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...
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...
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 galleries are hard at work making art accessible
Ottawa artists and organizations are bringing a fresh and accessible approach into the local art community.
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.
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: Jean-François Bélisle is at the forefront of art in Ottawa and beyond
Jean-François Bélisle is bringing new ideas to the National Gallery of Canada.
New National Gallery exhibition celebrates Indigenous beadwork
The National Gallery of Canada unveiled its newest exhibition on May 17 celebrating contemporary Indigenous beadwork.
Ottawa Arts Council announces 2024 awards celebrating artists, upcoming and established
The Ottawa Arts Council celebrated local artists, educators and donors at the 2024 Arts Awards.