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KILLALOE — The Art Gallery of the Ottawa Valley (AGOV) is taking shape following the release of its comprehensive scope, vision, and business plan. Developed by Ottawa Valley Community Arts over the past year, the 39-page document outlines a strategy for establishing a network of interconnected galleries and programming spaces throughout Renfrew County and the broader Ottawa Valley region. The plan was officially released on March 17 at a meeting of project partners and collaborators in Eganville.
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The gallery’s full name, presented in Anishinaabemowin, English, and French, is Awase Mazinibíhiganan Wábandjigádeg Pasadinág Kitchisipping, Art Gallery of the Ottawa Valley, Galerie d’art de la Vallée de l’Outaouais. This name reflects the project’s commitment to serving diverse communities and acknowledges that it is being developed on the unceded and unsurrendered Ancestral territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg.
The AGOV is envisioned as a system of galleries and creative spaces integrated into existing public infrastructure across the region, including rural communities. The goal is to ensure that no resident has to travel more than 30 minutes to access public art. The project will feature indoor galleries, outdoor exhibition spaces, and dedicated areas for arts programming.
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The initiative draws inspiration from ecological systems, using a “tree thinking” approach to foster a sustainable and community-driven art network. Organizers emphasize that the AGOV will be rooted in the land and community, connected across the Ottawa Valley watershed, and developed in a way that allows for organic growth over time.
The business plan was developed in collaboration with multiple organizations, including CRC Killaloe, Watershed, Killaloe and District Public Library, The Circle of Turtle Lodge, Waaseya Consulting, Ottawa Valley Tourist Association, and the County of Renfrew. Funding for the plan was provided through a Sector Innovation and Development Seed grant from the Canada Council for the Arts.
Next steps for the project include founding a governance structure, planning for long-term sustainability, and establishing the initial gallery locations. Ottawa Valley Community Arts and its partners encourage community members to stay informed and get involved. Further details, including the full business plan, can be accessed at Ottawa Valley Community Arts.
The full business plan is available here: https://ottawavalleycommunityarts.ca/art-gallery-of-the-ottawa-valley/
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