Review: Metric delivers intimate, high-energy performance at Bronson Centre
Canadian alternative rock band Metric took to the Bronson Centre stage on Monday night to play their most iconic album for Ottawa fans. The show was part of a retrospective tribute to the band’s Polaris-nominated, Juno-award-winning 2009 album Fantasies. The record was Metric’s best-selling release ever and included some of their highest charting songs. Ottawa wasn’t originally a stop in...
Afrobeats jazz quintet aims to bring people and music together in a happy blend
The John Dapaah Quintet is sharing their unique fusion of African music and jazz with Ottawa this summer. “With every song we do, we try to mix it up in a sense. We kind of throw a popular song in there that the audience might not be expecting,” said John Kofi Dapaah, director and pianist of the quintet. “An example...
Photography program helps people with Down syndrome explore their visual creativity
The True to Life project is the work of photographers Kelly McDonald and Emillie Swain, who have taught photography to students with Down syndrome for roughly a decade.
City seeks public input for five-year plan to transform Ottawa’s cultural life
The City of Ottawa has begun a major public consultation aimed at creating a new five-year plan for the development of the capital’s cultural life. “This is the first city-wide cultural planning exercise since 2012 and aims to help the city better serve the evolving needs of Ottawa’s culturally diverse populations,” according to the official announcement in late March. Everything...
Local literacy advocate ALSO hosts annual ‘celebration of banned books’
A local literacy organization celebrated “banned books” with readings from high-profile Ottawa-area authors and a silent auction fundraiser. Alternative Learning Styles and Outlooks, better known as ALSO, organizes the yearly event to highlight the harms of banning books. ALSO is an adult and family literacy group that works with students who require extra support for youth because of mental health...
Gallery’s ‘Into Nature’s Knowing’ exhibit contrasts AI, plant intelligence
Bursts of colour, whimsy and chatter blended at the Wall Space Gallery in Old Ottawa South on April 3 as local artist Nicole Allen’s latest exhibition — “Into Nature’s Knowing” — made its debut. Allen described her collection of colourful floral creations as an exploration of the power and beauty of plant intelligence in age of human obsession with artificial...
With fate of 24 Sussex unclear, experts extoll historic value of official residences
With the future of 24 Sussex Drive in doubt and Canadians two weeks away from electing a new prime minister, local heritage experts are urging protection of the historic home and turning a spotlight on the capital’s rich history of prime ministerial residences. Years of neglect have put the official residence of the prime minister at risk. In one of...
More than books: The Ottawa Trans Library is preserving and building a culture
With challenges on 2SLBGTQ+ books on the rise in Canada and American libraries, Alice Holland is one of the volunteers at the Ottawa Trans Library, protecting trans art and building community to counter transphobia and censorship.
Museum of Nature mineralogist wins major prize for photographic gems
A Canadian Museum of Nature mineralogist has been awarded one of the field’s most prestigious prizes for his striking photographs of geological specimens. Michael Bainbridge, the Canadian Museum of Nature’s assistant curator of mineralogy and a highly accomplished photographer, was recently presented with the Carnegie Mineralogical Award at the annual Tuscon Gem and Mineral Show in Arizona, the largest of...
Touch Grass is creating a community in Ottawa around queer ballroom dance
or Zineb Allaoui, being part of the queer ballroom scene has been instrumental in helping her find a sense of belonging in Ottawa. After immigrating to Canada from Morocco five years ago, Allaoui said finding the Kiki ballroom scene allowed her to express her queerness in a way she couldn’t back home.
Money museum aquires ancient Roman coin, other ‘once in a lifetime’ items
What do a 1,700 year old Roman coin and a Canadian penny worth thousands of dollars have in common? They’ve just been added to the collection of historical currency held by the Bank of Canada Museum in downtown Ottawa. Some of the museum’s most significant artifact acquisitions in 2024 were recently highlighted in a curator’s blog post detailing the latest...
Ottawa Public Library says cost for new Bookmobile has doubled — thanks, in part, to Trump
The Ottawa Public Library plans to use almost all of its $1.8-million budget surplus from the past year to replace an aging Bookmobile, one of the city’s two travelling mini-libraries for underserved communities. According to a staff report, the city’s next Bookmobile will cost $1.5 million to put into service by 2026 — double the cost of the last one....
