The merger will create a unified Arts Service Organization for Ottawa and bringing the arts community together under a stronger voiceOttawa, ON — Arts Network Ottawa and the Ottawa Arts Council are excited to announce the formalization of our merger process. This announcement comes following the joint Annual General Meetings which took place June 26, 2024. Together the two organizations approved several crucial components of the merger as well as celebrated the work being done to further strengthen Ottawa's arts community. The AGMs marked the approval of the legal formalities of amalgamation, the approval of assets, and the appointment of the new board of directors. These steps are essential as we move forward in uniting our efforts to better serve the arts community in Ottawa. The model prototype for the new organization was shared with members of both organizations. "Ottawa’s arts community will be stronger under a united voice. The current landscape of the Ottawa arts sector reveals a stark reality. Our nonprofits must innovate and recalibrate both internally and externally to secure equity, impact, and sustainability,” says Nicole Milne, Executive Director of Ottawa Arts Council. “It's not just about surviving, it's about pioneering new models that ensure our artistic community thrives against all odds." The merger of Arts Network Ottawa and the Ottawa Arts Council represents a strategic alignment of our missions and values and is designed to create a more robust and unified voice for the arts community in Ottawa. By combining our strengths, we aim to enhance our programs and services, expand our reach, and ensure a sustainable future for the arts in our city. "The challenges we are facing as an arts sector are complex and can't be solved by just one person or one organization,” says Cassandra Olsthoorn, Executive Director of Arts Network Ottawa. “They require focused and combined efforts and we believe that the new model can be a pathway to change, growth and resilience." As our organizations continue to work towards the finalization of this merger, we remain dedicated to engaging with and supporting artists, arts organizations, and the broader community. We look forward to sharing more updates in the coming months as we finalize the merger and begin to implement our integrated programs and services. For media inquiries: Kathryn LeBlanc 873-355-1729 kathryn@leblancandco.ca
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