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News about Ottawa Festivals and our Member festivals, special events and fairs.

Ottawa International Animation Festival Issues Call for Entries

February 9, 2012 · Filed Under Festival News, News · Comment 

The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) is pleased to announce its worldwide call for entries for its 2012 festival, taking place September 19 to 23 in Canada’s National Capital Region.

Animators are invited to submit their recent work into five major categories including: Independent short films, feature films, commissioned films (TV series, commercials, music videos and video game animation) student films and films made for children.

The OIAF is recognized as one of the world’s most competitive film festivals, receiving more than 2,000 entries annually. The Festival’s selection committee chooses approximately 150 films for competition and out-of-competition showcase screenings.

The Festival’s international jury: Barry Purves (England), Hisko Hulsing (Holland), Izabela Rieben (Switzerland), Mike Fallows (Canada), J.J. Sedelmaier (USA) and Sarah Muller (England) will review films in competition. Jury members will join the audience during screenings throughout the Festival and present the final awards at the closing ceremonies.

The OIAF is also introducing a new category for Non-Gameplay Animation, the first of its kind at any animation festival. Examples of non-gameplay animation include cinematic cut scenes that help advance a game’s plot and trailers previewing an upcoming release.

“Since the mid-1990s, we’ve been trying to find a way to seamlessly integrate videogame animation into OIAF competitions, ” says Festival artistic director Chris Robinson. “We found that the best way for us to acknowledge the outstanding work being done in gameplay animation was by encouraging the submission of non-game play components.”

A new award for Best Canadian Student Animation Film, celebrating the work of emerging filmmakers and the wealth of up-and-coming Canadian talent, will also be introduced. Canadian student films in competition and showcase will be eligible for this award.

All online entry forms for this year’s competition must be received by May 18th. The deadline for preview DVDs is June 1st. There is no entry fee.

For more information about this year’s Festival, as well as the online entry form, visit the OIAF website at www.animationfestival.ca. Questions about submitting a film may be sent to entries@animationfestival.ca or made by telephone at 613-232-8769.

The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) is one of the world’s leading animation events providing screenings, exhibits, workshops and entertainment since 1976. OIAF is an annual five-day event bringing art and industry together in a vibrant hub and attracting more than 28,000 artists, producers, students and animation fans from around the world. For more information, visit the OIAF website at: www.animationfestival.ca.

Ottawa welcomes the Junos with art exhibits and a celebrity basketball game

February 8, 2012 · Filed Under Festival News, News · Comment 

Tony Lofaro, The Ottawa Citizen

Ottawa will host several arts and cultural events related to the Juno Awards as the city gears up to welcome the best of Canada’s musical performers. The events include an exhibit of album cover art and a celebrity basketball game.

At a press conference Tuesday to announce the Juno nominees, some details emerged about four Ottawa events that will be held as part of the Juno festivities. They include the Juno Tour of Canadian Art at the National Gallery of Canada; an exhibition of original pastel drawings in celebration of Gordon Lightfoot’s Canadian Railroad Trilogy to be held at the Canada Science and Technology Museum; and an exhibit of album cover art from 1975 to the present, to be held at the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

And a celebrity basketball game called Juno Hoops will be held March 29 at the The University of Ottawa’s Montpetit Hall in support of MusicCounts, Canada’s national music education charity.

For full article, go to:

Ottawa welcomes the Junos with art exhibits and a celebrity basketball game

Photo Courtesy of,  Tony Lofaro, The Ottawa Citizen

from the National Gallery of Canada’s Canadian collection

Winterlude visitors like it cold and snowy: Thousands descend on Snow Kingdom to enjoy slippery slides and sweet treats

February 7, 2012 · Filed Under Festival News, News · 2 Comments 

Katia Dmitrieva, The Ottawa Citizen

Winterlude is a veritable rite of passage for Ottawans and creates fond memories for years to come.

But what if the white playground of ice sculptures, snowy slides, and the winding Rideau Canal Skateway were a little bit greener?

Festival organizers are finding it more difficult each year to maintain the winter wonderland as climate change takes its hold over the season.

“Winterlude in Ottawa is all about having the snow, the slides, and the ice sculptures,” said Adam Mullins, who spent the day with nine family members, including his wife, Cara, and two children. “If that would change, it would take away from the tradition.”

To read the full article, go to :

Winterlude visitors like it cold and snowy

Thousands came to the opening weekend of Winterlude, taking in skating, ice sculpting, sledding and more. Residents and visitors alike had a hoot on the icy hills in the Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau.

