Representing Festivals
Supporting Ottawa's festivals, fairs and special events for over 30 years.
OUR MANDATE
The Ottawa Festival Network (OFN) advances a dynamic industry through research, advocacy and education. We create an effective networking environment for festivals, special events and fairs in Canada’s Capital Region. A not-for-profit service organization, we work cooperatively with members and partners towards a vibrant, inspired and prosperous festival capital.
OUR VALUES
Creativity
We lead by being innovative and creative. We find ways every day to animate and brighten our neighbourhoods, city and region.
Collaboration
People are at the heart of everything that we do. We do more by bringing diverse people, organizations and sectors together.
Authenticity
Our industry is genuine and transparent. We provide authentic local experiences. We keep it real.
Entrepreneurialism
We are hardworking, resourceful, dedicated, influential, nimble and passionate. We make great things happen, often out of something small.
Community
We create moments to experience, share and learn from each other. We do what we do to create positive social and economic impact.
OUR NETWORK
Offering a barrier-free membership model, we represent a diverse group of over 180 festival, fair, and special event organizations. Collectively, our membership produces over 300 annual events across the city of Ottawa.
In addition to our valued members, we work cooperatively with a variety of local, provincial, and national partners to advance and foster a healthy ecosystem where all festivals thrive!
Land Acknowledgement
Ottawa Festival Network acknowledges that our offices, located in Ottawa, are on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. The Algonquin peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be present in this territory. We also show our gratitude and respect to them, and to the land for all that it provides us: trees to give shade, water and food to sustain us, and paths to connect us.
We encourage you to visit the website Whose Land to learn about the territory your home or business is situated on, discover nearby indigenous businesses, find information for a land acknowledgement, and learn about the treaties and agreements signed across Canada.
Diversity Statement
At OFN we recognize that festival production has grown within a wider society where discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, visible or unseen disabilities, sexual orientation, religion, age, immigration status, class or education, has perpetuated structural inequalities.
We are renewing our commitment to modelling equity and inclusion for our industry by identifying and addressing racism and discrimination wherever it may exist within OFN.
We are taking a planned approach to this work, working alongside experts in anti-racism and anti-oppression.
We are also striving to diversify our organization by continually removing barriers to Board of Director membership and ensuring our selection procedures are free from bias in order to produce a diverse talent pool that represents the local community.
Board of Directors
The Ottawa Festival Network's Board of Directors brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from across the festival and events sector. Their collective expertise drives strategic direction, ensures strong governance, and champions the growth and sustainability of Ottawa’s vibrant festival community.
Chair
Nathalie Carrier
Executive Director, ZAC Vanier BIA
Vice-Chair
Emma Francis
Director Strategic Initiatives, Ottawa Bluesfest
Treasurer
Brandon Bignell
Partner, Financial Advisory Services & National Public Sector Leader, BDO Canada
Secretary
Isabelle Moroni
Independent Festival Contractor
Director
Kareem Aly
Co-Founder and Marketing Director,
Latin Sparks Festival
Director
Melanie Anderson
Executive Director, Farmers' Markets Ontario
Director
José Bertrand
Founder, JKB Communications Inc.
Director
John Brooman
CEO & President, Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival
Director
Ian Fraser
Chief Executive Officer, RA Centre
Director
Kevin Hurtubise
Founder, Ankhor Events
Director
Emily Ramsay
Director, Digital Arts Resource Centre & Chair of the Board, Digi60 Filmmakers Festival
Director
Trevin Stratton
Global Economic Advisory Leader and Partner, Deloitte
OUR TEAM
At the Ottawa Festival Network, we’re a team of passionate collaborators united by our love for festivals and events. Our small but mighty group of professionals brings together expertise in communications, event planning, marketing, and advocacy to support and amplify Ottawa’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Tara Shannon
Executive Director
Hayley Combaluzier
Communications Manager
Robyn Winklareth
Membership Manager
Emma Cole
Communications & Membership Assistant