Mayor Mark Sutcliffe highlighted the Ottawa Art Gallery’s vital role in supporting artists and enriching downtown cultural life
On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) hosted the 2025 OAG Artist Investiture, celebrating established Ottawa–Gatineau artists whose works are part of the Gallery’s permanent collection. The event, held in the Alma Duncan Salon, brought together artists, donors, partners, and community members to honour the remarkable achievements and lasting influence of five outstanding visual artists from the region.
Now in its third year, the OAG Artist Investiture, an initiative of the Gallery’s Board of Directors, exemplifies OAG’s commitment to celebrating artistic excellence by recognizing regional artists whose vision, dedication, and work have shaped Ottawa’s cultural fabric, enriched its collections, and contributed to the vibrancy of the local arts community.
The ceremony featured remarks from Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, who took a moment to honor the artists and noted that their creativity and diversity help make Ottawa a vibrant city. The Mayor also thanked the OAG for everything it brings to Ottawa’s core, especially as the city works to revitalize the area, attract more people, and give everyone more reasons to visit. He recognized the Gallery for providing artists a space to share their work, highlighting the Gallery’s leadership in keeping the arts alive and thriving.
“OAG is a platform for Ottawa artists, nurturing the city’s creative ecosystem. Arts and culture are a major economic driver—outperforming many other industries—enriching our communities, nourishing well-being, and attracting tourists. By celebrating these foundational artists, we ensure that art continues to make a meaningful impact on both our local economy and our cultural life.1”
– Alexandra Badzak, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ottawa Art Gallery
“Art has the power to spark dialogue, foster understanding, and strengthen communities. At the Ottawa Art Gallery, we are proud to support artists at every stage of their careers and we are so thrilled to be able to honour those whose lifelong contributions continue to inspire and shape our region’s cultural identity.”
– Mark Schaan, Chair, Board of Directors, Ottawa Art Gallery
This year’s OAG Artist Investiture celebrates the remarkable careers of these five artists (in alphabetical order):
“This year, we are privileged to honour five extraordinary artists whose practices have profoundly shaped the cultural landscape of our region. Simon Brascoupé expresses the cultural continuity and spiritual depth of Algonquin teachings and relationships to the land; Evergon redefines photography with radical honesty and imagination; Jane Martin illuminates feminist perspectives and advocates for artists’ rights; Leslie Reid captures the shifting geographies of memory, place, and reconciliation; and Michael Schreier reveals the quiet complexities of portraiture and presence. Together, their vision and dedication remind us of art’s power to deepen understanding, inspire connection, and strengthen community.”
– Rebecca Basciano, Chief Curator, Ottawa Art Gallery
The name of each inductee will be permanently displayed in OAG’s Daly entrance lobby, with each year’s slate of artists added cumulatively. The selection is done by a jury of peers.
Artworks, The Economic and Social Dividends from Canada’s Arts and Culture Sector, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
ARTS Across Ontario, Impact Report 2025, Ontario Arts Council
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