City of Ottawa - Develop Culture - April 2026

 

National Poetry Month and the City of Ottawa’s Poet Laureate Program  April 2026 marks the 28th anniversary of the National Poetry Month in Canada. Each year, publishers, schools, libraries, and poets gather to celebrate poetry’s place in culture.   City of Ottawa’s Poet Laureate Program exists as a symbol of the importance of poetry to civic life.  Ottawa was the first city in Canada to have a Poet Laureate. Currently, the program is a municipal initiative delivered in collaboration with VERSe Ottawa, supporting two Poets Laureate, one English- and one French-language.   The Poets are appointed on a two-year cycle to champion poetry across the city. VERSe Ottawa brings together poets, organizations, and audiences engaged in the literary arts and organizes VERSeFest, Ottawa’s international festival of poetry.   Currently, David O’Meara and Véronique Sylvain serve as Ottawa’s English and French Poets Laureate.   Over the last two years, the poets sponsored public readings, held fully bilingual poetry workshops, promoted openness to voices from diverse communities, brought together francophone and anglophone poets across Ottawa-Gatineau region, explored non-traditional settings for engagement with poetry, and collaborated with artistic and cultural organizations.   Some highlights include:   Laureates Reading with Chimwemwe Undi, Canada’s Parliamentary Poet Laureate   Pride poetry workshop and Readings in collaboration with Great Canadian Theatre   Current Conversations: Poetry by the River, in collaboration with Riverkeeper Organization, to raise awareness on Ottawa River watershed   Words and Image, in partnership with Ottawa Art Gallery, to bring literary and visual art audiences together  Poetry Picnic day on Lac Brassard, to provide an open mic to community and surprise poets.

City now accepting commemorative naming spring nominations The City of Ottawa is now accepting spring nominations for the commemorative naming of municipal assets, including new streets, minor indoor and outdoor assets, major facilities and parks. This is your chance to honour the people, histories and legacies that have shaped Ottawa’s community. The nomination period runs from March 20 to May 1. All submitted proposals will be reviewed by the City and the Commemorative Working Group against established policy criteria.  Nominations that qualify will then undergo a minimum 30-day public consultation. For minor assets, final decisions will be made by Recreation, Cultural, and Facility Services in consultation with the Ward Councillors. Major asset nominations will advance to the appropriate standing committee and Council for final consideration. The next nomination period will take place from September 8 to October 20. For more information, visit the commemorative naming page or contact the commemorative naming team by email at namingottawa@ottawa.ca. Youth in culture program Deadline: May 6, 2026, at 4PM (ET) Objectives: To support youth aged 18 to 30 working towards professional careers in arts, culture and heritage To empower youth to identify needs and gaps in their career development and support their project goals First-time applicants are encouraged to apply. We will fund projects up to $2,000. For more information: Program information - Youth in culture program | City of Ottawa Contact information: infoculture@ottawa.ca Equity and inclusion in the arts fund – Seed award: microgrants for individuals Deadline: May 6, 2026, at 4PM (ET) Objectives: Reduce barriers and advance artistic expression within Indigenous and equity-seeking communities by providing opportunities for: Self-expression Encourage and inspire self-expression by Ottawa's diverse artists and communities to support artistic growth, engagement and leadership. Capacity Building Support inclusive knowledge-sharing between communities that builds resources and services for Indigenous and equity-seeking communities and artists. Visibility and Celebration Provide opportunities to share, highlight and celebrate diverse arts practices. For more information: Equity and inclusion in the arts fund – Seed award: microgrants for individuals Contact information:  Yasmina Proveyer, Cultural Funding Officer Email: Yasmina.proveyerllopiz@ottawa.ca