The Underpass

Call to Artists Download file

2013 Program

Urban Performance & Exhibit Venue in Downtown Rideau

The Downtown Rideau Business Improvement Area (DRBIA,) in partnership with the Ottawa Arts Court Foundation (OACF) and the City of Ottawa, is pleased to offer for a 6th season, The Underpass Program 2013. The Underpass is an exciting opportunity for local performing, visual, literary and media artists and artisans, to generate income from a high pedestrian location in the heart of the city’s Retail, Arts & Theatre District and tourism designated area. Located across the street from the new Ottawa Convention Centre, Rideau Centre, and UNESCO World-Heritage Rideau Canal; The Underpass invites artists to prosper from this high profile outdoor urban performance & exhibit venue in Downtown Rideau.

Vision:

The Underpass Project animates the high profile and esteemed Western Gateway to Downtown Rideau where the city’s urban core connects with its Parliamentary Precinct. While The Underpass itself “physically” serves as an important pedestrian link between Wellington and Rideau streets, The Underpass Program provides a forum for active, multi-faceted, programmable public space to highlight work by local artists. Underpass programming provides local professional and emerging artists with the opportunity to perform and exhibit in a unique outdoor venue, engage new audiences and market their products.

Artistic Programming:

Performing (music, theatre, and dance), literary, visual, and media artists, artisans and organizations able to provide programming for a mobile audience are encouraged to apply (see page 4 for Eligibility). The ideal program will respond to a mobile audience and be flexible to allow for pedestrian traffic fluidity through the site during performances. Examples of venue-appropriate programming includes: dance, theatre, visual art exhibits, craft demonstrations, craft market, live music, works in-progress, busking, literary readings, story-telling, etc. The DRBIA encourages outreach and inclusivity, and this list is by no means exhaustive.

Community Event:

Community and cultural presentations, performances, fundraising, and public awareness initiatives, as well as commercial product demonstrations, samples and launches are invited to apply to increase activity in support of featured artistic programming.