Ottawa’s Arts & Culture Mayoral Debate

September 29, 2026, 6 - 8 PM, Arts Court Theatre

Hosted by Arts Ottawa, Ottawa Festival Network and Ottawa Music Industry Coalition

With Ottawa's municipal election approaching on October 26, Arts Ottawa is hosting a Mayoral Debate on September 29 at Arts Court. This event will provide mayoral candidates with an opportunity to share their perspectives on Ottawa's arts and culture sector and discuss how they would approach related priorities and policies if elected.

Arts Ottawa is pleased to partner with fellow arts and cultural organizations to host this important conversation about the future of Ottawa's arts and culture sector. The debate is co-hosted by Arts Ottawa, the Ottawa Festival Network and OMIC, and mediated by Marwan Mansour, host and lead organizer of Creative Mornings.

We will be joined by current Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, along with mayoral candidates Alex Lawson, Neil Saravanamuttoo, and Jeff Leiper.

This is an opportunity for artists, cultural workers, organizations, and community members to come together and engage in an important conversation about the future of Ottawa's arts and culture sector.

Come listen. Ask questions. Compare perspectives. Make your voice heard.

Event Details

September 29, 2026

6:00 – 7:00pm Networking

7:00 – 8:00pm Mayoral Debate

Arts Court Theatre, 2 Daly Avenue

Register to Attend