Catherine O’Grady Announces Retirement After 25 Years at the Helm of the Ottawa Children’s Festival de la jeunesse

Ottawa, ON — The Ottawa Children’s Festival de la jeunesse (OCF) today announced that Catherine O’Grady will retire at the end of December 2025 after twenty-five years of visionary leadership as the Festival’s head. O’Grady’s tenure has been marked by artistic excellence, strong community partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to accessibility and inclusion for young audiences and their families.

Under O’Grady’s guidance, OCF has welcomed generations of children, educators, and families to world-class performances from Canada and around the globe, expanded its education and outreach programming, and built lasting collaborations with schools, artists, and cultural organizations throughout the National Capital Region.

“Catherine’s legacy is written in the faces of the thousands of children who discovered the magic of live performance at OCF,” said Stephanie Gilman, President of the Board of Directors. “Her leadership combined artistic ambition with community purpose. She championed inclusion, nurtured Canadian talent, and ensured that every child—no matter their background or ability—could see themselves reflected on our stages. On behalf of the Board, staff, artists, volunteers, and audiences, we offer Catherine our heartfelt thanks and admiration as she embarks on this well-earned next chapter.”

The Board of Directors will announce details of the leadership transition shortly. To ensure continuity, O’Grady will support the transition through year-end and will remain available in an advisory capacity as needed.

“Serving the children and families of Ottawa through this Festival has been the honour of my career,” said O’Grady. “I am immensely proud of what we’ve built together—artists, educators, partners, funders, staff, and volunteers—and I know the Festival’s future is bright.”

About the Ottawa Children’s Festival de la jeunesse

The Ottawa Children’s Festival de la jeunesse is a leading presenter of exceptional performing arts for young audiences, showcasing innovative theatre, dance, music, and interactive experiences from Canada and around the world. With a focus on accessibility, inclusion, and arts education, OCF sparks curiosity, creativity, and connection for children, families, and schools across the National Capital Region.