About FESTIVAL

The original concept for an Orléans based cultural festival had been piecing together for several years. Inspired by the longstanding AOE Arts Council FestivARTS at the Place d’Orléans Shopping Mall, and then amped up during the 4-day grand opening celebrations of the Shenkman Arts Centre in 2009, it was clear that there was a broad appetite for an annual cultural festival in the heart of Orléans.

 

With the vision and dedication of a group of volunteers, the FESTIVAL took shape celebrating Arts, Chefs and Artisans for the first time on Sunday, June 6, 2010. The event attracted over 2,500 visitors in its inaugural year and brought together a dynamic multidisciplinary showcase for all ages.

 

In 2011, the festival expanded to 2-days, closing Centrum Boulevard, with 3 outdoor and 4 indoor stages, 40 performances, 5 culinary events including the Taste of Orleans and celebrity cake decorating contest, the works of 40 visual artists and artisans, attracting over 8,500 people and 50 sponsors.

 

In 2012, the festival grew to 3 days which, despite the rain, attracted over 8,000 people. It included 6 stages, over 40 performances including Yves Lambert, and Born Ruffians. The festival also included a vibrant “Kids Zone”, visual artists, community art projects, artisans and culinary events including an Iron Chef competition and the popular Taste of Orléans.

 

This year the festival will take place on June 1st and 2nd, 2013 in and around the Shenkman Arts Centre.

 

All Activities and performances are FREE!

 

 

 

Vision

 

To provide a unique opportunity to experience Ottawa’s thriving local arts scene in the vibrant community of Orléans.

 

 

Mission

To bring together arts, audiences and local partners in an effort to stimulate creativity and engage the community in a dynamic bilingual multidisciplinary arts festival accessible to all in the heart of Orléans.

 

 

Values:

 

We believe:

  • Arts are essential to the vibrancy of a community
  • In the strength of a community through diversity and multiculturalism
  • In building a sense of community
  • In providing accessibility for all
  • Synergistic partnerships are essential to the sustainability of the Festival and the prosperity of a community

 

Goals:

 

To showcase, encourage and support:

  • Ottawa’s local arts, chefs and artisans
  • Shenkman Arts Centre
  • Partnerships with like-minded organizations
  • Diversity of expression
  • Community participation and public appreciation of the arts
  • The Orléans community and surrounding area as a vibrant place to live, work and play

 

 

2013 Organizing Committee


David Harmer, Chair

Julie-Anne Bryant- Treasurer

Stéphane Cholette, Operations

Mena Gainpaulsingh, Sponsorships & Grants

Anita MacDonald, Heart of Orléans BIA Advisor
Louise Michaud, AOE Advisor
John Fawcett, Shenkman Arts Centre Advisor

Annie Taylor, Programming Coordinator
Sreerekha Verma, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Deanna Savage, Administrator and Volunteer Coordinator

 

 

For general inquiries regarding Orléans Festival d'Orléans, please contact:

 

Orléans Festival d'Orléans

Box/Boite 13, Suite 260
Centre des Arts Shenkman Arts Centre
245 boul Centrum Blvd
Orléans, ON K1E 0A1


Phone number - 613-580-2424 ext. 27202

 

For volunteer inquiries, please contact:
volunteers@orleansfestival.ca

 

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
info@orleansfestival.ca

 

For media inquiries, please contact:
marketing@orleansfestival.ca

 

For programming inquiries, please contact:
program@orleansfestival.ca