Photo Courtesy of Julie Oliver, The Ottawa Citizen

Would you believe, 30 gallons of stew? From just one contestant?

February 7, 2012 · Filed Under Festival News, News · Comment 

Ron Eade, The Ottawa Citizen

Tucker’s Marketplace took top honours with judges at the 21st annual ByWard Market Stew Cook-Off, part of the opening Winterlude festivities that drew a record crowd of almost 800 hungry participants on Friday.

Tucker’s winning entry was a hearty beef, sausage and vegetable stew. And the People’s Choice award went to Social Restaurant and Lounge for its venison, chipotle and sweet potato stew.

For full story, go to:

Would you believe, 30 gallons of stew? From just one contestant?

Byward Market Square was a mighty busy place at annual stew cook-off Friday.

Photo courtesy of Ron Eade, The Ottawa Citizen


Skate Safe and wear your helmet during Winterlude

February 7, 2012 · Filed Under Festival News, News · 1 Comment 

Source: Press Release

The City of Ottawa, the National Capital Commission (NCC) and State Farm®, sponsor of the Skate Safe program, have teamed up once again to make an Ottawa winter tradition more fun for everyone through the Skate Safe program. The Skate Safe tent officially opened on Saturday morning on the Rideau Canal Skateway at the State Farm Zone at Concord.

Visitors to the Skate Safe tent will get assistance with helmet fittings, tips on helmet use and a free 15-minute “tips and tricks” skating session from staff and volunteers from Ottawa Public Health (OPH), Ottawa’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department and ThinkFirst. The tent will be open Saturdays and Sundays during Winterlude, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., until February 20.

Read more

Découvrez Art Éco sur la patinoire du canal Rideau : L’exposition met en vedette, sur la plus grande patinoire du monde, la vision artistique des jeunes Canadiennes et Canadiens d’un océan à l’autre

February 3, 2012 · Filed Under Festival News, News · Comment 

La Commission de la capitale nationale (CCN) invite les médias et le grand public à visiter Art Éco à la Galerie Dows, sur la patinoire du canal Rideau. L’exposition met en valeur des œuvres photographiques des jeunes canadiens, âgés de 14 à 24 ans, sélectionnés dans le cadre d’un concours national de photographie sous le thème de l’environnement.

Des 40 photos gagnantes, trois photographes ont reçu de l’équipement de photographie, offert par Henry’s Canada :

Choix du jury Vineeth Sampathkumar (Ottawa, Ont.)
Choix du public
Amanda Hrabi (Calgary, Alb.)
Choix de Henry’s Austin Jean (Gatineau, Qc)

« Je suis ravi de voir ma photo choisie ainsi. C’est formidable que de jeunes photographes passionnés et compétents aient la chance de montrer leurs photos à un endroit aussi emblématique, » a déclaré Vineeth Sampathkumar, gagnant du prix Choix du jury.

Présentée dans le cadre des programmes jeunesses de la CCN, la Galerie Dows est un espace extérieur dans la capitale du Canada où les jeunes peuvent montrer leurs talents artistiques. D’ici la fin de la saison de patinage, des centaines de milliers de patineurs sur le canal Rideau, ainsi que les visiteurs virtuels à une galerie en ligne, pourront admirer les œuvres Art Éco.

« La CCN met tout en œuvre pour trouver des façons nouvelles et novatrices de donner une voix aux jeunes dans leur capitale, a déclaré Guy Laflamme, vice-président principal, direction de l’Expérience de la capitale, communications et marketing de la CCN. Ces images, de jeunes artistes de partout au pays, sont une source d’inspiration, et nous sommes ravis de présenter leurs interprétations visuelles et artistiques, sous le thème de l’environnement, pour le plaisir de tous. »La CCN a officiellement ouvert la 42e saison de patinage sur la patinoire du canal Rideau le 15 janvier 2012. Reconnue comme étant la plus grande patinoire du monde par la société Guinness World Records™ en 2005, la patinoire du canal Rideau reçoit, en moyenne, un million de visites chaque année. La célèbre surface glacée est l’un des sites officiels du Bal de Neige, qui a lieu du 3 au 20 février 2012.

Pour plus de renseignements sur les programmes jeunesse de la CCN, la patinoire du canal Rideau, Bal de Neige ou tout autre programme, les gens du public peuvent communiquer avec la CCN au 613-239-5000, au 1-800-465-1867 (sans frais), au

613-239-5090 (ATS) ou au 1 800 661-3530 (ATS sans frais), ou visiter le site Web de la CCN au www.capitaleducanada.gc.ca.

