTERESTED IN HOSTING A FESTIVAL, CONCERT OR EVENT APPLICATIONS CLOSED There are three ARTicipate Project Grant funding streams available. Please make sure you select the correct funding stream for your project and meet all eligibility criteria for that specific stream before applying. Please ensure you have reviewed our TERMS AND CONDITIONS prior to submitting your application. Still have questions about which stream is right for you or your project? We encourage you to consult our FAQ page or contact us at alex@artsottawa.ca to discuss your application. Harold Shenkman Hall Richcraft Theatre Ottawa Citizen Dance Studio Learn more Learn more Learn more Emmy and Victor Abboud Music Studio Upper Lobby Reception Space Agora Minto-Orleans Outdoor Plaza Learn more Learn more Learn more Ottawa School of Theatre Studios Lower Lobby Reception Area LaLande + Doyle Exhibition Space Learn more Learn more Learn more FAQs About the grant Why do I need to use the Shenkman Arts Centre for funding received through the ARTicipate Project Grant? The Articipate Endowment Fund was established in 2007 by Arts Network Ottawa (now Arts Ottawa) in partnership with the City of Ottawa to support artistic programming in professional spaces at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Each year, the interest earned on the Articipate Endowment Fund is distributed in the form of grants to local artists and arts organizations that will present or exhibit their work in professional spaces at the Centre. While ARTicipate Project Grants are intended to fund local artists and arts organizations, these grants also work to animate/showcase the Centre. How will I know you have received my Project Grant application? When the online application form is completed and successfully submitted, a message will pop up confirming your submission. I have received an ARTicipate Project Grant in the past, am I eligible to apply this year? Projects that have previously been funded through ARTicipate are ineligible BUT previous ARTicipate Grant recipients are eligible to apply for new projects, provided they meet eligibility criteria. About the Use of Space and Resources at Shenkman Arts Centre Who will come to my event or performance? Does ARTicipate or Shenkman Arts Centre promote my event for me? While the Shenkman Arts Centre and Arts Ottawa provide general support with promotion through newsletters and social media posts, we do not have the capacity to adequately promote and generate audiences for all ARTicipate-funded public events, performances, and exhibitions. Promotional materials and marketing campaigns are the responsibility of grant recipients. Successful applicants will be onboarded and provided additional resources to support promotion of their project. Where can I find out more about the spaces at the Shenkman Arts Centre You can find more information under "View the Spaces" or on their website or by contacting Booking Agents at: locationshenkmanrentals@ottawa.ca or telephone 613-580-2424 ext. 15930. I have received ARTicipate funding. Am I able to change the dates of my project? Yes, pending the availability of spaces and approval from Shenkman Arts Centre Booking Agents, project dates will be allowed to change. If you would like to change your dates please contact staff at Arts Ottawa or the Shenkman Arts Centre: locationshenkmanrentals@ottawa.ca   or telephone 613-580-2424 ext. 15930 alex@artsottawa.ca Budget What other costs or details should I include in my budget expenses? Artist fees (here are some resources to help you determine the amounts: Canadian Artists’ Representation/Le Front des artistes canadiens , Canadian Actors’ Equity Association ) Project Costs (E.g., Supplies, materials, access support for disability-related services and supports required to complete the project, equipment, and venue rentals, etc.). This might include additional costs for technicians or resources at the Shenkman Arts Centre (not applicable for the LaLande + Doyle Exhibition Space). Dissemination and Promotion (E.g., Digital tools and software for project dissemination, design of promotional materials, photo, and video documentation of the project, etc.) Administration (E.g., Insurance, administration personnel for the project, etc.) Access (Public access costs – e.g., Sign language interpretation, captioning, audio description, childcare, translation, etc.) Other costs specific to your project. What should I include in my budget revenues? The amount you are requesting from this grant If you have other confirmed or anticipated grants/donations, etc. Potential/estimated ticket sales Is it okay if the only source of revenue included in the budget is this grant? Yes. Liability Insurance options: Why do I need this, and who do I talk to? Arts Ottawa will arrange insurance with successful applicants through the City of Ottawa’s insurance program. This will not be an expense for grant recipients. The City of Ottawa typically requires anyone who uses their facilities to have liability insurance coverage to a minimum limit of $2,000,000, naming the City of Ottawa as an additional insured. Insurance is not required in the LaLande + Doyle Exhibition Space. What liability insurance does is protect you against claims resulting from injuries and damage to other people or property resulting from your project activities. By naming the City of Ottawa as an additional insured means that they will also benefit from your coverage should there be an incident. The cost of liability insurance can vary, depending on the nature of your activities. Still have questions? Applicants are encouraged to contact the Program Manager with any questions they may have regarding the ARTicipate Project Grant guidelines or their application: alex@artsottawa.ca Contact Us Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or would like to talk with our organization about the grant program, the application process, or how to become a donor. Be sure to read our F.A.Q. for answers to many of the common questions we get from applicants and donors! Alex Maltby Programming & Partnerships alex@artsottawa.ca Articipate Endowment Fund c/o Arts Ottawa Arts Court 2 Daly ave. Ottawa, ON K1E 0A1 Donate Donate to the Articipate Endowment Fund and help build the cultural life in Ottawa! Your donation builds a stable source of funding for artists and arts organizations. Through grants, the Fund supports the artistic activities at the Shenkman Arts Centre and will do so for generations to come, not to mention benefiting the local economy. DONATE NOW Take a look at our Donor Wall ! Resident Art Partners Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre Project Outline: Start Now Cumberland Community Singers Project Outline: Start Now Windows Collective Project Outline: Start Now Théâtre du Village Orléans inc Project Outline: Start Now Tara Luz Danse Project Outline: Start Now Rapscallion Diversion Project Outline: Start Now Gharana Arts Project Outline: Start Now Marc Léger Project Outline: Start Now Jessica Ruano & Amelia Griffin Project Outline: Start Now Jeannine Robertson Project Outline: Start Now Anjali Patil / Nick Storring Collective Project Outline: Start Now