Music Week to boost capital’s bid to be ‘Nashville North’ nighttime hotspot
Ottawa band Whiskey River played a live show at the Lowertown Brewery in the Byward Market on March 8. . [Photo © Gavin Ramnauth
Cozy reads and romantasy: Ottawa library users increasingly turning to fiction
Ottawa public library users are increasingly turning to fiction, according to data from the Ottawa Public Library.
Intersectional art exhibits showcased resilience in Black History, Winter Pride
Black and queer communities flooded Arts Court in downtown Ottawa last month to celebrate intersectionality with two multidisciplinary art exhibits. The early February vernissage, an ode to Black History Month and Ottawa’s Winter Pride festivities, spearheaded the undercurrents theatre festival organized by the Ottawa Fringe Festival. In one room, Capital Pride and the Ottawa Trans Library curated a colourful display...
Crépu celebrates the creativity of Black hair in Ottawa
From a young age, Charifa Labarang had a fascination with hair. Long before she mastered her craft, the Gatineau-based hairstylist and designer spent hours experimenting, using her hair as a canvas for creativity and self-expression. As she taught herself to cornrow, braid, and twist, she discovered that hair could be more than just a style—it was a medium for innovation...
Ottawa artists celebrate a ‘deep’ and ‘nuanced’ culture during Black History Month
As Black History Month winds down, many artists are gratified for the opportunity to celebrate Black contributions to the arts and to reflect on the work of those who came before.
NAC Orchestra plans landmark spring tour to South Korea, Japan
The National Arts Centre Orchestra is to embark on a monumental tour this spring, including its debut in South Korea and a return to Japan for the first time in 40 years. The orchestra has performed in every Canadian province and territory, but it is also known as one of the most accessible and collaborative orchestras in the world. This...
Family of renowned muralist petitions Ottawa library to save two public artworks
In 2015, Denise Trottier emailed the Ottawa Public Library’s main branch expressing concern over the protection of two mosaic murals designed by her late father, the renowned artist Gerald Trottier. Ten years later, Trottier still hasn’t received a definite answer from the library and she is still advocating for the preservation of her father’s art. She said public art plays...
Artists spotlight housing insecurity in ground-breaking SAW exhibition
Ottawa local gallery, SAW's Give Me Shelter exhibit highlighted the ongoing homeless and housing insecurity issues in the country and internationally. While it was a successful exhibit, participants and officials alike say more needs to be done still.
Ottawa photo exhibit captures moments in the iconic Zapatista movement for Indigenous rights in Mexico
In 1994, the Zapatistas began an armed uprising against the Mexican government as a protest against the North American Free Trade Agreement. Many important moments from the movement are preserved in photographs now on display at the Mexican embassy in Ottawa.
Harmony and Home: Persian music event unites local Farsi speakers
On a bitterly cold Sunday night in downtown Ottawa, Shirin Ghodrati stepped through the doors of Bronson Centre, her breath curling in the frosty air. Just four months into her new life in Canada, she had more than the weight of winter on her shoulders; she carried a longing for connection. Drawn by the soul-stirring melodies of a Persian music...
Ottawa artist Ciaran Head-Smith brings his Indigenous voice to Casa Loma exhibit
Ottawa-based artist Ciaran Head-Smith’s artwork is featured in Red Visions, a first-of-its-kind Indigenous art exhibition at Casa Loma, celebrating cultural heritage.
‘Daddy’s Issues’ to tackle transphobia, grief at undercurrents theatre festival
Written by Merlin Simard, now based in Toronto, and directed by Montrealer Lior Maharjan, a reading of Daddy’s Issues is set to run at Ottawa Fringe’s undercurrents theatre festival Feb. 14 and 15.
The 25th Hour: Night changes in Ottawa
The 25th Hour explores nightlife commissioners around the world and what it looks like in Ottawa.
The 25th Hour: Beadwork – Buying with purpose
Journalist Ely Pittman wants to discover what gets lost when consumers don't buy authentically sourced Indigenous beadwork.
Ottawa galleries are hard at work making art accessible
Ottawa artists and organizations are bringing a fresh and accessible approach into the local art community.
Wicked the movie draws raves from many Ottawa filmgoers
The film Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu, was released in November and is already a cultural phenomenon.
Christmas comedy takes the stage at Ottawa Little Theatre
Ottawa Little Theatre is now hosting the Christmas comedy, On the Farce Day of Christmas. The show runs until Dec. 21. The theatre is Canada’s longest-running community theatre in Canada.
