Arts Court, Ottawa

In 1974, a committed group of artists and supporters of the arts embarked on a mission: to discover a permanent home for Ottawa's professional arts creators and presenters. In 1978, the Advisory Group on the Arts, under Mayor Marion Dewar's leadership, proposed the establishment of several key initiatives for the City, including a municipal arts center, an arts council, an arts festival, and a permanent art collection.

Before its transformation into Arts Court, the building served as the Carleton County Court House. Constructed specifically for this purpose between 1870 and 1871, the Court House formed part of a legal complex that included the former Carleton County Jail, the Carleton County Registry Office, and the former City Registry Office on Nicholas Street.

In 1980, the Ontario Government designated the building for demolition. However, in 1985, the City of Ottawa assumed ownership and entrusted the Ottawa Arts Court Foundation trustees with its care. With a new lease on life, the building became the focal point of Ottawa's arts community in 1988. Today, it houses 18 independent arts organizations and stands as a historic landmark in downtown Ottawa. Arts Court continues to evolve as a vibrant hub, providing a space for artists and audiences to come together.