Public Art Program celebrates 30 years with This Is Us Now exhibit

It’s a celebration! The City of Ottawa is marking the 30

th

anniversary of its Public Art Program with ** This Is Us Now ** – a special exhibit featured at three municipal galleries.

The exhibit is being held at the Trinity Art Gallery at Shenkman Arts Centre, the Atrium Gallery at Ben Franklin Place, and the Karsh-Masson Gallery at Ottawa City Hall. _ _ ** This Is Us Now ** includes a selection of additions to the City’s public art collection that were acquired during 2014 and 2015 through commission, donation and purchase in accordance with the City’s Public Art Policy . The exhibit includes two significant donations received by the City of Ottawa in 2015 from the Canada Council for the Arts and the estate of Ann Darbyshire.

The donation by the Canada Council for the Arts consists mostly of duplicate prints or photographs from the Art Bank collection. This addition to the City’s collection allows for the expansion and representation of local artists. ** This Is Us Now ** offers a great opportunity for residents to see many pieces in the City’s collection by 133 of Ottawa’s talented artists, including 56 who have added a piece to the City’s collection for the first time.

The Trinity Art Gallery exhibit continues until January 4, the Atrium Gallery exhibit continues until January 5, 2016. Mayor Jim Watson will open the Karsh-Masson Gallery exhibit on December 17, which will run until January 17, 2016.

The City of Ottawa Art Collection is held in trust for the people of Ottawa and fosters understanding and interpretation of Ottawa’s rich visual art history. Works of art that celebrate Ottawa’s diversity and vibrancy are on display at more than 150 public sites across the city.

More information about the collection can be found at ottawa.ca , or contact publicartprogram@ottawa.ca .