Artists and community groups invited to apply now for Ottawa 200 grants

The City of Ottawa is offering $750,000 in grants to groups and individuals looking to commemorate Ottawa’s 200th anniversary through events, activities or a piece of public art.

In case you hadn’t heard, throughout 2026 we’ll be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the founding of Bytown on September 26, 1826. We’re working with Ottawa Tourism, Ottawa Bluesfest and many others to make 2026 a memorable year to celebrate together.

We have two new Ottawa 200 funds. Each has a total of $300,000 available for applicants and one of them may be a great fit for you or your organization.

This grant will provide artists with funding to explore the people, stories, lands and legacies that define Ottawa. Projects may take the form of visual arts, performing arts, media arts, or interdisciplinary practices, under the Ottawa 200 theme of Celebrate Together. This could include community co-creations, temporary public installations and activations such as pop‑up performances, interactive art experiences, or small-scale street‑level events.

• Artist/Creator Grant for individuals: Grants up to $10,000 for artists/creators with a professional practice.  
• Signature Project Grant for organizations: Grants up to $100,000 for local arts organizations and professional arts collectives supporting local first-time or emerging artists /creators to realize their work by providing mentorship throughout the creative process.

The Artist/Creator Grant Program was developed in partnership with Arts Ottawa and the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG).

Application deadline: Wednesday, February 25.

Learn more and apply! 

Ottawa-based non-profit organizations are eligible to receive grants for family-friendly events and activities that bring Ottawa residents together to celebrate civic pride and community connection.

Events need to be free to the public and take place between April and December 2026. All events should reflect Ottawa’s cultural diversity and history.

Application deadline: Friday, February 27.

Learn more and apply! 

These grants are in addition to the $150,000 available for Ottawa’s Business Improvement Areas to acquire Ottawa 200 promotional materials for BIA-led events and activations throughout 2026.

Visit the City of Ottawa website or Ottawa Tourism to learn more about Ottawa 200.