Building a Creative City, Together | A Message from Alexandra Badzak

As autumn settles over Ottawa, the OAG enters a season rich with partnership, collaboration, and shared vision. We’re proud to be a space where art, education, and community come together to shape the cultural fabric of our city.

This fall, we invite you to experience a dynamic lineup of exhibitions and events that highlight not only powerful artistic voices, but also the creative networks that support them. These programs reflect our belief that the arts are essential to a thriving, inclusive city.

Currently on view, On the Shoulders of Giants celebrates 20 years of photographic excellence at the School of the Photographic Arts: Ottawa (SPAO), featuring the work of 58 artists who’ve helped shape the school’s legacy. This deep and ongoing partnership with SPAO continues in October with the Project XO Award exhibition and the Creative Opportunities Conference—a key moment taking place alongside this year’s Focus Fest, aimed at exploring pathways into creative careers and connect with arts leaders in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. As part of this event, we’re thrilled to welcome CBC’s Alan Neal as moderator for the Creative Careers Panel, featuring: Lisa Soper, International Film Production Designer, Eepmon, Digital and Generative Artist, and Rachel Weldon, Director of Debaser.

Another cornerstone of our fall programming is Endless Becomings: Explorations in Contemporary Art, a major exhibition showcasing the latest work from the University of Ottawa’s MFA program. This partnership with the Department of Visual Arts has, for over 14 years, supported the next generation of artists and curators, helping them root their practice in community and dialogue. These artists explore transformation—personal, cultural, and collective—through innovative approaches to identity, memory, and change.

Our commitment to city-building continued through ArtWalk 2025 on September 27, co-presented with the National Gallery of Canada and the ByWard Market District Authority. This unique collaboration is more than a walking tour—it’s an invitation to experience Ottawa’s downtown arts scene through conversation, discovery, and shared celebration. From a powerful kickoff with Sobey Art Award short-lister Tania Willard, to intimate artist spot talks at OAG, ArtWalk is a true expression of what’s possible when institutions and communities come together.

We also marked Franco-Ontarian Day (September 25) and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) with programs that honour language, identity, and the need for continued dialogue and accountability. The arts play a crucial role in these conversations, and we are committed to supporting Indigenous and Franco-Ontarian artists through our work year-round.

Whether you’re exploring a new exhibition, engaging in a panel discussion, or joining a community celebration, we thank you for being part of the OAG’s vision for a more connected, creative, and vibrant city.

Lastly, special thanks to Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for meeting with OAG’s Board of Directors during their annual retreat last month to discuss Ottawa’s creative economy.

See you at the Gallery.

Alexandra Badzak