Ottawa Cultural Summit
The Summit was held January 17-18, 2019 as a key step toward a new Cultural Roadmap for Ottawa (2019-2022). The Summit:
- Explored the current cultural environment
- Examined trends in future culture planning
- Identified community-driven priorities
- Looked at transformative, inclusive and collaborative solutions to help build cultural leadership
The document ‘Charting the Course’ a findings report of research and community input to inform development the Cultural Roadmap was prepared for delegates to the summit.
Sessions (and links to the presentations)
Nex Gen: Culture Plans of the Future
Technology, migration, economic transformations, globalization and the environment are generating new challenges. 2nd generation culture plans are transitioning the vision and strategic focus. Plans are shifting from advocating on the value of arts and culture to positioning arts and culture as a community asset and a powerful tool for community building.
Annalee Adair has over 30 years working in the public and not-for-profit cultural sector and is currently consulting in the areas of cultural planning, public art, community engagement, and cultural leadership. Prior to returning to consulting, Annalee led the Community Engagement & Education Division at the City of Kingston; was Executive Director of a national arts organization, ArtsSmarts, and served as Program Director of the City of Ottawa’s Public Art Program. Connect on LinkedIn or through Public Art Support.
Brian McCurdy has over 35 years of experience building and managing performing arts centres across North America. McCurdy served as the first Cultural Director for the City of Kingston and oversaw the development of the Municipal Culture Plan and a Cultural Tourism Plan. He has consulted in the areas of strategic planning, programming and municipal culture planning.
Digging for Data Gold: Ottawa Cultural Statistics, Kelly Hill
Kelly presented never-before-seen statistical analysis at the local level in Canada. The presentation covered key facts about the cultural activities of Ottawa-Gatineau residents, cultural charities in Ottawa-Gatineau, and much more. Comparisons were made to other large census metropolitan areas in Canada.
Kelly Hill is President of Hill Strategies Research, a Canadian company that combines rigorous and reliable research on the arts and culture with clear and effective communications. Since founding Hill Strategies in 2002, Kelly has prepared nearly 400 research reports and presentations on the arts and culture, giving him a unique perspective on the Canadian arts sector and arts-related statistics. Hill Strategies’ work is distributed in various ways, including at HillStrategies.com as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
Community Conversations with Synapcity
Ottawa’s citizens have a lot to say about culture! Synapcity shared voices from all over the city about what works, what doesn’t, and how we could make it better. Themes that emerged through 16 targeted conversations on culture address identity, community building, and civic pride as well as broader concerns about equity, transportation, and accessibility. In the afternoon of the summit, Synapcity continued the conversation by leading sessions to help drive out community priorities for culture to inform the roadmap.
Ariela Kay Summit is an enthusiastic Ottawa transplant who loves this city’s green space and values its diversity. With a degree in urban planning, she works at the Green Municipal Fund to help cities implement environmental projects while providing core services. Ariela is also facilitates with Synapcity to support their mission of an engaged, informed, and empowered public. Follow Ariela and Synapcity on Twitter.
The Big Picture: Scanning the Ottawa Scene
In this session consultants from Lord Cultural resources examined Ottawa’s civic and cultural landscape: where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going. The session looked at issues that may influence cultural strategy in the city over the coming years and set the stage for engaging discussions about the future of culture in the city. The full research report is also available!
The consultants also presented the Arms-Length Feasibility Study and its recommendations.
Brad King is Vice President (Strategy) with Lord Cultural Resources.
Since 2000 he has contributed to some 200 cultural projects in over 15 countries. He holds a Ph.D. (History) from the University of Toronto and is co-editor of The Manual of Museum Learning (2nd ed.).
Sarah Hill is a Senior Consultant at Lord Cultural Resources and serves on the Toronto and East York Community Preservation Panel. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and a Master of Arts from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.
Follow Lord Cultural Resources on Twitter.
Cultural Tourism Pilot Project: The OTTAWA Experience Kiosk
A collaborative approach to “Getting the Word Out” for Ottawa’s Cultural Sector.
Carole Anne Piccinin, Ottawa Festival Network; and Catherine Lindquist, Capital Heritage Connexion shared the experience from a 2018 cultural tourism kiosk pilot project.
The Ottawa Cultural Alliance gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the City of Ottawa for this study.
