Ottawa School of Art
About
Founded in 1879, the Ottawa School of Art (OSA) is a leading centre for visual arts education in the region. As a non-profit, charitable organization, OSA is committed to delivering inclusive, hands-on programs led by professional artists. We foster creativity, innovation, and artistic growth for learners of all ages and skill levels.
With two campuses, OSA offers a full range of community-level general art courses including life drawing, landscape painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, new media, and a wide variety of specialized short courses and workshops. Our Children’s and Teen’s classes span multi-media, animation, sculpture, pottery, drawing, and painting—nurturing creativity from a young age.
In addition to general art instruction, OSA provides three professional exhibition galleries open to the public free of charge, and offers accredited programs such as the One-Year Portfolio Development Certificate, Art Fundamentals Certificate, and the Three-Year Fine Arts Diploma.
As a multidisciplinary hub, OSA promotes diversity, builds community partnerships, and continues to expand its role as an advocate for the visual arts.
Our Impact
Empowering Artists. Enriching Communities.
At the Ottawa School of Art, students are the heart of everything we do. We are committed to nurturing creativity, expanding access to arts education, and building a vibrant, inclusive community through:
- Fostering imagination, innovation, and artistic growth in all our programs
- Creating an inclusive and accessible environment that celebrates diversity in participation and perspective
- Supporting hands-on training led by practicing artists who inspire students
- Providing studio-based, studio-oriented learning that encourages exploration and professional development
Through scholarships, bursaries, and outreach programs, we ensure that learners of all ages and backgrounds have the opportunity to discover their creative potential and thrive in a supportive, dynamic environment.
How your gift will be used
How Your Gift Makes a Difference
The Ottawa School of Art is a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to providing inclusive, hands-on visual arts education to learners of all ages and backgrounds. Your gift helps us deliver innovative programming that fosters creativity, imagination, and artistic growth in a welcoming and accessible environment.
Support will directly impact our core programs:
- Scholarships recognize artistic merit and help students pursue professional studies in our Fine Arts Diploma and Portfolio Certificate programs.
- Bursaries provide financial assistance to students who cannot afford the full cost of a course, ensuring access to studio-based learning.
- Outreach programs offer free art classes to children, youth, and adults facing economic or social challenges—bringing the benefits of structured creativity to underserved communities.
- Gallery exhibitions showcase student, faculty, and visiting artist work in three public galleries, encouraging dialogue and exposure.
- Art supplies and equipment ensure our students access materials and tools they need to explore, experiment, and create.
Every contribution helps us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and imaginative community. Together, we’re shaping the future of art education and empowering the next generation of creative thinkers.
Legal Name
Ottawa School of Art | École d’art d’Ottawa
Charity Number
#126510528 RR0001
