FOCUS FEST: Igniting Creative Pathways

FOCUS FEST
Igniting Creative Pathways
Oct 16-19, 2025
FREE and Open to the Public

Presented by the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) and the SPAO Photographic Arts Centre, FOCUS FEST is a multi-day celebration of Ottawa’s vibrant creative sector. Together, these institutions offer a uniquely complementary perspective: OAG fuels the careers of artists and provides a platform for contemporary arts across disciplines, while SPAO brings specialized expertise in photographic arts education and a legacy of launching creative careers. This collaboration creates the perfect environment to showcase the educational and creative development opportunities that sustain the greater Ottawa-Gatineau region’s artistic life, spanning photography, visual arts, design, media, and more.
Whether you’re an aspiring artist, student, career changer, or simply curious, Focus Fest offers inspiration, connection, and opportunities to pursue your creative future.

FOCUS FEST Schedule

THURSDAY OCT. 16
OAG’s Fall Exhibitions Celebration: 6PM – 8:30PM
Endless Becomings: Explorations in Contemporary Art
On the Shoulders of Giants: Commemorating 20 Years of SPAO
Alexa Mazzarello | Failure to Progress, Project XO Award 2025
Ottawa Art Gallery | 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa

FRIDAY OCT. 17
bitter/sweet Exhibition Reception: 5PM – 8PM
SPAO Centre | 77 Pamilla Street, Ottawa

SATURDAY OCT. 18
Ottawa/Gatineau City-Wide Photo Gallery Hop
Gallery map located at spao.ca/hop

SUNDAY OCT. 19
Creative Opportunities Conference: 10AM – 4PM
Artistic resources and information tables with creative conversations moderated by CBC’s Alan Neal
Ottawa Art Gallery (level 3) | 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa

MON. OCT. 20
Deadline for SPARK Photo Contest
Apply at spao.ca/spark

Learn more at http://oaggao.ca/events/focus-fest/.