JOIN US AT:
Communicating the Arts
Ottawa–Gatineau
14–16 October 2026
Communicating the Arts is crossing the Atlantic to Canada’s Capital Region, ready to convene 200 cultural leaders at the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum for three days of bold ideas, backstage access and dynamic conversation.
The theme “Building Trust, Bridging Worlds” (in French: <<Construire la Confiance, Rouvrir le Dialogue.>>) explores how museums, theatres, festivals, and cultural institutions can act as spaces of connection, nurturing empathy, resilience, and mutual understanding. It asks how we can strengthen relationships across generations and communities, and how creativity can help us reconnect in times of disruption or change.
Over three days of keynotes, panels, and workshops, cultural leaders and creative changemakers will examine four key subtopics shaping the future of culture:
1️⃣ Values & Mission – Redefining purpose and responding to social change.
2️⃣ Measuring Impact – Demonstrating cultural value through data and dialogue.
3️⃣ Digital Transformation – Using technology and AI to enhance creativity and participation.
4️⃣ Crisis Management – Leading with trust and resilience through uncertainty.
🎟️ Tickets are now available!
Join us in Ottawa–Gatineau, October 14–16, 2026, and be part of shaping a future where the arts continue to connect, inspire, and build trust across worlds.
2026 Advisory Board
Our Advisory Board consists of distinguished experts across various fields, whose collective expertise in communication, fundraising, media, science, and technology is indispensable to the conference's success.
-
![]()
Lisa Walli
Chief Experience Officer (CXO) & Vice-President – Public Affairs, Advancement and Digital, Canadian Museum of History and Canadian War Museum
-
![]()
Marijke Smallegange
Head of Digital Marketing, Communication & Commerce, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
-
![Annie Burridge]()
Elles Kamphuis
Head Press Office, Rijksmuseum
-
![John Giurini]()
John Giurini
Assistant Director for Public Affairs, Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
-
![Anne Laure Beatrix]()
Robert Stein
Chief Information Officer, National Gallery of Art, USA
-
![]()
Anne Eschapasse
President and Chief Executive, Officer Musée McCord Stewart Museum, Canada
-
![]()
Alexandre Potvin
Creative Strategist, MM International Arts Management
-
![]()
Hugo Mintz
Head of Communications & Digital, Edinburgh International Festival
Tickets
CALL FOR SPEAKERS -
CALL FOR SPEAKERS -
Communicating The Arts is calling for case study presentations that embody the 2026 theme, “Building Trust, Bridging Worlds.” - “Construire la Confiance, Rouvrir le Dialogue.” We’re seeking stories that demonstrate how the arts can rebuild trust, foster dialogue, and strengthen connections across communities.
Share your innovative projects, bold ideas, and lessons learned from the visual or performing arts sectors, and inspire an international community of cultural leaders, museum directors, curators, and creative changemakers. Presentations can be made in English or French.
Selected speakers will present their case study live in Ottawa–Gatineau, contributing to a global conversation on how culture can connect and transform our world.