Community + Art + Passion

Arts on the Ave (AOTA) is a humanitarian artistic movement that believes in the power of the arts to transform communities and lives. Begun in 2005 and incorporated into a Society in 2007, this creative coalition has experienced exponential growth with a current involvement of over 850 multi-disciplinary artists and invested community members. Highly dedicated and involved members have spurred on this active growth. Recognizing the broad diversity contained within core Edmonton neighbourhoods, our organization's community members and multi-disciplinary artists are diverse and unique. Arts on the Ave sees 118th Ave (NAIT to Northlands) as a place whose "personality" is vividly expressed through the creative community. This place has a dynamic momentum, "an arts pulse," where the community and artists continually engage. 

Rooted in the belief that art is a catalyst for social change, Arts on the Ave is committed to transforming the Alberta Avenue Arts District into a beacon of celebration, artistic collaboration and community health and safety. Our organization stands at the intersection of humanitarian efforts and creative expression, championing the power of arts to foster community development, celebrate diverse cultures, and enhance safety and well-being.

Vision, Mandate and Goals of AOTA

Arts on the Ave sees 118 Ave (NAIT to Gretzky Drive) as a place whose "personality" is vividly expressed through the arts. This place has a dynamic momentum, "an arts pulse," where the artist and community continually engage.

At its core, Arts on the Ave believes in cultivating artistic fellowship through arts celebrations, signature art festivals, and traditions. The Society's goals are to create opportunities for all individuals to experience the joy of artistic expression and to nurture creative environments. 

Values

Wholeheartedness - we are humanitarians, advocates, and lovers of life.

Hope - we believe in something better for everyone. 

Courage - we are continually breaking boundaries.

Uniqueness - we see the beauty everyone brings.

Belief - arts are in everyone and for everyone. 

Vision

We envision a world where beauty, joy, and safety coexist, facilitated through engaging art festivals, impactful safety initiatives, public art, and efforts to mitigate crime through creative initiatives and awareness campaigns. Arts on the Ave strives to weave the rich tapestry of community rituals, traditions, and celebrations into the fabric of daily life, creating a vibrant and inclusive community.

Our creative collective comprises an eclectic mix of visual and performance artists, literary and film creatives, photographers, and musicians from all walks of life. Together, we collaborate to ignite artistic passion, encourage cultural exchange, and build a supportive environment that nurtures everyone's right to belonging, creative exploration and well-being.

Arts on the Ave is more than an organization; it is a humanitarian movement towards stronger relationships and a community creatively fulfilling future for all. By embracing the arts as a universal language, we aim to unlock the potential of our community, celebrating each individual's contribution to our collective.

Objectives:

  • Curate Innovative Arts Programming: Establish Arts on the Ave as Edmonton's leading arts-based presenting organization by curating a diverse and groundbreaking array of arts events, festivals, and exhibitions. These will showcase local and international talent, fostering community dialogue, inclusion, and understanding.

  • Foster Strategic Partnerships and Artistic Exploration: Elevate the arts scene through strategic partnerships and a commitment to rigorous artistic exploration. This approach will ensure that our offerings resonate with audiences of all backgrounds and contribute significantly to Edmonton's cultural tapestry.

  • Lead with Excellence and Innovation: Commit to excellence and continuous innovation, pushing the boundaries of creativity and collaboration. By doing so, Arts on the Ave aims to not just participate in Edmonton's cultural landscape but to redefine it, offering transformative experiences that set new standards in the arts community.

  • To establish 118th Avenue as a Creative Arts District in Edmonton.

  • To provide humanitarian support to those in need in our district. 

  • To host annual arts festivals

  • To foster positive relationships in an educational, mentoring and sharing environment.

  • To cross the boundaries of each art form and share in the creative process.

  • To celebrate the community's ethnicity in and through the art explored.

  • To reuse and revitalize existing buildings along 118th Avenue to promote the Arts in Edmonton and to assist in refurbishing the area.

  • To provide a quality, family-oriented arts facility that fosters caring for self and others through a co-op type membership.

Mission:

Arts on the Ave Edmonton Society is committed to creating traditions, signature events, learning opportunities and safe, creative places. Our primary objective is to "use the power of the arts for social change." AOTA works in concert with Edmonton artists, Edmonton performers, and Edmonton makers & artisans, as well as the City of Edmonton, area Community Leagues, Local and Regional Businesses and Citizens on community projects. Some of the organization's major projects include:

In 2007, Arts on the Ave Edmonton Society became a registered non-profit, and in 2015, was granted charitable status (85299 0159 RR0001), with the Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse as its heart. As The Carrot sprouted and grew, it gained momentum by successfully bringing together neighbours, community organizations and artists -- creating an incubator space for the arts and the community to grow and flourish symbiotically.

As an organization, Arts on the Ave Edmonton Society is engaged with the city and dedicated to the community by cultivating positive urban renewal through the power of community development. Through culture-led urban regeneration initiatives and a vision of creative spaces and place-making, these art-infused communities have begun to flourish and provide a safe, nurturing environment for artists to thrive.

As a charity and a community leader in the City of Edmonton, Arts on the Ave is dedicated to building community through the arts, culture and educational programming and making these opportunities available to as many community members as possible. Arts on the Ave is a community-focused, grassroots charity that grows and builds community bonds through the positive effects of community development, creative public engagement, and building bridges and events.

Over the past 17 years, Arts on the Ave has shown that our many community projects:

  • Make community members feel appreciated and celebrated;

  • Acknowledge the camaraderie that comes from working together to rebuild a community;

  • Provide a source of pride for past accomplishments through community cooperation;

  • Partnering with residents, multicultural agencies, local businesses, schools, existing neighbourhood organizations, and other ad hoc groups to further our common goals;

  • Foster community pride and ownership, which motivates community members to take active roles in taking measures to prevent crime and making the calls to proper agencies and authorities.

  • Provides opportunities for people to connect and discover creative, constructive ways of addressing the barriers they face, encouraging collaboration and the development of a happier, healthier community.



 

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