83 ‘til Infinity

40 Years of Hip-Hop in the Ottawa–Gatineau Region

July 8, 2023

- February 18, 2024

Curated by: Kevin Bourne (SHIFTER), Regatu Asefa (Carleton University) and Rachelle Dickenson (OAG)

Welcome to 83 ‘til infinity, where we see, hear, and move with stories and experiences of hip-hop in the Ottawa–Gatineau region that flow from decades-long conversations about the craft and values of hip-hop's five pillars: breaking, emceeing, DJ-ing, graffiti, and knowledge.

We celebrate the creativity, innovation, knowledge, and traditions that make up hip-hop. The materials we were lent show how the values of hip-hop are built on culture, community, activism, and justice.

We begin with the Canadian Floor Masters (CFM), formed in 1983. From there, the show moves on to highlight events, artists, and songs that continue to shape culture and community.

Nothing in this exhibition would be possible without the people who make hip-hop happen here, including those who are no longer with us. We honour those who came before, those we’ve lost, and those who are still to come, as we look together towards the future.