Hold True: A year in the making of the City of Ottawa Art Collection

What does it take to build a public art collection that reflects a city’s creative spirit? For the City of Ottawa’s Public Art Program, it’s a year-long journey of discovery, creativity and collaboration. Every year, new artworks are added to the City of Ottawa Art Collection, bringing new and familiar artistic voices to public spaces. This annual program is marked with an exhibition at City Hall Art Gallery.

This year's exhibition titled Hold True: 2025 Additions to the City of Ottawa Art Collection, features 47 artworks by 41 regional and international artists. Ranging in style, medium and subject, the artworks invite viewers to consider multiple perspectives. Many works explore connection to ancestral roots, culture and heritage, using the power of art to mirror our shared human experiences and reveal universal truths.

The exhibition coincides with the 40th anniversary of the City of Ottawa Public Art Program, celebrating four decades of investing in artists by collecting, commissioning and exhibiting their work in public spaces.

The exhibition at City Hall Art Gallery is the final chapter in a roughly 15-month process. It begins early in the year with an annual Call to Artists for the Direct Purchase program. Once the call goes live, upwards of 300 applications are received. The Public Art Program Collection team then spends months processing submissions and organizing a peer assessment committee comprised of professional artists to review applications and make final recommendations. By purchasing these artworks from artists directly, the City supports and strengthens the region’s creative economy.

From there, tons of work happens behind-the-scenes, including documenting and accessioning each piece, arranging framing, safe storage and crafting labels that offer context about the artwork and the artist. As the artworks are prepared, the Public Art Program Collection team develops a curatorial theme to unify the pieces, working closely with the Exhibitions and Commissions sections of the Public Art Program.

By year’s end, framed works are installed at City Hall Art Gallery for the exhibition. The process wraps up with a public vernissage, an evening where artists, their families, City officials and community members gather to celebrate the newest additions to the City of Ottawa Art Collection. Join us for this year’s opening event on Thursday, December 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

Check out Hold True: 2025 Additions to the City of Ottawa Art Collection, from December 11, 2025 to March 29, 2026 at the City Hall Art Gallery.

Transcript for the "What does 40 years of public art look like?" video What does the City of Ottawa Art Collection look like in its 40th year? This year, 47 artworks by 41 artists join the City of Ottawa Art Collection. The Hold True exhibition explores heritage, culture and shared human experiences. Celebrate the opening at the City Hall Art Gallery on Thursday, December 18 or visit the exhibition until March 29. Ottawa.ca/publicart