What we do
The Ottawa School of Art is a non-profit organization that offers a full range of specialized art courses for adults, teens and children in drawing, painting, photography, sculpture and ceramics, printmaking, cartooning and more.
We host artist-in-residence workshops, operate an art boutique, curate exhibitions in our ByWard Market and Orléans galleries, host solo and group shows by local and international artists, and run the Lee Matasi Gallery for student showcases. The OSA also offers a three-year Fine Arts Diploma, Portfolio Certificate, Arts Fundamentals Certificate, and Outreach program.
How you can help
Fundraising priorities
The outreach program is dedicated to removing all economic barriers (no enrolment fees, no art supply costs) art instructor provided and classes are taught in the neighbourhood at a local community house or community centre. Participants are also given the opportunity to showcase their work in a group exhibition held each year in our ByWard Market gallery.
For students who are unable to afford the full cost of a course, we have a bursary program that, along with funding set aside in the annual budget, is made possible by several named and anonymous donors. The value of each individual bursary given depends on the level of financial assistance indicated on the application form and the availability of funds.
These programs are supported through our fundraising initiatives and donations are also accepted online, by phone, in-person and by post.
Your donation will support
- Our Bursary program which supplements tuition costs for students who are unable to afford the full cost of a course or day camp
- Outreach programming that provides free community-based art classes and art supplies for children and youth
- Three (3) accessible Gallery spaces open for free to the public that attract over 50,000 visitors each year
This article first appeared in the 2025 Giving Guide produced by the Ottawa Business Journal. That publication is available in its digital edition below.
To learn more about this charity, please visit the latest issue of the Giving Guide:
