City Hall Art Gallery

This 1,600 square foot space is one of two professional galleries coordinated by the City of Ottawa Public Art Program. Exhibitions are selected once every two years by a peer assessment committee.

City Hall Art Gallery and Karsh-Masson Gallery are located on the main level at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West. Both galleries are open daily 9 am to 5 pm (excluding holidays) and are wheelchair accessible. Admission is free.

Exhibitions at Karsh-Masson Gallery and City Hall Art Gallery feature the work of professional artists working in all media and include solo, group and curated exhibitions, exhibitions from the diplomatic sector, and circulating exhibitions from other institutions. Both galleries present a combined total of approximately 8 exhibitions annually, each of which lasts approximately eleven weeks. Annual programming consists of artist talks and tours and an exhibition featuring the City of Ottawa Art Collection. An exhibition related to the Karsh Award is presented every two years at Karsh-Masson Gallery and the next one will occur in 2026.

A public gallery is a forum for the exploration of diverse ideas. The City of Ottawa exhibits artwork in all media that are of interest and importance to the community, that foster a sense of who we are, and that reflect current artistic practices. These exhibitions are presented in the public domain allowing for an appreciation, understanding and interpretation of our past and present through gallery programming

Deadline: Thursday, May 8, 2025, 11:59 pm (Eastern Daylight Time)

Online application form(link is external): Ensure your content is ready for inputting as the form does not save your information if you leave or refresh the page.

Question and answer period deadline: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Have a question? We’d like to hear from you! Please send all questions regarding this Call for proposals to publicartprogram@ottawa.ca(link opens email application) no later than April 3. The City of Ottawa will provide answers to the questions by written addenda following the question and answer period without naming the source of the inquiry.

Call for proposals: 2026-27 exhibitions

The City of Ottawa Public Art Program is now accepting exhibition proposals from professional artists and curators working in all media. Applications will be reviewed by a peer assessment committee who will recommend exhibitions to be presented at either Karsh-Masson Gallery or City Hall Art Gallery in 2026 or 2027. All applications will be considered for both galleries. A preference to exhibit at either gallery in either year may be indicated, however the Public Art Program will determine the final schedule and location of each successful exhibition.

The City of Ottawa recognizes the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation as Ottawa’s Indigenous Host Nation. The City of Ottawa is committed to supporting cultural activities that respond to the Calls to Action put forward in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report. 

About Karsh-Masson Gallery and City Hall Art Gallery

Karsh-Masson Gallery and City Hall Art Gallery are located on the main level at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West. Both galleries are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and are wheelchair accessible. Admission is free. Hours of operation are subject to change due to facility operations. The Public Art Program cannot guarantee exhibitions will be extended in the case of a facility closure.

Exhibitions at Karsh-Masson Gallery and City Hall Art Gallery feature the work of professional artists working in all media and include solo, group and curated exhibitions, exhibitions from the diplomatic sector, and circulating exhibitions from other institutions. Both galleries present a combined total of approximately eight exhibitions annually, each of which lasts approximately eleven weeks. Annual programming consists of artist talks and tours, and an exhibition featuring the City of Ottawa Art Collection. An exhibition related to the Karsh Award is presented every two years at Karsh-Masson Gallery and the next one will occur in 2026. Although City Hall has 24/7 security, gallery staff are not onsite daily therefore exhibitions must be self-sufficient and cannot require regular maintenance.

A public gallery is a forum for the exploration of diverse ideas. The City of Ottawa exhibits artwork in all media that are of interest and importance to the community, that foster a sense of who we are, and that reflect current artistic practices. These exhibitions are presented in the public domain allowing for an appreciation, understanding and interpretation of our past and present through gallery programming.

Floor plans

• Karsh-Masson Gallery [ PDF - 987 KB ] Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
• City Hall Art Gallery [ PDF - 835 KB ] Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)

Eligibility

• This call for proposals is open to professional artists and curators working in all media. A professional artist is someone who has specialized training in his/her/their artistic field (not necessarily in academic institutions), is recognized by his/her/their peers as such, is committed to his/her/their artistic activity, and has a history of public presentation.
• Local, national and international applicants are eligible. Successful applicants will be responsible for all costs related to shipping artwork to and from the gallery, travel and accommodation.
• City of Ottawa employees or elected representatives are not eligible to apply, in compliance with the City of Ottawa Employee Code of Conduct and all applicable laws and regulations.

The City of Ottawa supports cultural activity that is inclusive of Ottawa's equity-seeking communities, including people from diverse ancestries, abilities, ages, countries of origin, cultures, genders, incomes, languages, races and sexual identities. Applications from members of the Anishinabe Algonquin Host Nation, First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists or their representatives are welcome and encouraged. The City of Ottawa recognizes both official languages as having the same rights, status and privileges.

Restrictions

• Only one proposal per applicant will be considered. The first application received by the Public Art Program will be the one that is considered.
• Artworks that require electricity must be approved by an accredited certification or evaluation agency prior to being installed at Karsh-Masson Gallery and City Hall Art Gallery. See below for more information.

Artworks with electrical components:

• Artworks that require electricity must be approved by an accredited certification or evaluation agency prior to being installed at Karsh-Masson Gallery and City Hall Art Gallery. The object(s) must have a Recognized Certification Marking or label indicating that the product has been independently assessed for safety. A list of recognized certification marks and labels(link is external) is available.
• For more information, visit the Electrical Safety Authority(link is external) or call 1-877-ESA-SAFE (372-7233).
• Applicants must provide documentation that their artwork(s) meets ESA standards (i.e. certification mark) in their proposal.
• All costs associated with meeting the certification requirements are the sole responsibility of the artist.
• The Public Art Program offers basic technical support but not specific technological expertise. Artists applying to exhibit digital technology must demonstrate experience working with this technology or retain technical support for troubleshooting throughout the duration of the installation and the exhibition.
• Exhibitions that require specialized equipment not owned by the Public Art Program must be provided by the applicant, as well as an instruction guide for all equipment.

Honorarium

• Exhibiting artists will be paid an exhibition fee in accordance with either the 2026 CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule, Section 1(link is external) or the 2027 CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule, Section 1(link is external) (Exhibition and Screening Royalty Schedule, Institutional Category I). Curators will receive a professional fee.
• The exhibition fee and the curatorial fee include all professional services related to the preparation, installation, consultation, writing tasks, and production of artwork(s) associated with the exhibition.
• Each exhibition is allotted one presentation fee for an optional talk or tour in accordance with the 2026 or the 2027 CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule, Section 4 (C.2.0 – Presentation and Consultation fees, Flat rate per half day, under 4 hours).
• Fees must be in Canadian dollars payable to a Canadian bank account.
• Artworks are insured provided that installation recommendations by staff are followed.
• The City of Ottawa Public Art Program does not cover expenses related to travel, accommodation, per diems and the transportation of artwork(s).
• Complex installations of any kind requiring special equipment, regular monitoring or specific support beyond the City of Ottawa Public Art Program’s budget are the sole responsibility of the artist.

Assessment criteria

Eligible applications are assessed according to:

• Artistic merit
• Cohesiveness of the artwork examples and the written proposal statement
• Appropriateness and suitability of the artwork for installation in a public setting
• Technical and physical feasibility
• Priority is given to applicants who live, or have lived, within a 150 km radius of Ottawa or who have a local connection, such as participating in the local arts community

Peer Assessment Committee

• The peer assessment process is based on industry standards that artists and arts professionals who are active within their cultural community are the most qualified individuals to assess, adjudicate and make recommendations on the work of other artists
• The composition of the peer assessment committee aims to balance representation of artistic specialization, practice, style, and philosophy, as well as fair representation of official languages, gender, geographic areas and culture-specific communities
• Committee members are chosen based on their knowledge and experience, fair and objective opinions, ability to articulate ideas, and ability to work in a team environment
• Committee members change with every competition
• Committee members are selected by City of Ottawa employees after the competition closes and must declare conflicts of interest prior to their participation. If you are interested in participating as a peer assessment committee member, please email publicartprogram@ottawa.ca(link opens email application).

Application process

Read through the Call for proposals completely before beginning your online application and make sure you have all the required information ready.

• A complete application must include the support materials listed below
• Support materials may be written in English or French
• Files must be saved in a format compatible with Windows 10
• To format a PDF document, utilize “Save as” or “Export” from a Word or similar text-based document

Support materials

All items are mandatory. Items 2, 3 and 4 must be saved as one PDF.

