A: Art in the Neighbourhood is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run collective of dedicated artists based in Ottawa and the surrounding region. You do not need to live in Alta Vista to become a member. We look for artists who are committed to their craft and interested in sharing original work with the community. Together, we bring affordable art to local audiences while sharing the costs of venue rentals, liability insurance, website hosting, and promotion. To become a member, you must complete an application. All applications are reviewed and juried by our nine-member Selection Committee. Before applying, please be aware that some level of volunteer participation is required. As a volunteer-run collective, member involvement is what allows us to keep fees reasonable and continue supporting artists. We are a small collective and, unfortunately, cannot accept every applicant. Decisions may be based on: • the category of work already being fully represented • limited space within the collective • current capacity to onboard new members We would love to celebrate every artist’s creativity. However, maintaining a manageable size allows us to support our members effectively and uphold the quality of our shows. In the meantime — keep creating!

A: As a member of Art in the Neighbourhood, you become part of a not-for-profit, volunteer-run artist collective. Membership includes both shared responsibilities and meaningful benefits. Member Responsibilities Because we operate collaboratively, members are expected to contribute volunteer time in support of our shows and activities. Responsibilities may include: • Assisting with venue setup and teardown • Distributing promotional materials • Greeting visitors during events • Managing your own sales • Promoting the collective through social media and personal networks This shared effort helps keep costs manageable and ensures the success of each event. Member Benefits Members receive a dedicated presence on our website through a Gallery Room or Gallery Shop, providing a professional online platform for their original work. Membership also offers the opportunity to participate in seasonal juried shows and additional community events (subject to space and curation). Artists benefit from shared marketing efforts, collective promotion, and the opportunity to connect with fellow creatives and art buyers. As a collaborative group, we value each member’s contribution and foster a supportive environment built on shared success.

A: Art in the Neighbourhood is a boutique-style, juried collective. In order to maintain balance and diversity across mediums, we limit the number of artists represented in each category. As a result, certain mediums may be fully represented at the time of your application. When space becomes available — for example, if a member retires or steps away — that category may reopen. We encourage prospective applicants to contact us directly to inquire about current availability before submitting an application.

No. Members may choose which shows or events they wish to participate in. Because space at each event is limited, registration is required for every show. Participation may be determined by registration timelines and/or curatorial considerations to ensure balance across mediums and overall presentation.

Membership in Art in the Neighbourhood provides the opportunity to participate in our juried shows and events, but it does not guarantee a space in every show. Because venue sizes and display space are limited, participation may depend on factors such as medium balance, available space, and overall show curation. Our goal is to present a well-rounded and diverse exhibition that best serves both artists and visitors. We do our best to offer fair opportunities for participation while maintaining the quality and balance of each event.