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where senior artists are considered. connected. community.

A Note From Peter Haworth

Since 2014, Peter Haworth graciously served the arts community as part of PAL Ottawa's Board of Directors. At the 2023 Annual Membership Meeting, held in June, Peter announced he was stepping down as the Chair, a role in which he served for 6 years. Peter has stewarded PAL Ottawa's vision--to provide affordable housing for senior artists and arts workers--to the point where construction is about to begin. Realizing PAL Place is closer than it has ever been!
Below are Peter's final thoughts on his time with PAL Ottawa, the future of Ottawa's arts and culture sector, and the importance of supporting artists.
"Leaving the board of PAL Ottawa, in the most capable hands, and with Leah Cogan, taking on the role of chair, it seems a good moment to state some principles at work as PAL Ottawa realizes its dream of creating a residence for senior artists and arts workers. We are here to create. Culture is, in my belief, the realm of creative activities which will be our gift as a city to the world and to the future. When I say culture, this includes not just the arts, but science, history, education, and spiritual activity. The great cultural giants that we know and admire through mass media do not speak for our city. It is the artists of Ottawa, who make the city a special and unique place. Any city needs to exercise its cultural creativity, but being the nation’s capital Ottawa’s call for culture is even greater.  Artists feel this need to create as a greater impulse than making sure their future well-being is provided for. The cultural creation supersedes their need to plan for a comfortable future. They must, and will give the gifts of their talents whenever it is possible. The whole realm of artistic activity is in danger when it is impossible for artists to find an affordable place to live. Luckily, the mission of PAL Ottawa has been heard, and not only has Ottawa Community Housing stepped in to help, but prominent people, donors, corporations, and community groups have realized the importance of making sure that our senior arts workers can live comfortably and carry on their invaluable work. My fellow artists, I am happy to say that there are fabulously talented and gifted people looking out for your well-being. I encourage you to find out how you can help PAL Ottawa. It is so important that artists know that in Ottawa, they have a home. "
-Peter Haworth
If you have stories, messages, or words of thanks for Peter, please feel free to send them to info@palottawa.org.