Creation and Development Grant Guidelines DEADLINE: Applications closed ABOUT THE CREATION & DEVELOPMENT 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 Creation and Development grant supports the exploration, experimentation, and development of new artistic work for one week in the Richcraft Theatre at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Applicants can apply for up to $5000 (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. 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 We welcome collaborative projects, involving more than one artist, arts organization or collective. 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. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO:  Projects from 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   Successful proposals will demonstrate innovative and meaningful use of physical space at the Shenkman Arts Centre. We encourage applicants to explore bold and creative ways to engage with resources in the building. ELIGIBLE PROJECTS may include, but are not limited to: Rehearsals, choreography Design and/or creation of new artistic works (painting/visual arts/literary) Audio/film/multimedia production and project development Research aligning with your artistic practice Please contact Arts Ottawa (info@artsottawa.ca ) if you have questions about project eligibility. INELIGIBLE PROJECTS INCLUDE: Projects that do not occur or use spaces within the Shenkman Arts Centre Projects that do not take place during the specified date ranges Projects that have previously received an ARTicipate grant (previous ARTicipate Grant recipients are eligible to apply for new projects, provided they meet eligibility criteria) For-profit, corporate ventures Non-arts events and activities Presentation of public-facing performances or events (see our Events + Performance grant stream) Projects that are part of the programming or operations of the Resident Arts Partners of the Shenkman Arts Centre 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 Ottawa Participating jurors or peer-assessors of the ARTicipate Grant Program 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 Realistic, achievable goals, with a clear work plan and timeline 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 attending a mandatory ARTicipate Project Grant orientation session. Funding for the Creation and Development stream will be provided in 2 installments , with the final installment issued upon completion of the project and approval of final report. 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. 

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. 