1. Proposal synopsis (80 words maximum)
   Summarize the proposal statement. The peer assessment committee will refer to the synopsis as a quick reference during deliberations.
    
2. Proposal statement (two pages or 1,000 words maximum)

• Describe the proposed exhibition’s content and theme, and how you will situate your artwork within the gallery space. A clear understanding of both spaces is necessary for the committee to visualize your exhibition (see gallery floor plans for reference).
• Two-person and group exhibitions must clearly outline a cohesive theme and rationale.
• Applications will be considered for both galleries. Requests to exhibit at either gallery must be explained in the proposal statement, however not all requests are granted.
• Outline any technical or electronic specifications of the exhibition.

3. Artistic résumé (three pages or 1,500 words maximum per artist)
   If multiple artists are involved, include each artist’s résumé.
    
4. Image/media list (two pages maximum)
   List the following information about each image/media file included in your application: artist’s name, artwork title, date, medium, dimensions, and duration of artwork (if applicable). This list may also include information or additional descriptions of individual artworks.
    
5. Digital image files and time-based media files
   Upload ten digital image files or ten minutes total of time-based media content (or a combination of both for a total of 10 units) that support the proposal statement and follow the guidelines listed below.

• At least half of the image/media files submitted must be artwork that will be included in your final exhibition should your application be successful
• Curated, two-person and group exhibitions: send ten files maximum
• Applicants who wish to include a combination of digital images and media files: send ten files maximum with no more than ten minutes of content total. For each minute of video/audio content, remove one digital image (i.e. send 6 JPG images and one video file that is 4 minutes long, or send 6 JPGs and 2 video files that are 2 minutes long each).
• Strict adherence to the naming convention outlined below is necessary for images to be uploaded into our database and successfully viewed during the peer assessment committee meeting. Failure to adhere to this format may render your file unusable.

Image files must be:

• JPG format and no larger than 1 MB each
• Named with the corresponding Image list number, title, date, medium, and dimensions, each separated by an underscore
• Do not leave a space before or after the underscore
• File names must not exceed 150 characters
• Failure to adhere to this format may render your file unusable

Format for naming image files

01_Artwork Title_year_medium_dimensions.jpg             

Examples:

01_The Mountain_2023_graphite, acrylic and metal_96 x 106 inches.jpg

02_Untitled 3 detail_2022_chromogenic print on paper_206 x 122 cm.jpg

03_Installation at Karsh-Masson Gallery, variable dimensions_2024_mixed media_0 x 0 cm.jpg

Time-based media files must be:

• Shared using a web link to each video or audio file. If the web link does not work, the content will not be viewed.
• Cued to the excerpt you want presented to the committee or provide detailed cue instructions in the appropriate field of the online application form.

Support materials that require specialized software, plug-ins, extensions, or other executables that need to be downloaded or installed will not be reviewed. Applicants are responsible for testing support materials to ensure readability.

How to apply

Send all support materials electronically using the online application form(link is external). Ensure your content is ready for inputting as the form does not save your information if you leave or refresh the page.

Application assistance

We are available to help you prepare your application in the following ways:

• Discuss the eligibility of your application, requirements of the opportunity and answer any questions about the application and evaluation process
• Question and answer period (details at top of page)

Deadline and notification

Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Daylight Time) on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

The Public Art Program will send you a confirmation email when your application has been received and processed. If you do not receive an email from the Public Art Program two weeks after your submission, please contact us for confirmation.

All applicants will be notified of the results by email by August 2025.

Results are final. Due to the volume of applications received for this competition, artistic feedback will not be provided. If your application is not successful, you are encouraged to try again!

Copyright and moral rights

The artist shall retain the copyright of the artworks. Moral rights also remain with the artist. The City of Ottawa will seek copyright permission to reproduce images of the artwork for non-commercial purposes.

Confidentiality of information

Personal information in your application is collected under the authority of the City Council approved Public Art Policy. Personal information will only be used for evaluating your application and administering the City of Ottawa Public Art Program. City of Ottawa employees and peer assessment committee members are required to treat both the content of applications and the deliberations of the committee as confidential. Committee members turn in their copies of materials for shredding and delete their computer files at the end of the peer assessment committee meeting.

