Ottawa – The Ottawa 2017 Bureau and Mayor Jim Watson, in collaboration with lead partner CIBC, are pleased to welcome the family of national cultural institutions in the capital region as programming partners for Canada’s sesquicentennial celebrations.

From cultural and social programming, to providing venue space, the following federal partners are supporting one or more Ottawa 2017 initiatives. Some examples are:

Canada Agricultural Museum
  • Assisting in the development of Agri 150 events
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
  • Hosting an outdoor Ignite 150 event
  • Providing set-up and rehearsal space for La Machine
Canadian Museum of History
  • Hosting the Mayor’s reception for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference
  • Hosting the Stanley Cup® 125th Evening Gala
Canadian Museum of Nature
  • Hosting a December 31, 2017, Nature New Year celebration
  • Hosting “Populace”, an Ottawa 2017 Arts, Culture and Heritage Investment Fund project
Canada Science and Technology Museum
  • Presenting special exhibits related to Ottawa 2017 programming, such as the National Videogame Championships and Awards
Canadian War Museum
  • Hosting an Ignite 150 event
Library and Archives Canada (LAC)
  • Organizing and hosting the one-day conference “Ottawa: A Smart City in the 21st Century”
  • Curating archival images for a large-scale outdoor projection project on the LAC building, to coincide with the major exhibit “Canada: Who Do We Think We Are?”
  • Providing archival material for Ottawa 2017 programs
National Arts Centre (NAC)
  • Under the Ignite 150 umbrella, NAC Orchestra Music Director Alexander Shelley will conduct 1,300 high school students from local schools in a massed bands concert at the Aberdeen Pavilion on March 24, 2017
  • Cross-programming Canadian artists at the Canada Scene Festival and at Inspiration Village
National Gallery of Canada
  • Signature destination for La Machine and other events
  • Hosting tours for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference

In addition to working together on the above mentioned projects and events (plus other exciting yet-to-be-announced activities!), Ottawa 2017 will assist in the promotion of federal events and exhibits taking place throughout the year. Highlights include:

  • May/June: the opening of the new Canadian and Indigenous Galleries at the National Gallery of Canada;
  • June: the opening of the Canadian Museum of Nature’s new permanent Arctic Gallery;
  • July: the unveiling of the National Arts Centre’s dramatic new façade;
  •  July: the opening of the new Canadian History Hall at the Canadian Museum of History;
  •  November: the re-opening of the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

QUOTES

“Ottawa, as our nation’s capital, has a concentration of institutions where we keep and preserve our national treasures. As we prepare to welcome millions of visitors for Canada’s 150th anniversary, we’re pleased to work with those who are the custodians of Canadian culture and history, to further enhance our collective public programming offer for 2017 and create lasting benefits for our tourism industry and local economy,” said Mayor Jim Watson.

“The celebrations for the 150th anniversary of Confederation will make 2017 an exceptional year for residents and visitors in Canada’s Capital Region. The Government of Canada is proud to contribute to the success of Ottawa 2017 initiatives—including Ignite 150, which will offer participants a variety of unforgettable experiences. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

“From our inspiring Ontario150 sesquicentennial programs to Ottawa 2017’s exciting lineup of activities, the province is going to be alive with incredible cultural, community and celebratory events that all Ontarians and visitors can enjoy next year. What a tremendous way to honour our past, build for our future, and encourage pride and engagement with our capital city and across our beautiful province,” said the Honourable Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture & Sport.

“As the proud co-host of the Ottawa 2017 celebrations, CIBC is pleased to invite Canadians across the country to explore the wealth of cultural and historical jewels that have helped shape our national identity,” said Monique Giroux, Vice-President, Sponsorship Marketing & Strategic Partnerships, CIBC.

“After chairing the Federal Cultural Partners Committee for several years, I’m very proud to reconnect with all of them to have federal institutions benefit from the Ottawa 2017 celebrations as they showcase the best of Canadian culture to residents and visitors from around the world,” said Guy Laflamme, Executive Director of the Ottawa 2017 Bureau.

Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations will offer Canadians and visitors from around the world an exceptional and memorable year of high-caliber experiences while bringing a record number of visitors to Ottawa in 2017 to celebrate this important milestone for our country.

Ottawa 2017 thanks its lead partner CIBC, premier partner Bell, the Government of Ontario (www.ontario.ca/150 #ontario150) and the Government of Canada (www.canada.ca/150 #canada150) for their contributions in helping to deliver twelve full months of bold events, immersive experiences and all-out celebrations.

Photos for media use, courtesy Ottawa 2017: http://ow.ly/WntCV

Stay informed on plans for Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations in the capital. Visit ottawa2017.ca, follow us on Twitter @2017ottawa (#Ottawa2017) and on Facebook.