Chelsey Fawcett Grant Solutions Canada https://www.artsottawa.ca/grantsolutionscanada www.grantsolutionscanada.ca Chelsey Fawcett - Founder & CEO of Grant Solutions Canada Chelsey has secured over $30 million in grant funding for clients, establishing herself as a leading expert in the field. She has successfully obtained some of the most competitive grants in Canada, leveraging her extensive experience in Arts Administration with organizations such as Ottawa Fringe, Alberta Dance Theatre, and Kaeja d’Dance. Chelsey’s ability to develop innovative, tailored funding strategies has consistently enhanced and diversified her clients' revenue streams. Her corporate background includes training from the Miller Heiman Institute at E.I. duPont, where she honed her skills in conceptual sales. Over the past 15 years, Chelsey has applied these techniques to craft effective strategies and grant proposals. In addition to writing grants, RFPs, and business plans, Chelsey has provided mentorship, coaching, and consulting services to both companies and individuals, guiding them toward successful applications. In April 2024, she founded Grant Solutions Canada to expand her impact and assist more organizations in making a meaningful difference. Chelsey holds a master’s degree from the University of Ottawa and serves on the Board of Directors for the Ottawa Real-Estate Investors Organization. She is deeply committed to addressing the housing crisis and advancing climate research, advocating for solutions that ensure long-term prosperity for future generations.

Meet the Arts Ottawa team Meet the Arts Ottawa Team Alex Maltby Programming & Partnerships Brooklyn Marok Digital Engagement & Design Cassandra Olsthoorn Co-Leadership, Strategy & Community Mobilization Joni Hamlin Program Operations & Member Relations Nicole Milne Co-Leadership, Operations & Revenue Generation Noel Szabados Content & Impact Documentation Coordinator Advisors Chelsey Fawcett Grant Solutions Canada https://www.artsottawa.ca/grantsolutionscanada Leah Cogan Community Wealth Building Learning Labs https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-cogan-4abbab41/ Kwende Kefentse Shared Ground Initiative https://www.kwendekefentse.com/ Board of Directors Chirag Gehani Financial Steward Emily Ramsay Chairing Member Hanna Nizman Knowledge Steward Jeff Richstone Board Member Justine Stewart Support Chair Patrick Blackman Board Member

Kwende Kefentse Shared Ground Initiative https://www.kwendekefentse.com/ 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

Leah Cogan Community Wealth Building Learning Labs https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-cogan-4abbab41/ 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.

Ways you can get involved with the Ottawa arts community. Get Involved Be part of shaping Ottawa’s arts community. Your involvement amplifies creativity, builds connections, and drives collective action. Together, we can create a thriving, inclusive cultural landscape. Explore ways you can get involved below. Photo: Shannon Hawn Membership Connecting communities to action and amplifying arts voices. Become a Member Community Forums Come together to shape shared priorities for Ottawa's arts sector Join us Arts Ottawa Governance Model We’ve reimagined governance at Arts Ottawa, centering collaboration, transparency, and community input in everything we do.  Learn More Learning and Co-Creation Labs Exploring governance, advocacy, and artist-led collaboration to design a Shared Leadership Model. Learn More Action Labs and the Core Leadership Circle Tackle urgent issues, driving sector-wide change Take Action Volunteer Connect with local artists and give back to your community Volunteer Sponsorship Sponsor the arts in our local community Become a Sponsor Support Arts Ottawa Your contributions fuel the growth of our local arts sector Donate Today

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Sponsorship We know the arts help build strong communities and we can help you tap into Ottawa’s creative economy. Our programs and events involve thousands of residents every year and engage representatives from local businesses and the three levels of governments. Let us help you grow your business by supporting the arts, and help us create a city where creativity and community thrive. Reach new audiences and make an impact by sponsoring one of our programs or events. All our sponsorships are fully customizable. Photo: Brooklyn Marok Professional Learning Develop arts entrepreneurs by sponsoring a Learning Series or sponsor of the Ottawa's Creative Continuum Conference, Mentorship for young arts professionals (annual), new Career Management and Arts Entrepreneurship Bootcamps. Arts Awards The investment you make demonstrates that you recognize the importance of artists who are aspiring and thriving in our community, and the contribution they make to our city. With your help, we can continue to create an environment where equity and diversity are celebrated, and artistic achievement is acknowledged and rewarded. In-Kind Products and Services Our events bring together dozens to hundreds of people from across our city, and in-kind donations are a great way to increase your visibility. Please reach out to Nicole to discuss any opportunities. Nicole Milne Co-Leadership, Operations and Revenue Generation nicole@artsottawa.ca Arts Ottawa Sponsorship Policy Arts Ottawa does not offer traditional sponsorship packages, such as logo placement, advertising space, tiered recognition, or naming rights. Instead, we focus on building values-based partnerships rooted in shared commitments to artists, equity, and long-term community impact. We work collaboratively with individuals, organizations, and businesses who want to invest meaningfully in Ottawa’s arts community. If you’re interested in supporting our work, we invite you to connect with us to explore a partnership aligned with our shared values. For more information, please contact: info@artsottawa.ca View Full Sponsorship Policy We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the businesses and organizations that have generously supported and partnered with Arts Ottawa; their commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape has made a significant impact on our community. Our sponsors and partners play a crucial role in developing a thriving arts ecosystem, allowing us to continue our mission of advancing the arts in our region.