Your personal information is secured and protected in accordance with privacy legislation, including the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA)(link is external) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)(link is external).

Appendix

Question: How are exhibition costs, artist fees and curatorial fees allocated, and which are covered by the gallery versus which are covered by the artist?
Answer: Exhibiting artists will be paid an exhibition fee in accordance with either the 2026 CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule, Section 1(link is external) or the 2027 CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule, Section 1(link is external) (Exhibition and Screening Royalty Schedule, Institutional Category I). Curators will receive a professional fee.

Complex installations of any kind requiring special equipment or specific support beyond the City of Ottawa Public Art Program’s budget are the sole responsibility of the artist. The cost to prepare, produce and transport the artworks to the exhibition space are the sole responsibility of the artist.

The Public Art Program covers the cost of all standard exhibition deliverables such as the printing/installing of vinyl lettering, the printing of exhibition booklets, and the installing/dismantling of artworks and equipment. We will pay an honorarium should the artist wish to hire a writer for the exhibit booklet’s interpretive text. Artists who are successful in the competition will receive a breakdown of these items in their contract and will also be able to discuss further details during their meetings with the Public Art Officer, Exhibitions.

To offset our Program's limited budget, artists often apply for additional funding through various organizations that include the City of Ottawa or the Ontario Arts Council(link is external), to name a few.

Question: Am I eligible to apply if I exhibited at Karsh-Masson Gallery, City Hall Art Gallery or Corridor 45|75 in the last four consecutive years?
Answer: Yes, applicants who have exhibited as artists or curators at Karsh-Masson Gallery, City Hall Art Gallery or Corridor 45|75 in the last four consecutive years are eligible to apply.

Question: Am I eligible to apply if I took part in a previous exhibition as a guest writer?
Answer: Yes, applicants who wrote the booklet text for previous exhibitions are eligible to apply.

Question: Are City of Ottawa employees eligible to apply?
Answer: No, full-time and part-time City of Ottawa employees or elected representatives are not eligible to apply.

Question: Can you clarify what “participating in the local arts community” means, and is my connection to Ottawa sufficient?
Answer: The strength of your artistic connection to Ottawa and level of participation in the local arts community will be assessed during the peer assessment committee. We suggest clearly outlining your connection to Ottawa in your proposal.

Question: Does the City of Ottawa Public Art Program cover expenses related to shipping of artwork?
Answer: No, the City of Ottawa Public Art Program does not cover expenses related to shipping/transportation of artworks, travel, accommodation, or per diems, as outlined in the Honorarium section of the Call for proposals.

Question: Does the City of Ottawa Public Art Program provide TV screens for use in exhibitions? Can you provide technical information about these?
Answer: Artists who are successful in the competition are welcome to use the gallery equipment. The gallery has two high-quality projectors, a few media players, and many TVs. The use of this equipment will be discussed if your proposal is selected for an exhibition.

If an artist requires any additional equipment, they will have to source/rent it elsewhere at his/her/their own expense. Artworks that require electricity must be approved by an accredited certification or evaluation agency prior to being installed. The object(s) must have an official certification mark or label indicating that the product has been independently assessed for safety. A list of recognized certification marks and labels is available in the Artworks with electrical components section of the Call for proposals.

Question: If I am selected for an exhibition, is it okay if more than half of my artworks change by the time the exhibition takes place?
Answer: No, this is not acceptable. As outlined in the Support materials section of the Call for proposals, at least half of the image/media files submitted in your application must be artwork that will be included in your final exhibition should your application be successful. The gallery reserves the right to refuse to display artworks that are not consistent with the original proposal. In extreme cases, not adhering to this guideline may result in your exhibition being postponed or cancelled.

Question: How do you assess if an artist is professional?
Answer: Artists are considered professional if their peers recognize them as such. This is based on their commitment to their practice, history of public presentation and artistic training. Training doesn’t have to take the form of a college or university education; art classes, workshops and apprenticeships are all recognized. The peer assessment committee’s evaluation is based on the artistic merit and cohesiveness of the proposal and support materials that accompany it, as well as the technical and physical feasibility, the appropriateness and the suitability of the artworks to the public nature of the galleries.