Discover Eco Art on the Rideau Canal Skateway: Exhibit showcases the artistic vision of young Canadians from coast to coast on the world’s largest skating rink

February 3, 2012 · Filed Under Festival News, News · Comment 

The National Capital Commission (NCC) invites the media and the public to visit Eco Art at Dows Gallery, on the Rideau Canal Skateway. The exhibit features the work of young Canadian photographers, aged 14 to 24, selected through an environmentally themed national youth photography contest.

Of the 40 winning photographs, three artists have been awarded a prize package of photography equipment, courtesy of Henry’s Canada:

Jury’s Choice Award, Vineeth Sampathkumar (Ottawa, Ont.)
People’s Choice Award, Amanda Hrabi (Calgary, Alta.)
Henry’s Choice Award
, Austin Jean (Gatineau, Qué.)

“I’m elated that my photograph was chosen. I think it’s great that young photographers, who have such a strong passion and skill for the art, are given the chance to showcase their photos at such an iconic venue,” said Vineeth Sampathkumar, winner of the Jury’s Choice Award.

Part of the NCC’s youth programming, Dows Gallery is an outdoor space in Canada’s Capital where youth can express themselves through art. From now until the end of the skating season, Eco Art will display the winning works of art to hundreds of thousands of skaters on the Rideau Canal Skateway, as well as to virtual visitors in an online gallery.

“The NCC continually strives to find new and innovative ways to give youth a voice in their Capital,” said Guy Laflamme, Senior Vice-President, Capital Experience, Communications and Marketing, NCC. “These works by young artists from across the country are an inspiration, and we’re delighted to present their artistic and visual interpretations of the environmental theme for all to enjoy.”

The NCC officially opened the 42nd skating season of the Rideau Canal Skateway on January 15, 2012. Recognized by the Guinness World Records™ in 2005 as the world’s largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway receives, on average, one million visits each year. The world-famous ice surface becomes one of the official sites for Winterlude, which takes place from February 3 to 20, 2012.

For more information about the NCC’s youth programs, the Rideau Canal Skateway, Winterlude or other NCC programs, the public can contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free), 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca.

Ottawa Chamberfest to audition amateur chamber ensembles

February 1, 2012 · Filed Under Festival News, News · Comment 

Ottawa Chamberfest today announced the ACE (Amateur Chamber Ensemble) Workshop, to be officially launched at the 2012 edition of the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival. ACE is a comprehensive learning experience for serious recreational musicians in preformed string, piano, wind, or brass ensembles. It will be offered as two five-day sessions during Ottawa Chamberfest 2012 (July 26 to August 9).

The workshop is open to adults, with a limit of three ensembles per session. Tuition is $600 and includes practice space at the University of Ottawa; one daily 90-minute coaching session; one group masterclass with a visiting festival artist; and seven-day passes to Ottawa Chamberfest 2012. Coaches are Roman Borys and Jamie Parker of the Juno® Award-winning Gryphon Trio, Cecilia String Quartet, Penderecki String Quartet, Afiara String Quartet, Eybler Quartet (early music), and Pentaèdre Wind Quintet.

Ottawa Chamberfest presents the ACE Workshop as part of its audience engagement mandate. Application deadline is March 1, 2012. A digital brochure and downloadable application form are available at www.OttawaChamberfest.com/upcoming-features/ace.

QUOTE
Roman Borys, Artistic Director: “We’ve been planning ACE for three years. We conducted a successful, unpublicized trial workshop in 2011 that culminated in an exciting performance on the last night of the summer festival. This year, ACE formally launches with positions for up to six amateur ensembles, in what promises to be one of the landmark events of Ottawa Chamberfest 2012.”

ABOUT OTTAWA CHAMBERFEST
Founded in 1994, Ottawa Chamberfest brings together the boldest names in ensemble and solo performance for two weeks of musical celebration in the nation’s capital. The world’s largest festival of its kind, Ottawa Chamberfest is a Festivals and Events Ontario “Festival of Distinction,” and winner of seven Lieutenant-Governor’s Awards for the Arts.

Faits saillants du 1er week-end du Bal de Neige

February 1, 2012 · Filed Under Festival News, News · Comment 

La fête de l’hiver de la capitale commence vendredi : patinage, glissades, sculptures sur glace et le Lancement du Bal de Neige American ExpressMD

La Commission de la capitale nationale (CCN) est prête à recevoir les résidents et les visiteurs au 34e Bal de Neige, qui prendra son envol le vendredi 3 février 2012. Au cours des trois prochaines semaines, et ce, jusqu’au 20 février, la région de la capitale du Canada sera la destination de choix pour découvrir les traditions hivernales canadiennes avec une abondance d’activités culturelles, sportives, culinaires et familiales.