Breaking new ground: The Lookout Bar crowns it’s first king as Ottawa’s Next Drag Superstar
The Lookout Bar, Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQIA+ bar and nightclub, has crowned BJ Stroker as the winner of Ottawa’s Next Drag Superstar: All Stars, making him the first drag king to win the eight-week long competition. BJ, along with other drag artists in Ottawa, calls it a big win for drag kings because they are often overlooked and underrepresented in the community....
A question of space: Jazz in Ottawa needs more and better venues, performers and fans say
Ottawa's need for dedicated jazz spaces is apparent to local artists, who find it 'disappointing and sad' that there are so few places to hear and be heard.
Local businesses look to the Ottawa Nightlife Council to address challenges in the industry
As Ottawa’s Nightlife Council gathers for its first ever meeting, members of the city’s nightlife economy have some ideas about how to make it easier for people to enjoy evening entertainment. Mike Estabrooks, owner of Irene’s Pub on Bank Street, said one of the key concerns is parking. He says that a lack of spots along with restrictions, many people...
Ottawa graffiti artists say more legal spaces, better education could lead to fewer complaints
Graffiti complaints in Ottawa have risen in recent years, but local artists argue that providing more legal spaces for street art could reduce negative perceptions of graffiti.
Flourishing street art prompting important conversations in the Glebe
Eighteen pieces of art can be found on the sides of buildings in the Glebe. And people agree it makes the area more attractive for all.
Members of Nightlife Council eager for a community approach to promoting Ottawa’s culture
Recently-announced volunteer members of Ottawa’s Nightlife Council say they are looking to highlight and promote the city’s cultural and artistic diversity, as well as safety, in their inaugural term.
In-person gaming experience keeps Ottawa’s arcade community strong
In an age when video games dominate, local arcades such as House of TARG are introducing new generations to a classic, retro style.
Local influencer Carla Salazar wants to prove Ottawa isn’t such a boring place
Have you ever thought that there isn't much to do in Ottawa? A local influencer may change your mind.
City Builder: The quirky world of artist and history sleuth Andrew King
Manotick artist Andrew King has just published another book of little-known historical facts about Ottawa.
City Builder: Mark Monahan’s musical road has built an important legacy
Mark Monahan is the visionary behind Ottawa's very own Bluesfest.
City builder: Meet David O’Meara, Ottawa’s voice of English-language poetry
Known for his evocative language and exploration of contemporary themes, the Canadian poet has published multiple award-winning collections.
Unveiling of returned Roaring Lion portrait underlines its importance to Château Laurier, Ottawa and ‘free world’
Ottawa’s Fairmont Château Laurier threw a homecoming party Friday to celebrate the return of a famous Winston Churchill portrait by renowned photographer Yousuf Karsh that was stolen in 2022.
City builder: Dulcie Clark is the mentor behind Ottawa’s animation success
The CEO of PIP Animation Services, Dulcie Clark, has been celebrated for her contributions to Canadian children’s programming.
City Builder: GCTC’s Sarah Kitz amplifies under-represented voices
Sarah Kitz champions IBPOC, female, trans, non-binary and other voices while trying to reflect Canadian society on the threatre scene.
From Billings Estate to Château Laurier: Haunted Ottawa is ready for Halloween
Ottawa is home to several haunted attractions. Many organizations invite locals to learn a little bit about the history of these places.
Music students have a message: Female classical composers matter
In concert halls around the Western world, classical music remains overwhelmingly male-dominated, but a concert held at the University of Ottawa is a reminder that female composers have also made important contributions to the art and must not be ignored.
New Ottawa poetry project pairs ‘safe space’ with community outreach
The Ottawa-based spoken word poetry event Open Mic Night is now Poets for the People, planning events and partnerships.
Ottawa concert series celebrates female artists, who remain under represented
A female concert series in Ottawa is a reminder to popular music fans that women still have a long way to go to be considered ‘equal’ to men in the music industry.
GCTC marks half a century of boosting Canadian theatre with an eclectic 50th anniversary season
The Great Canadian Theatre Company is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in the 2024-25 season.
Ottawa’s newest poets laureate aim to make their art form more accessible to all
Ottawa has two new poets laureate. Véronique Sylvain, the French poet laureate, and David O'Meara, the English poet laureate, are looking forward to the next 2 years of promoting the poetic arts in Ottawa.
As Ottawa’s film industry continues to grow, more local talent opts to stay in the city
Despite a global pandemic and several industry strikes, the Ottawa Film Office has reported record-breaking profits in 2023.