Arts Ottawa Governance Model We’ve reimagined governance at Arts Ottawa, centering collaboration, transparency, and community input in everything we do.  Photo: Quest Building Arts Ottawa’s Shared Leadership Model   During our Co-Creation Labs, we heard a clear message from artists, arts workers, and community members: governance should reflect the values of the community it serves.   Participants called for more clarity, connection, and equity across our decision-making structures. They also highlighted the need for paid opportunities, better communication between groups, and stronger support for community-led voices.  In response, Arts Ottawa is deepening its commitment to shared governance by defining the roles and responsibilities of our three key leadership bodies:  Community Advisory Members (CAM)   Our Community Advisory Members (formerly Membership) are artists, cultural workers, and arts organizations who help guide our work. They’re invited to share insights on what’s most urgent in the arts community, helping shape our priorities and focus. CAMs can engage by attending events, joining working groups, completing surveys, and more. Through it all, they serve as a key checkpoint, making sure our actions reflect the needs and priorities of the arts community. LEARN MORE AND BECOME A CAM HERE. Core Leadership Circle (CLC)   The Core Leadership Circle acts as a catalyst for activation, formed around each of our Action Labs. As each Lab explores a key issue in the arts, a dedicated CLC is brought together to support and shape the work—then dissolved once that phase of the work evolves. These temporary, purpose-driven groups bring together individuals, organizations, and advisors from across and beyond the arts, offering insight, strategy, and connections. The CLC helps guide our approach, support momentum, and champion the outcomes that emerge. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CLC AND ACTION LABS HERE. Board of Directors   The Board remains a crucial part of our governance structure, providing legal, financial, and strategic oversight. Their primary focus is on fiduciary responsibilities, ensuring financial stability, compliance, and supporting long-term planning. While they will be less involved in day-to-day operations, we heard the need for this group to stay connected to community voices — so we’re building stronger links between the Board and our advisory and leadership circles, with some members participating directly in the Core Leadership Circle (CLC). MEET THE BOARD. Our Next Steps   To make sure this shared model works in practice, we are taking the following steps:  Clarifying Roles and Authority: We’re developing formal decision-making protocols to define what each group can decide, influence, or recommend.  Investing in Capacity: We’re implementing paid stipends, and more accessible options to remove barriers to participation.  Training and Orientation: We’re designing onboarding and mentorship pathways to support emerging leaders from all communities.  Linking Governance Bodies: We’re creating formal feedback loops between the Board, Staff, CLC, and CAM to keep everyone aligned and accountable.  Why This Matters   This governance model, created with the community we serve, is about trust, equity, and real collaboration. By making space for lived experience, shared decision-making, and community leadership, we’re building an organization that better serves artists and reflects the values of our city.  Timeline: 2023 - 2024 : Community Conversations → Read the report here → Watch the sessions online 2024 : Co-Creation Workshops → Read the report here January 2025 : Transforming together : S ystemic Change for Community Benefit → Read our Merger Case Study here February - April 2025 : Learning Labs → Learn more and watch online here April 2025 : Co-Creation Labs → Learn more here June 2025 : Shared Ground → Learn more here Stay Involved   We’ll continue to share updates as these next steps roll out. If you want to learn more, or have ideas to share, get in touch with us here. Co-Creating Arts Ottawa is funded by:

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