ACE District Advisory Table – At-Large Members (5 Positions)

The Arts, Culture and Entertainment (ACE) District is a coordinated, place-based initiative, funded by the City of Ottawa, to revitalize downtown Ottawa by aligning and amplifying the city’s arts, culture, and entertainment sectors. It connects institutions, creators, businesses, and communities into a unified cultural ecosystem to drive economic vitality, tourism, creative sector growth, and inclusive cultural experiences.

The ACE District is stewarded through a collaborative model led by a Secretariat (Ottawa Art Gallery), supported by an Advisory Table and working groups. This structure is designed to coordinate partners, foster alignment, and support the implementation of shared initiatives across the District.

The Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG), as Secretariat for the ACE District, is seeking five (5) At-Large Members to join the ACE District Advisory Table.

About the Advisory Table
The ACE District Advisory Table brings together key partners across arts, culture, tourism, business, and public realm sectors to:

• Share upcoming plans, calendars, and strategic initiatives across organizations
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and co-promotion
• Align efforts where possible to maximize impact in the District
• Provide input on priority actions that strengthen the ACE District ecosystem
• Support a coordinated approach to animation, public realm use, and cultural programming

Opportunity
We are seeking individuals who are actively working in the ACE District to contribute their experience, insight, and perspective.

This is an opportunity to:

• Shape the future of the ACE District
• Connect with leading organizations and decision-makers
• Amplify your sector and community
• Support a more coordinated and vibrant downtown cultural district

Who Should Apply
We are looking for:

• Artists, producers, and business owners/operators working in arts, culture, or entertainment
• Individuals who regularly present, program, or operate within the ACE District (not required to be headquartered there)
• People who bring diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and community connections
• Individuals who demonstrate a collaborative mindset and alignment with ACE District goals

Responsibilities
At-Large Members will:

• Participate in quarterly Advisory Table meetings
• Share insights, opportunities, and challenges from their sector
• Contribute to alignment and collaboration across initiatives
• Act as ambassadors for the ACE District

Term

• Initial Term will end December 31^st, 2026 with the possibility of 2-year extension
• Terms may be staggered to support continuity

Time Commitment

• At minimum 4 meetings per year (quarterly)
• Occasional additional engagement as needed
• Meetings will be hybrid, with timing confirmed after consultation with the Advisory Table.
• Anticipated 1^st meeting is scheduled for May 14^th

Selection Criteria
Applicants will be assessed based on:

• Demonstrated connection to the ACE District
• Relevant experience in arts, culture, entertainment, or related sectors
• Ability to represent broader perspectives or communities
• Commitment to collaboration and shared outcomes

How to Apply
Please submit:

• A short statement of interest (max. 1 page PDF) outlining:
  • Your connection to Ottawa’s ACE District
  • What perspective you would bring
  • Why you are interested in this role
• A brief bio or CV
• Note: Applications are accepted in both English and French. Please note that meetings will be conducted primarily in English.

Contact Information

• First Name
• Last Name
• Address
• Postal code
• Phone
• Email

The ACE District Advisory Table Eligibility

Please note that applicants to the ACE District Advisory Table must be 18 years of age or older, must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and must work or live in the National Capital Region.

City of Ottawa employees are not eligible to apply to the ACE District Advisory Table.

Submission Details

• Deadline: May 4^th at 4pm
• Submit to: ACE.DAC@oaggao.ca

*Please note that applicants may be asked to participate in a short virtual meeting as part of the selection process. Only those applicants selected to join the ACE Advisory Table will be contacted.

Equity Commitment

The ACE Secretariat is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from individuals representing a wide range of backgrounds—including business, community, and artistic or cultural practices—and those with intersecting identities. Participation on the Advisory Table is a voluntary role, and we aim to ensure that the process is inclusive and accessible. We welcome applicants with disabilities and, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, we strive to provide an accessible, inclusive, and responsive process.

Boundaries of the ACE District

North: Ottawa River
East: King Edward Avenue
South: Catherine Street / Highway 417
West: Bronson Avenue / LeBreton Flats

This area includes several distinct districts and corridors:

ByWard Market
Rideau Street
Sparks Street / Downtown
Centretown / Bank Street Corridor
Elgin Street and Confederation Boulevard

For more information, please contact: Zoë MacNeil zmacneil@oaggao.ca