Question: Do I have to pay to exhibit my artwork, or do I get paid to exhibit?
Answer: You do not have to pay to exhibit your artwork at Karsh-Masson Gallery or City Hall Art Gallery. Exhibiting artists will be paid an exhibition fee in accordance with either the 2026 CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule, Section 1(link is external) or the 2027 CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule, Section 1(link is external) (Exhibition and Screening Royalty Schedule, Institutional Category I). Curators will receive a professional fee. The City of Ottawa Public Art Program does not cover expenses related to travel, accommodation, per diems and the transportation of artwork(s). Complex installations of any kind requiring special equipment, regular monitoring or specific support beyond the Public Art Program’s budget are the sole responsibility of the artist.

Question: How do I get images of my works to submit?
Answer: You can photograph or scan your artworks, depending on what is most suitable. Submit these files as JPEGs and ensure they adhere to the support material guidelines outlined in the Call for proposals. If you require assistance with your application, please email publicartprogram@ottawa.ca(link opens email application) or phone 613-580-2424 ext. 14167.

Question: Are there size requirements for artworks?
Answer: There are no size requirements for artworks, as long as they can fit in the gallery. Gallery floor plans (below) provide more information, but it is strongly recommended that you visit the galleries in person to understand the spaces. Artworks in an exhibition can vary in size, just like they can vary in media, style, approach, etc.

• Karsh-Masson Gallery [ PDF - 987 KB ] Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
• City Hall Art Gallery [ PDF - 835 KB ] Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)

Question: Are there any stipulations regarding the display/framing of artworks?
Answer: No. You can exhibit unframed works, canvas works, framed works, etc. The only stipulation is that your artwork arrives with appropriate hardware to allow for hanging/installation. If the artist does not provide hardware, the gallery will provide hardware and reclaim it at the end of the exhibition. 3D artwork or complex installations may require gallery stanchions, plinths or additional security support. The gallery can provide these items if available.

Question: Are there certain themes that are more suitable for exhibitions at Karsh-Masson Gallery or City Hall Art Gallery, and are there themes that are not allowed?
Answer: The City of Ottawa doesn’t censor artists. You are welcome to apply with artworks that cover any theme and these will be assessed by a peer assessment committee. Karsh-Masson Gallery or City Hall Art Gallery are accessible and public gallery spaces therefore we try to be respectful of the galleries’ diverse audience. For example, subject matter that displays nudity will be accompanied by a discretionary sign.

Question: What are the timeline considerations for selected exhibitions?
Answer: Exhibition timeslots are determined further into the process (post selection) and are based on many factors. Selected artists/curators will receive notice of their exhibition dates at least several months in advance of exhibition start dates. If you have a preferred exhibition season, please indicate this in the online form. Although the Public Art Program will do its best to accommodate the preferred exhibition season, there are no guarantees due to overall scheduling impacts.

Both galleries present a combined total of approximately eight exhibitions annually, each of which lasts approximately eleven weeks.

Question: If my exhibition is selected, do I have to be in-person at the allotted gallery space at certain times, and do I have to be there during the delivery of artworks, the installation, etc.?
Answer: Selected artists and curators are contracted to be present on installation and dismantle dates. Artists are also responsible to deliver and pick up their artworks from the gallery. Delivery and pickup times will be determined in the months prior to the first day of installation.

Question: Are artworks insured while they are in the gallery?
Answer: Artworks are insured provided installation recommendations by staff are followed. Recommendations will be discussed between staff and artist(s) prior to the first day of installation. For example, if gallery staff recommend that a sculpture be surrounded by low stanchions to protect it from the public but the artist opts not to use the stanchions, the artist will be required to confirm in writing that the gallery isn’t responsible for loss or damage caused to their artwork.

Contact Us

Karsh-Masson Gallery and City Hall Art Gallery are operated by the City of Ottawa Public Art Program.
publicartprogram@ottawa.ca(link opens email application)
613-580-2424 ext. 14167

Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. If you are unable to view documents or require alternative file formats, please complete an Accessible Documents Request Form(link is external).

Public Art Program newsletter sign up form(link is external)
By signing up for our newsletter, you will receive calls and announcements about the City of Ottawa Art Collection, public art commissions, and exhibitions at Karsh-Masson Gallery, City Hall Art Gallery and Corridor 45|75 all in one place.