The Arts Beat
By Maria Babbage
Until a few years ago, Ottawa had a reputation for being a backwater town, as far as the arts were concerned.
The common misconception was a conservative city full of tight-collared civil servants whose cultural experiences were limited to going to the National Arts Centre for an evening performance of CATS.
But Ottawa is not a cultural void. The problem lies in a lack of visibility, not talent.
Although some prefer the lack of attention, many local artists feel as though they’re working under the shadow of places like the National Art Gallery, whose large exhibits overshadow their own. A shortage of affordable venues for up-and-coming artists also contributed to their invisibility as a group on the cultural map of Canada.
But things are beginning to change.
With non-profit groups like the Enriched Bread Artists, Ottawa is beginning to show some colour. This growing group of 24 artists, who occupy two floors of the old Standard Bread factory building on Gladstone Avenue, have gained quite a bit of notoriety for their contemporary and edgy art.
The EBA’s annual open house, cited by some critics as the local arts event of the season, invites the public to the factory to view the works by wandering through each individual artist’s studio. The sixth annual open house begins Oct. 22 and ends Nov. 1.
The event — a very laid-back affair with the artists providing snacks and sometimes a bit of wine — has attracted hundreds of people over the past five years.
A large part of its success is due to the small venue combined with an intimate atmosphere and great talent, an experience which remains unique to local arts groups. You definitely won’t get this kind of reception in the New York scene.
A few of the group’s artists have also gained national attention. Last year’s open-house star was Eliza Griffiths, whose work earned her a profile in Saturday Night magazine as one of the “next Group of Seven.”
The EBA is only one of the many local groups which is trying to promote local talent, like Gallery 101 and the Lookout. There are many who need the attention of their communities to continue growing. There is certainly no lack of talent.
We just need to show our artists they don’t need to go to Montreal or New York to be appreciated. They can stay right here and put Ottawa on the map.