Our History

2019

Celebrates 10 years at the Shenkman Arts Centre

The Board of Directors of Arts Network Ottawa are pleased to announce that the ARTicipate Endowment Fund has hit its goal of $5 million dollars with thanks to the William Shenkman Foundation to support artists and arts organizations at the Shenkman Arts Centre.

2017

Celebrates 30 years serving the arts community

Neighbourhood Arts 150, an official Canada 150 and Ottawa 2017 activity, celebrates with 12 arts projects in 21 communities across the City of Ottawa.

2016

Partnered with Ottawa 2017, Council of Heritage Organizations and Ottawa Arts Council to steward the Ottawa 2017 Arts, Culture and Heritage Investment Program during 2017 celebrations.

Formed a West Arts working group and opened an office at Nepean Creative Arts Centre

2015

Strategic Directions for 2015-2020 are implemented following extensive community consultation

Assumed active role of the new Shenkman Arts Centre Community Leadership team

Initiated the Young Arts Leaders Collective to support individuals in the early stages of their arts careers

Co-formed Ottawa Cultural Alliance with five other cultural umbrella groups to undertake joint initiatives to strengthen Ottawa’s cultural sector

2014

Three-year community engaged artists-in-residence program, Art Place, creates opportunities for local professional artists to work with community non-profit organizations

2013

Jointly organize the first Artpreneur Ottawa Conference held in partnership with Ottawa School of Art, Shenkman Arts Centre and Wallacks Gallery

2012

Marks 25 years of providing services, resources and promotion to support artists and arts groups in Ottawa.

Participate on the Steering Committee and in consultations that result in the City of Ottawa’s 2013-18 Renewed Action Plan for Arts, Culture and Heritage.

2011

SÉLECTIONS Juried Art Exhibition celebrates 10 years recognizing visual art works created by members

2010

Articipate Endowment Fund campaign hits 93% of its target and the birth of an annual grant program. Donor wall is unveiled with a large community turn out at the Shenkman Arts Centre

2009

Shenkman Arts Centre grand opening with move into new office at the Centre

Creation of the AOE Gallery and launch of first exhibit season

Received TD Canada Trust People’s Choice Business Award for Non-profit organization of the year

Membership climbs to over 400

2008

New branding as AOE Arts Council to better reflect growing membership across Ottawa and broader representation in the sector

Received major Ontario Trillium grant to develop capacity of Shenkman Arts Centre resident arts partners

Annual Luncheon for the Arts of 16 years concludes and becomes Artinis and Appetizers soirée event

Partnered to run Our Ottawa Still Includes Culture, another rally in response to a City Council proposed 54% cut to arts funding

2007

Sod-turning ceremony for the Shenkman Arts Centre and launch of the Articipate Endowment Fund campaign goal of $5 million

2006

Annual Internship Program started in partnership with University of Ottawa’s Arts Administration

Joined the Arts Council’s Network (Ontario) steering committee to help define role of arts councils

2005

Spearheaded an exciting partnership to benefit local artists and residents between the Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans, Orléans Young Players Theatre, Visual Arts Orléans and Gloucester Pottery School for a new East End Arts Centre.
Ottawa City Council voted to proceed with an innovative P3 model for the Centre – called a City-Shaping Development Strategy.

2004

Gloucester Arts Council becomes Arts Ottawa East to reflect its expanding geography of representation.

Participated in a community-wide campaign called My Ottawa Includes Culture stopping a proposed 80% cut to Ottawa City Council arts funding.

2003

City Council voted to set aside funds for an east end arts facility and passed a motion stating that cultural funding should be increased annually until per capital funding was on a competitive basis with other major Canadian cities.

2002

Ottawa Mayor Chiarelli hosted our annual Luncheon for the Arts and announced Ottawa 20/20 to include an arts and heritage master plan.

Partnered with the City of Ottawa and Council for the Arts in Ottawa on Join the Crowd, an arts awareness campaign.

2001

Received Ontario Trillium Foundation three-year grant to develop community arts projects

2000

Partnered with other arts groups to organized two public forums on how the restructuring of the City would affect the arts.
Launched a multi-year youth community development initiative to including Zygote arts magazine.

Created advisory committees on youth and diversity related issues.

1999

Recognized by Ontario Arts Council as a leader in community arts development.

Hosted first Community Arts Open house featuring members, kiosks, information and activities.

InfoArts kiosk installed at Place d’Orléans shopping centre to promote member events and arts opportunities.

1998

Voted as best community arts council in Ontario by the Ontario Arts council.

Piloted first major community arts project involving over 25 artists and residents to create a raku ceramic mural for the Ottawa Public Library – North Gloucester Branch.

Entered into an Arts & Heritage service agreement with the Township of Cumberland.

Hosted first Annual Mayor’s Luncheon for Arts in collaboration with the Gloucester Chamber of Commerce.

1997

Signed a purchase of service agreement with City of Gloucester to provide service and profession assistance to groups, becoming the first arts council in Ontario to do so with their municipality.

1996

Artnews newsletter and Events Calendar disseminated to feature member artists and arts groups.

1995

Gloucester Mayor Cain announced Lottery for the Arts to generate revenue toward a future arts facility. A non-profit board was created to lead the project.

1991

Organized FestivArts as a month-long spring celebration that featured members.
Held first Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts.
Susan Pitt and Christine Tremblay appointed co-Executive Directors.

1988

Opened an office at Cyrville Community Centre –then the hub for most needed East end meeting spaces, music and art studios.

1987

Gloucester Arts Council incorporated as a non-profit charity.
Inaugural FestivArts and a Gala held at Gloucester City Hall.

1980

Our roots began with Arts Gloucester, a volunteer umbrella organization that had 15 cultural groups and more than 30 individual members.