Image by SPAO alum Alex Finlay
SPAO CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
SPAO is celebrating our 20th anniversary year, a milestone made possible by the vision, dedication, and financial support of our passionate community. We are eternally grateful and want to share the love!
20 GIFTS OF GRATITUDE
At the beginning of December 2024, we launched our 20 Gifts of Gratitude Campaign – a heartfelt initiative celebrating 20 years of creativity and community at SPAO. Thanks to your incredible support, we exceeded our $20,000 goal, and these gifts will be announced throughout our 20th anniversary year.
These gifts are designed to surprise our community with new opportunities, expand artistic resources, and amplify the achievements of photo-based artists.
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GIFTS REVEALED
GIFT #1
All 2025 part-time and college diploma program students are gifted a SPAO T-Shirt.
GIFT #2
SPAO holds a 20th anniversary alumni exhibition in the OAG’s ‘Galerie Annexe’.
GIFT #3
SPAO partners with PhotoEd Magazine on two editions of the publication.
GIFT #4
SPAO returns to hosting Dinner and a Movie, kicking it off with the film Spring & Arnaud with guest speaker Katherine Knight.
GIFT #5
SPAO and the OAG come together to ensure the Project X Award continues as Project XO.
GIFT #6
The APEX People’s Choice Award Expands to 3 Categories in Honour of Mebs Rehemtulla.
GIFT #7
SPAO collaborates with OBAK to amplify diverse curatorial perspectives.
GIFT #8
SPAO and TD Bank Group renew the TD Career Launch Initiative.
GIFT #9
SPAO showcases community-made books at the CONTACT Photobook Fair, hosted by the Stephen Bulger Gallery.
GIFT #10
SPAO has added two new digital camera kits for College Diploma Program students, courtesy of the City of Ottawa.
GIFT #11
Studio Sundays—affordable studio rentals available on Sunday. Click here to learn more.
GIFT #12
SPARK is an open-call photo contest for ages 16–20 in Ottawa/Gatineau. Click here to learn more.
GIFT #13
Fujifilm Printlife is offering SPAO community members a 35% discount on services for 2025.
GIFT #14
SPAO launches the Passage Gallery, a photographic project space, located in Preston Square.
GIFT #15
The Creative Opportunities Conference at the Ottawa Art Gallery is a free, first-of-its-kind event offering inspiration, networking, and resources for creatives of all ages and stages.
GIFT #16
As part of FOCUS FEST, galleries across Ottawa came together for a city-wide Photography Gallery Hop, showcasing a vibrant range of photo-based exhibitions.
GIFT #17
SPAO introduces Micro-Residencies, offering photo-based artists the opportunity to travel, connect with new communities, and advance their artistic practice through fresh experiences and the exchange of ideas.
GIFT #18
The James Zagon Bursary provides financial support for an individual pursuing their career development through either the SPAO Diploma Program or the SPAO Artist Residency.
GIFT #19
SPAO is partnering with the Alexa Mazarello Studio for the inaugural Mother Artist Initiative. The Initiative will support 1 mother in her artistic pursuits through a career investment package.
GIFT #20
SPAO is partnering with Giant Tiger to celebrate the work of contemporary female and gender non-conforming artists.
GIFT #21 - BONUS GIFT
Thanks to membership supporters and friends to take an active role in shaping the direction of our organization,