Igniting Creative Pathways
Oct 16-19, 2025
FREE and Open to the Public
Presented by the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) and the SPAO Photographic Arts Centre, FOCUS FEST is a multi-day celebration of Ottawa’s vibrant creative sector. Together, these institutions offer a uniquely complementary perspective: OAG fuels the careers of artists and provides a platform for contemporary arts across disciplines, while SPAO brings specialized expertise in photographic arts education and a legacy of launching creative careers. This collaboration creates the perfect environment to showcase the educational and creative development opportunities that sustain the greater Ottawa-Gatineau region’s artistic life, spanning photography, visual arts, design, media, and more.
Whether you’re an aspiring artist, student, career changer, or simply curious, Focus Fest offers inspiration, connection, and opportunities to pursue your creative future.
FOCUS FEST 2025
THURS., OCT. 16
- OAG’s Fall Exhibitions Celebration: 6PM – 8:30PM
- Endless Becomings: Explorations in Contemporary Art
- On the Shoulders of Giants: Commemorating 20 Years of SPAO
- Alexa Mazzarello | Failure to Progress, Project XO Award 2025
Ottawa Art Gallery | 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa
FRI., OCT. 17
- bitter/sweet
SPAO Centre | 77 Pamilla Street, Ottawa
SAT., OCT. 18
- Ottawa/Gatineau City-Wide Photo Gallery Hop
- Gallery map located at spao.ca/hop
SUN., OCT. 19
- Creative Opportunities Conference: artistic resources and information tables with creative conversations moderated by CBC’s Alan Neal
Ottawa Art Gallery (Level 3) | 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa
MON. OCT. 20
- Deadline for SPARK Photo Contest
- Apply at spao.ca/spark
