In light of the social-distancing measures put in place by public health officials as an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the Ottawa School of Art has had to close its doors to the public and cancel programming. As we have all been strongly encouraged to stay home, our staff and instructors are determined to ensure that you, our students, get art instruction despite limited resources and the inability to use OSA facilities. We want our students to continue practicing their art and to continue being creative. This Art Survival Guide features links to artistic and creative resources, projects, and video demos developed by friends of the school, partners in the community, or other fun things we think to share.
This list is dynamic and will continue to be updated regularly.
Virtual Tours & Exhibitions
National Gallery of Canada: Virtual Tour
“In these uncertain times, we are delighted to provide you with our new virtual experience, where we can all connect with the restorative and enriching power of art. From curator’s choice and virtual gallery features to thought-provoking articles and downloadable resources. We invite you to tour and explore. Please check back often for the latest features.”
National Portrait Gallery
top10.com: virtual museum tours
“The world’s most popular museums are now just a mouse click away thanks to incredible free virtual tours powered by Google Street View technology.”
capital heritage connexion
“The CHC plays a leading role in developing and sustaining the Capital’s heritage sector and ensuring local residents have access to heritage. To achieve its objectives, the CHC works closely with museums, archives, historical and genealogical societies, cultural communities, heritage buildings and sites as well as a range of heritage scholars, supporters and advocates.”
Hauser & Wirth Viewing Room: Online Exhibition
Andy Warhol Virtual Exhibition
resources for children
Art/Science Project for Kids: Natural Dwellings
Related Materials for Download: Salt Dough Recipe, Dwellings of Natural Materials
Kids Code Jeunesse
avenue road arts school: creativity hub
“Geared to children, their parents, adults and those who want to continue to create and exercise creativity during these days of social distancing, the Virtual Creative Hub will offer free activity ideas including art lesson plans for kids, creative exercise for teens and adults, resources and creative links and short video demos.”
150 days of programming
“150 Days of Programming was designed for frontline workers of critical-hours programs to assist them in easily integrating quality, skill-building activities into their programming. Activities are themed around art, health, and education. As well, a guidebook and the associated template resources are available for download and printing.”
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – Children’s Competition
“With so many schools around the world currently closed, we know many parents and guardians are looking for fun, creative and educational ways to keep children engaged and entertained. We’ve created two competitions that we think tick these boxes – if you agree, please do encourage any children you know to take part.”
help for artists
Art Hives
cbc news: “here’s where canadian artists and freelancers can find help during covid-19 shutdowns”
“On March 18, the federal government announced it was creating two new benefits to support workers not normally eligible for EI. However, the application won’t be available until April. In the meantime, there are a number of resources for artists that will help them through a difficult time — whether that’s financially, mentally or just to improve their own skills.
Following the footsteps of a group of American artists and writers who created a COVID-19 freelance artist resource list, we’ve created a Canadian companion list.”
i lost my gig
“I Lost My Gig Canada, a space for creative industries and other vulnerable freelance and gig economy workers to connect and share stories in response to growing income precarity in Canada.”
« Veuillez noter que ILostMyGig.ca est actuellement disponible seulement en anglais. Les traductions en français seront bientôt disponibles. »
Dundas Valley School of Art – Art Care Package
“If you are feeling isolated right now, know you are not alone. At DVSA’s core is a thriving artist community and we will do our best to maintain those ties by sharing artwork, videos, messages and images from across our community and other resources.”
Break-a-Bush: Visual Arts Workshops and Mentoring
David Kearn, OSA Instructor
MayaHum.com
Maya Hum, OSA Instructor
Flatfile Friday: Chicago Printmakers Collective
“Each week, CPC’s very own Flat Phil will take you snooping through the drawers and other hidden places to discover gorgeous work by gallery artists that you can buy.”
Edit-a-thons: The National Gallery of Canada
“The Gallery’s edit-a-thons are going virtual! Join us online over the following weeks to help us update underrepresented artists’ profiles on Wikipedia from the safety of your own homes. Each week we’ll focus on a different group of artists. Via Zoom, staff from the Gallery will provide help for beginners from 2 – 2:30 pm.”
Virtual Artist Lunches: Oeno Gallery
“Not your everyday mukbang! Join us for a special series of virtual interactive conversations with our artists — gain insight into their processes of working and maybe even a sneak peak into their studios. Feel free to send your questions for the artist in advance or ask them live in conversation. To join these artist conversations, email info@oenogallery.com with your request and we will send you a link to Go To Meeting. We have added more seats so there should be room for everyone who wants to join these lunches from 12-1pm.”