Voici un aperçu des activités du premier week-end du Bal de Neige.

Lancement du Bal de Neige American ExpressMD
Le vendredi 3 février, Musée canadien des civilisations

C’est au Musée canadien des civilisations qu’aura lieu le Lancement du Bal de Neige American ExpressMD le vendredi 3 février à 20 h 30. Au programme : effets d’éclairage sublimes, personnages historiques, percussionnistes, conte autour du feu, soirée dansante avec un DJ et à 21 h, l’éblouissant spectacle pyromusical.

Pour l’ouverture du Bal de Neige, l’accès au Musée canadien des civilisations est gratuit de 17 h à 23 h. Les visiteurs pourront explorer de nombreuses expositions du musée et profiter de la programmation spéciale.

L’ouverture officielle sera également célébrée au Domaine des flocons, au parc Jacques-Cartier, un site idéal pour admirer le spectacle pyromusical. Le parc restera ouvert jusqu’à 21 h 30 ce soir-là.

Reflets de glace Rogers, au parc de la Confédération
« Passion nordique » sculptées dans la glace

Ce week-end, les amateurs de sculpture sur glace auront la chance de voir à l’œuvre des sculpteurs du monde entier qui créeront de scintillants chefs-d’œuvre. Plusieurs compétitions seront présentées, dont le Défi d’un bloc Rogers le vendredi 3 février, de 8 h à 10 h (cérémonie de remise des prix à 17 h), et le 25e Concours international de sculpture sur glace Rogers. Des sculpteurs professionnels du monde entier mettront leurs talents à l’épreuve pendant le week-end (Concours du vote public en ligne à partir du dimanche 5 février, à 18 h).

Lors du week-end d’ouverture, les visiteurs au Reflets de glace Rogers auront aussi la possibilité de :

Les visiteurs pourront commencer leur week-end du Bal de Neige sur une note sucrée en savourant une délicieuse (et gratuite! tant qu’il y en aura) crêpe et un chocolat chaud le samedi 4 février, à 10 h au Huitième déjeuner de crêpes annuel Enbridge (à la place des Festivals de l’hôtel de ville d’Ottawa, en face du parc de la Confédération).

Domaine des flocons, au parc Jacques-Cartier
Que l’aventure commence, en compagnie de la famille Glamotte!

Une présentation de la Ville de Gatineau et de la CCN, petits et grands prendront plaisir à s’élancer sur les glissoires de neige géantes. La fête commencera le vendredi 3 février, à 10 h 30, alors que Papa et Maman Glamotte, ainsi que les jumeaux Noumi et Nouma, se mêleront à la foule pour donner le coup d’envoi aux activités présentées au Domaine des flocons ─ le plus grand terrain de jeux de neige du continent.

Pendant le premier week-end du Bal de Neige, les visiteurs auront la chance de :

La patinoire du canal Rideau
Célébrant la 42
e saison de patinage

Chaque hiver, la CCN transforme le canal Rideau en la plus grande patinoire du monde, reconnue telle par Guinness World Records™ en 2005. La patinoire du canal Rideau devient alors l’hôte de plusieurs activités du Bal de Neige. Pour le week-end d’ouverture de la fête, la célèbre surface glacée sera l’hôte du 29e triathlon du Bal de Neige et de la 32e course de lits Accora Village qui auront lieu samedi au lac Dows. En plus des activités de pionnier et d’artisanat qui ont lieu ce week-end à l’avenue Bronson avec le Musée de l’agriculture du Canada, tout au cours du Bal de Neige les visiteurs à la patinoire auront l’occasion de :

  • découvrir Portraits sur la glace, une exposition d’art en plein air qui souligne le bicentenaire de la guerre de 1812 présentée par Bibliothèque et Archives Canada ;
  • venir voir Fire Weavers et d’autres artistes talentueux à La zone WestJet ;
  • profiter des démonstrations culinaires et goûter à des plats canadiens dans le  Lounge American Express à l’avenue Fifth ;
  • s’inscrire à des leçons de patinage SubwayMD gratuites de 45 minutes ;
  • assister à l’un des spectacles de théâtre narratif, de danse traditionnelle et de chants au son du tambour avec Expériences autochtones (l’île Pig) ;
  • et bien plus encore !

