CSArt Ottawa

We exist because Ottawa is vibrant, strong, and growing.

We exist because there is so much art in Ottawa worth seeing and sharing.

We exist because support for the arts and morale in the arts has been declining in Canada over the past 10 years, and we want to be a part of building it back up.

We exist because government arts funding is necessary, but it isn’t enough.

We exist because we believe that the artist plays an important role in community.

We exist because it can be scary to walk into a gallery/theatre lobby/poetry reading/concert/studio. Will you know how to act and what to say about the work you see? Will you know how to meet and talk to the people who have created the work?

We exist because it can be scary to spend months working on a painting/play/book/album/performance and then to open the doors to the public. Will you get an audience? Will you know how to meet and talk to the people who have come to see your work?

We exist because we need to break down these barriers, to help artists and patrons connect authentically.

We exist because art is a risky business, and we’re crazy enough to try a new model for it.

We exist because we believe in our city, its perfect size, its heart-shaped warmth, and its growing sense of adventure.