City of Ottawa Art Collection - Direct Purchase Program
Annual call for artists to have work added to City of Ottawa's public art collection. Support regional creative economy through direct artwork purchases.
The City of Ottawa Public Art Program invites artists to submit work for consideration in its annual Direct Purchase program. This is an opportunity for regional and international artists to have their work acquired and displayed in public spaces across Ottawa.
The program operates on an annual cycle that spans approximately 15 months. The process begins early each year with a Call to Artists announcement. Selected artworks are added to the City of Ottawa Art Collection and featured in an exhibition at City Hall Art Gallery.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the City of Ottawa Public Art Program, celebrating four decades of investing in artists through collection, commissioning, and exhibition of their work in public spaces. The 2025 exhibition, titled "Hold True: 2025 Additions to the City of Ottawa Art Collection," features 47 artworks by 41 regional and international artists.
The selection process is rigorous and transparent. The Public Art Program Collection team reviews upwards of 300 applications annually and organizes a peer assessment committee comprised of professional artists to evaluate submissions and make final recommendations. Selected artworks are then documented, accessioned, framed, and safely stored before being installed at City Hall Art Gallery.
By purchasing artworks directly from artists, the City of Ottawa strengthens and supports the region's creative economy. This is a meaningful opportunity for artists to gain public recognition, have work permanently added to a municipal collection, and receive direct compensation for their creative work.
The 2025 exhibition runs from December 11, 2025 to March 29, 2026 at City Hall Art Gallery. An opening vernissage celebration will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, where artists, families, City officials, and community members gather to celebrate the newest collection additions.