Ottawa Tourism Awards 200th Tourism Animation Fund Recipients

Casey Halston

ago 1 hour

Ottawa Tourism Awards 200th Tourism Animation Fund Recipients

In 2026, Ottawa Tourism celebrates the city’s 200th anniversary by launching the 200th Tourism Animation Fund. This initiative funds fourteen exciting projects aimed at enhancing the city’s attractions and experiences for visitors.

Overview of the 200th Tourism Animation Fund

The 200th Tourism Animation Fund aims to support quality tourism experiences that drive overnight visits and increase visitor spending. Grants of up to $20,000 will fund up to 50% of eligible expenses for selected projects.

All funded initiatives will occur between March 1 and December 31, 2026, as part of the city’s bicentennial celebrations.

Key Projects Funded by the 200th Tourism Animation Fund

Deux Voix, Une Capitale (March–December) – This monthly music series features diverse francophone performances by established artists and local acts.
Saunders Cider TulipFest (starting May 1) – A spring festival showcasing nearly half a million tulips alongside live entertainment and culinary experiences.
Requiems: Jim Logan (May 1–June 27) – A retrospective of Métis artist Jim Logan at S.A.W. Gallery, including over 40 artworks and public programming.
Ottawa 200+: Portraits, Places, and People (starting May 15) – An immersive gallery led by the Bytown Museum transforming public spaces with large-scale archival images and stories.
Shawarma Fest 2026 (June 7) – An attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest shawarma, accompanied by local vendors.
The Voices of Bytown (June 11–13) – A VR experience highlighting two centuries of Ottawa’s history through music and storytelling.
Debaser – Pique (June 12–13) – Celebratory Indigenous-led performances and installations at Arts Court, integrating the building’s history.
The Chief Speaks (June–December) – A touring cultural installation featuring an Algonquin wigwam and storytelling by Elder Merv Sarazin.
Bytown 200 – A Musical Journey (July 4–17) – A five-concert series exploring Ottawa’s history through classical music and narrative.
A Night of Inuit Excellence (July 11, November 8) – A concert series highlighting Inuit culture and its impact in Ottawa.
Indigenous History in Motion (July–December) – Projected animations by Jay Odjig illuminating Ottawa’s Indigenous history at the Ottawa Art Gallery.
Ottawa 200 Corn Maze Festival (July 10–September 7) – An interactive corn maze at Saunders Farm with bilingual interpretive installations and family activities.
Happy 200th Birthday, Ottawa! (August 29) – A Capital Pride event celebrating the city’s history through queer artistic expression.
O-Town Animated (September 18–December 31) – An animated short film trail connecting cultural sites through digital storytelling.

Significance of the Funding

Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism, emphasized the program’s role in showcasing the creativity of the local tourism community. He stated that these projects would contribute to making Ottawa a premier destination in 2026.

Ottawa Tourism is dedicated to enhancing the city’s appeal as an urban destination. It aims to attract visitors who contribute significantly to the local economy, spending an estimated $2.6 billion annually.

For more information about the funded projects and initiatives, interested parties can contact the Public Affairs department at Ottawa Tourism.