Arts Corridor, the first-ever exploration of Ottawa’s animation history, and new building-scale works by Jay Odjick bring art, artists and stories into the city during Ottawa’s 200th anniversary.
The Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) is marking Ottawa’s 200th anniversary by bringing art beyond the Gallery and into the heart of the city. From September 23 to 27, OAG will present a major program of exhibitions, public art, animation, performances and free creative activities, anchored by three significant initiatives: the Arts Corridor, a new exhibition exploring Ottawa’s rich animation history, and two original building-scale projections by Kitigan Zibi Anishinaabeg artist and writer Jay Odjick.
Together, these projects bring artists and audiences into galleries, streets, public spaces and building façades across downtown Ottawa, connecting the city’s creative history with its future during Ottawa 200.
“At the OAG, we believe art has the power to connect us to the stories of this place, from where we’ve come to who we are today and how we imagine our future together. Through the Arts Corridor, Frame by Frame, and Jay Odjick’s extraordinary commission, we’re bringing those stories beyond the Gallery and into the heart of the city. These projects are made possible through the creativity and collaboration of artists, organizations, and partners who share our commitment to making art accessible, building meaningful connections, and creating opportunities for people to see themselves and their stories reflected in our city.”
– Alexandra Badzak, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ottawa Art Gallery
The Arts Corridor, the flagship initiative of Ottawa’s ACE District, celebrates the completion of its inaugural installations for Ottawa 200. Led by the Ottawa Art Gallery in partnership with the City of Ottawa, the Arts Corridor brings 15 major contemporary artworks by leading and nationally recognized artists from Ottawa and across Canada into public spaces connecting cultural institutions, civic spaces, local businesses and everyday routes through art, as part of the ACE District.
Developed in collaboration with more than ten major partners, including the City of Ottawa, the National Capital Commission, the National Gallery of Canada, the National Arts Centre, the Bytown Museum, Immersive International, the Embassy of France in Canada, the Lookout Bar, Claridge Homes, the Cadillac Fairview Rideau Centre, and Ambassador Realty Inc..
“I was delighted when the Ottawa Art Gallery invited me to participate in Arts Corridor, a vital initiative celebrating culture and community in Ottawa. Not only was this a chance for me to contribute to a meaningful project on a grand scale, I would be doing so alongside some very eminent artists. Not to be overlooked was the fact that the market area would offer exceptional exposure, a much valued commodity in the artists’ world. I am very grateful for this opportunity. To see the final installation was very exciting!”
– Norman Takeuchi, Arts Corridor Artist
Presented this fall at the Ottawa Art Gallery and in partnership with the Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, Frame by Frame: Animation in Ottawa is the first-ever major exploration of animation in the capital, tracing 80 years of animation history in Ottawa and the surrounding region.
Curated by Meghan Ho, Kelly Neall and Chris Robinson, the exhibition brings together works and stories spanning generations of artists, studios and independent practices. From the establishment of the National Film Board of Canada’s animation department in Ottawa in the 1940s to today’s internationally recognized animation community, Frame by Frame explores the creativity, experimentation and innovation that have made Ottawa an important centre for animation.
The exhibition also highlights the role of OIAF in connecting local creators with the global animation community and celebrates the remarkable possibilities of animation as an art form.
“Ottawa has a rich animation history with a deeply collaborative community spanning studios, independent artists, educators and the OIAF. We are excited to see Frame by Frame bring this into the spotlight, especially as the OIAF celebrates its 50th anniversary. We hope visitors leave with a renewed sense of pride in our city’s creative legacy and interest in its future.”
– Kelly Neall, Managing Director, Ottawa International Animation Festival
For the first time, the Ottawa Art Gallery and the National Arts Centre are joining forces on a building-scale projection collaboration. Created by Kitigan Zibi Anishinaabeg artist and writer Jay Odjick, Odāwā Yesterday: Odāwā Chìnàgo will transform OAG’s Cube façade at Mackenzie King Bridge with an original animation exploring Indigenous presence and continuity in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
A companion projection, Odāwā Tomorrow: Odāwā Wàbang, will illuminate the NAC’s Kipnes Lantern, creating a visual dialogue between the two cultural landmarks.
Presented from September 24 to 27, the new works are made possible through the Ottawa Tourism Ottawa 200 Animation Fund and will bring Odjick’s distinctive visual storytelling to audiences throughout the city.
“Our NAC Kipnes Lantern was created to share art with everyone who passes through the heart of our city. Jay Odjick’s remarkable work embodies that vision. This installation will create a place of reflection, while reinforcing our commitment to elevating Indigenous artists and creating meaningful connections through the arts.”
– Annabelle Cloutier, President and CEO, National Arts Centre
The celebrations continue throughout the Ottawa 200 weekend with free, all-ages programming at OAG and beyond, including drop-in art workshops, animation activities, performances, the OAG Mini Market, Creative Sundays and an art tent at the Ottawa 200 Block Party.
The public and media are invited to join OAG for Ottawa 200 festivities from September 23 to 27, with a special opening celebration for Frame by Frame, Odāwā Yesterday: Odāwā Chìnàgo and Odāwā Tomorrow: Odāwā Wàbang taking place September 24 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Open from 10 AM to 6 PM Tuesday and Sunday and from 10 AM to 9 PM Wednesday to Saturday. Closed on Mondays. Admission is always FREE. Celebrate your birthday with an art-filled party at the OAG. Book today!
