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PAL OTTAWA: WHERE
ARTISTS ARE CONSIDERED,
CONNECTED, AND
COMMUNITY.
PAL Ottawa (Professional Arts Lodges) is a charitable organization working to meet the needs of senior artists and arts workers in the National Capital Region by providing access to affordable housing, personal support services, and community programming.
Our Programs
Our programs are designed to serve low income artist-led households, enabling them to retain their housing, live with dignity, and participate fully as members of a caring and creative community.
PAL Place
Housing artists affordably in the heart of Little Italy.
Supporting cast
Helping artists age in the right place.
Creative SpaceS
Fostering a healthy, creative community.
Why do artists in Ottawa need this support?
Of the 5,800 recorded professional artists living in the City of Ottawa, half make less than the local living wage ($33,852).*
As they age, artists are at increased risk of homelessness and isolation, with diminishing work opportunities, reduced ability for physically demanding work, and limited availability of retirement savings.
There is a longstanding history in Canadian cities of artists directly impacting the rejuvenation and revitalization of neighbourhoods. This is equally true in Ottawa. And yet it has become increasingly difficult for artists to afford life here.
Together, we can do something about that.
*Hill Strategies 2024 report (using 2021 Census data)
“Artists both young and old need support if we are to strive for something higher in the work. It is not a particularly kind world out there. Just as we support artists at the beginning of their careers, so we must support artists nearing the end of their careers. How do you do your best when you’re worried about higher and higher rents, let alone a little to keep the lights on. I think PAL Ottawa's effort is essential if we want a vibrant arts scene to thrive."
R.H. Thompson - Award-winning television, film, and stage actor
R.H. Thompson - Award-winning television, film, and stage actor
Land Acknowledgement
PAL Ottawa acknowledges the immense privilege and gratitude we have as we build and foster a cultural arts community on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin) people. Located at 305 Rochester Street, PAL Place will be situated on the traditional land of the Algonquin people, providing support and care to seniors and elders within the local arts communities.
PAL Ottawa believes that the arts have the capacity to contribute to the healing and decolonizing journey we all share, by reflecting the dignity, beauty and strength of each human being. PAL Place, by design, will encourage this reflection in its residents, and inspire works of justice in support of our Indigenous friends within the community, lending voice and visibility to their fight for the restoration of their lands and cultures.
PAL Ottawa believes that the arts have the capacity to contribute to the healing and decolonizing journey we all share, by reflecting the dignity, beauty and strength of each human being. PAL Place, by design, will encourage this reflection in its residents, and inspire works of justice in support of our Indigenous friends within the community, lending voice and visibility to their fight for the restoration of their lands and cultures.
key findings from research:
A Look into
PAL Place
Arts Ottawa grant
Now accepting applications
affordable housing and arts space
New Montreal Project
Showcase opportunity
Artist Takeover 2025 Program
Disclaimer
PAL Ottawa wishes to share news and information through various sources that may be of interest to artists of all disciplines, as well as the broader community. We feel this is an important service to the arts community while understanding that some material may be perceived as controversial. Please be aware that content links share knowledge of artistic (and artists’) realities that do not necessarily reflect the views of our staff, board members, partners, nor PAL Ottawa’s mission of providing affordable housing to senior arts workers, locally. Within our resources, PAL Ottawa will take care not to post false stories. We thank you for your understanding.
Get Involved
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Email
info@palottawa.org
Mailing Address
PO Box 4457, Station E,
Ottawa ON, K1S 5B4
Charitable Registration
80630 0885 RR0001
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