Partenaires de programmation
Pour vraiment faire du Bal de Neige 2012, la grande fête de la capitale en hiver

Pour la 34e édition du Bal de Neige, plus de 50 partenaires de programmation publics et privés d’Ottawa et de Gatineau, se sont réunis pour offrir aux visiteurs un large éventail d’activités intérieures et extérieures visant à animer la capitale comme jamais auparavant. Voici un échantillon de ce qui se passe lors du premier week-end du Bal de Neige :

Pour de plus amples renseignements sur Bal de Neige, veuillez communiquer avec la CCN aux numéros suivants : 613-239-5000, 613-239-5090 (ATS), 1-800-465-1867 (sans frais) ou 1-866-661-3530 (ATS sans frais). Vous pouvez aussi consulter le site Web de la CCN au BaldeNeige.gc.ca.

Winterlude Weekend 1 Highlights: Capital Region’s winter celebration set to kick off with skating, sliding, ice carvings and the American Express® Winterlude Opening

February 1, 2012 · Filed Under Festival News, News · Comment 

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is ready to welcome residents and visitors for the 34th edition of Winterlude, which starts Friday, February 3, 2012. Over three weeks, until February 20, Canada’s Capital Region will be the ideal destination to discover Canadian winter traditions through a wide variety of cultural, sport, culinary and family activities.

Here is a snapshot of the activities taking place during the first weekend of Winterlude.

American Express® Winterlude Opening
Friday, February 3, Canadian Museum of Civilization

The celebration officially kicks off with the American Express® Winterlude Opening at 8:30 pm at the Canadian Museum of Civilization on February 3rd. The program will feature special lighting effects, historical characters and drummers, storytelling around cozy fire pits, an outdoor DJ dance party, and, at 9 pm, a fireworks extravaganza.

Visitors can take advantage of free admission on February 3, from 5 pm to 11 pm, to explore the museum’s many exhibits and enjoy special programming.

The event will also be celebrated at Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, which will remain open until 9:30 pm, offering another perfect vantage point to enjoy the evening’s fireworks.

Rogers Crystal Garden in Confederation Park
“Northern Passion” carved in ice

This weekend, there are plenty of chances to watch ice carvers from around the world create their crystalline masterpieces at Confederation Park. These include the Rogers One-Block Challenge on Friday, February 3 from 8 am to 10 am (Awards Ceremony: 5 pm), and the 25th Rogers International Ice-Carving Competition, where professional carvers from around the world put their talent to the test throughout the weekend (People’s Choice Online Voting Contest starts Sunday, February 5 at 6 pm).

On opening weekend, visitors to Rogers Crystal Garden will also have the opportunity to:

The public can start off their first Winterlude weekend with a delicious (and free!) pancake and hot chocolate breakfast at 10 am on Saturday, February 4, during the Eighth Annual Enbridge Pancake Breakfast (Festival Plaza at Ottawa City Hall, across from Confederation Park). While supplies last.

Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, Gatineau
Let the adventure begin — with the Ice Hog Family!

Presented by the Ville de Gatineau and the NCC, young and the young at heart alike will enjoy playing in this frosty paradise of giant snow slides. The fun begins on Friday, February 3, at 10:30 am, when Mama and Papa Ice Hog, and twins Noumi and Nouma, join the crowd for the official launch of Snowflake Kingdom – North America’s biggest snow playground.

On Winterlude’s first weekend, visitors will have the chance to:

The Rideau Canal Skateway
Celebrating 42 seasons of skating

Each winter, the NCC transforms the Rideau Canal into the world’s largest skating rink, which was officially recognized as such in 2005 by Guinness World Records™. The Rideau Canal Skateway is centre stage for many activities during Winterlude. For the celebration’s opening weekend, the world-famous ice surface will host the 29th Annual Winterlude Triathlon and the 32nd Annual Accora Village Bed Race which take place at Dows Lake this Saturday. In addition to pioneer activities and crafts that take place this weekend at Bronson Avenue with the Canada Agriculture Museum, throughout Winterlude visitors to the Skateway will have the opportunity to:

Programming Partners
Truly making Winterlude the Capital Region’s winter celebration

For the 34th edition of Winterlude, more than 50 programming partners, from Ottawa and Gatineau’s private and public sectors, have come together to offer visitors a wide-range of indoor and outdoor activities aimed at animating the Capital like never before. Here is just a sampling of what takes place on the first weekend of Winterlude:

For more information about Winterlude, please contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 613-239-5090 (TTY), 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the NCC’s website at Winterlude.gc.ca.

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